Description
The Cambridge International A Level Geography course will widen your knowledge on physical and human topics, whilst developing your investigative abilities. The syllabus builds on IGCSE Geography, however you do not need to have previously studies GCSE, in order to begin the course.
The course will include contemporary topics which provide and insight to the challenges of the changing world. It will also provide awareness of how studying Geography can help us understand environmental, social and economics issues.
Progression
After completing the A Level in Geography, you may want to specialise in certain areas such as environmental conservation, environmental management, oceanography, coastal and marine management or water resources.
Alternatively, you may want to progress to further study in teaching, surveying, planning or architecture.
Courses which complement the A Level Geography course include Marine Science, Business and Mathematics.
Cambridge Specification
Awarding Body: Cambridge
Course Code: 9696
Study Hours: Recommended 300 – 360 hrs
Exams Available: June & November
Cambridge International Examinations (CIE)
Our Cambridge International A Level Geography provides a suitable foundation for the study of Geography or related courses in higher education. Equally it is suitable for candidates intending to pursue careers or further study in Planning, Subjects, Tourism, etc., or as part of a course of general education.
How will I benefit from the International A Level Geography Cambridge course?
The aims of the course are to enable learners to develop:
- their understanding of geographical concepts and processes and use this to interpret and understand our changing world
- a sense of place and space, and understand the importance of scale in geography
- an understanding of the dynamic and complex interactions and interdependence between physical environments and human environments at various scales
- the ability to interpret and evaluate different sources and types of information
- a logical approach to extended writing in order to present a structured, coherent and evidence-based argument
- into informed and responsible global citizens who recognise the challenges of the changing world and who can evaluate ideas about sustainability
- an awareness of how the study of geography can help understand and solve contemporary environmental, social and economic problems.
Key Concepts
The key concepts for Cambridge International AS & A Level Geography are:
Scale
Considering the significance of spatial scale in interpreting environments, features and places from the local scale to the global scale.
Change over time
Recognising that changes happen over time, at timescales from geological time through to changes in hours.
Place
Reflecting on the physical characteristics and human characteristics which create distinctive places with different opportunities and challenges.
Spatial variation
Recognising how physical characteristics and human characteristics vary from place to place, identifying similarities and differences.
Cause and effect
Considering the contributing factors which explain geographical events, for example an earthquake or a migration flow, and consequences resulting from them.
Systems
Understanding how systems in geography, with their inputs, processes, stores and outputs, interact to make different environments and places.
Environmental interactions
Acknowledging that the interactions between people and the environment create the need for management.
Challenges and opportunities
Understanding physical and human environmental challenges, including climate change, and opportunities to introduce concepts such as sustainable development.
Diversity, equality and inclusion
Respecting human diversity across the world and how people from different groups (including people of different genders and ages, and people from different cultural or ethnic backgrounds) can contribute to solve challenges from the local scale to the global scale.
Cambridge Geography Content Overview
YEAR 1 – IAS
Core Physical Geography
- Hydrology and fluvial geomorphology
- Atmosphere and weather
- Rocks and weathering
Core Human Geography
- Population
- Migration
- Settlement dynamics
YEAR 2 – IA2
Two options from:
Advanced Physical Geography Options
- Tropical environments
- Coastal environments
- Hazardous environments
- Hot arid and semi-arid environments
and two options from:
Advanced Human Geography Options
- Production, location and change
- Environmental management
- Global interdependence
- Economic transition
Cambridge Assessment
There are three routes learners can take when completing exams for the Geography course with Cambridge
- AS Level Qualification only – Learners take all AS exam papers (Paper 1 & Paper 2) in one exam sitting.
- Full A Level over 2 years – At the end of year 1, learners take all AS exam papers (Paper 1 & Paper 2) in one exam sitting. In a separate exam sitting at the end of year 2, learners then take all A2 papers (Paper 3 & Paper 4). If learners achieve a pass in all four papers, they will be awarded their Full A Level in Geography.
- Full A Level – Learners take all papers for AS and A2 in one sitting (Paper 1, Paper 2, Paper 3 & Paper 4).
Exam Papers
Paper 1: Core Physical Geography
Written Examination: 1 hour 30 minutes
Availability: June and November
Assessment Overview: Section A: Three data response questions (30 marks)
Section B: One structured question from a choice of three (30 marks)
60 marks
Paper 2: Core Human Geography
Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Availability: June and November
Assessment overview: Section A: Three data response questions (30 marks)
Section B: One structured question from a choice of three (30 marks)
60 marks
Paper 3: Advanced Physical Geography Options
Written examination: 1 hour 30 minutes
Availability: June and November
Assessment overview: Candidates answer questions on two of the optional topics.
Each topic consists of one structured question (10 marks) and a choice of essay questions (20 marks).
60 marks
Paper 4: Advanced Human Geography options
Practical examination: 1 hour 30 minutes
Availability: June and November
Assessment overview: Candidates answer questions on two of the optional topics.
Each topic consists of one structured question (10 marks) and a choice of essay questions (20 marks).
60 marks