The Edexcel - A-Level Geography Syllabus

The A-Level consists of 4 papers

• Paper 1: The Dynamic Planet

• Paper 2:  Dynamic Places
• Paper 3:  A Synoptic paper
• Paper 4: Independent Investigation 3,000 to 4,000 words.

The A-Level course

Paper 1   The Dynamic Planet: 2 hours 15 minutes exam

In Year 12 students study tectonic processes and hazards and landscape systems, processes and change with a focus on coastal landscapes.  In Year 13 studies focuses on physical systems and sustainability with the following areas of study: The water cycle and water insecurity, the carbon Cycle, energy security and climate change.

Paper 2   Dynamic places: 2 hours 15 minutes exam

In Year 12 students study globalisation and diverse places where demographic and cultural change is investigated. In Year 13 studies focus on superpowers and migration, identity and sovereignty

Paper 3   The synoptic paper: 2 hours and 15 mins exam

This is based on a resource booklet. It will be based on areas of compulsory content in the course and comprises of resource based questions and extended writing. The aim is to assess understanding and the ability to draw synoptic links across different areas of Geography.

Paper 4   The Independent Investigation

Here the student defines a question or issue for investigation, relating to the compulsory or optional content of the course, with teacher guidance. The topic may relate to any aspect of Geography contained within the specification and must include their own fieldwork.

There will be 4 days of compulsory fieldwork to support students in their choice of hypotheses for their Independent Investigation. Our Geography fieldwork will be undertaken on a 3 day residential trip to the Dorset coast alongside local fieldwork days in Maidenhead and Cookham. The ‘Individual Investigation’ data collection will then be undertaken in the summer term of Year 12 in fieldwork locations of the students choice. It will be internally assessed and will then be moderated externally by Edexcel examiners. The guidelines are for 3,000-4,000 words.