Geography A Level

Exam Board: AQA(A) Fast Track: Cheltenham subject to meeting strict criteria Daytime: Cheltenham and RFD Evening: No Exams: AS Unit 1 Physical Geography and Human Geography 2 hours 35% [rivers, population, glaciation, energy supply issues] Unit 2 Geographical Skills 1 hour 15% A2 Unit 3 Contemporary Geographical Issues 2½ hours 30% [plate tectonics, world cities, globalisation] Unit 4 Geographical Issue Evaluation 1½ hours 20% Where will this qualification take me? There are numerous possibilities; Geography bridges the gap between the arts and sciences and thus incorporates many of those transferable skills sought by employers and is looked favourably on by the Russell group of universities. What will I be doing on the course? You will develop a broad knowledge and understanding of the core areas of Geography through a range of topics, chosen for their accessibility and popularity. Geography develops an understanding of the relationship between people and their environment. The course enables students to appreciate the changing nature of the modern world. It fosters a sense of place and it encourages students to consider geographical processes at local, national and global scales. The course will teach you to use a variety of skills and techniques for the analysis and interpretation of geographical data. Geography will help you appreciate both the natural and human environment together with your place in them. Student quote: “Geography means the world to me! Studying the interactions between the human and physical environments has helped me to understand the changing nature of the world around me.” A2 student.

For full time students the course will form part of a larger programme of study which consists of timetabled sessions, enrichment activities, work experience and private study time. To achieve this a student will normally be asked to select from columns of the 6th Form matrix in each year of study. If a student falls below this programme requirement they may be classed as part time by some external agencies and may be required to pay fees for their tuition and/or exams. Please check with the tutor at interview that the subjects you have selected form a full-time programme. Every full time 6th Form student will have a personal tutor and will study a tutorial programme. The tutor will be responsible for the pastoral care of the student and for the tracking and monitoring of their progress on the course. This subject can be selected on its own for part time study for which tuition fees may be payable (please consult Student Services for fee concessions). Part time students may also be required to pay exam fees. You may have the opportunity to go on trips during the year. A small charge will be payable for these visits.

AS - 5 x GCSEs at Grade A* to C in different subjects to include English Language and maths A2 - successful completion of AS Geography at Grade A to C plus a good reference

Progression from GCSEs will normally be to AS Level (or equivalent vocational course) or to employment. Progression from AS Level will normally be to A2, and then on to employment or Higher Education

97.1% pass rate A* - E at A2 in June 2012, with 100% pass in 18 subjects

Lorna Studied A2 Media, Geography and English and AS Psychology Lorna left Gloucestershire College after achieving three B’s at A Level. She is currently carrying out work experience at The Forester newspaper and also working part-time as a sales assistant in a bakery. “I am currently carrying out work experience at The Forester and developing the skills I learnt at college. I interview people in order to write stories for the paper and am really interested in building a career as a journalist” All my A Level courses at Gloucestershire College were really enjoyable and interesting. I also got to take part in lots of enrichment activities including playing Hamlet in Shakespeare’s last play and being part of the ‘Active Young Citizens’ European project. In the future I would like to find a full-time job. I really enjoy the work I am doing at The Forester and am looking for full time role in journalism. Every day is different. I am learning new skills all the time; developing my writing styles and how to interview people. It’s a really enjoyable and I get to find out what’s happening in the Royal Forest of Dean before anyone else.”

Please contact the College on 0845 155 2020 for further details