We are absolutely buzzing that you are interested in expanding your global understanding through studying A Level Geography at Gateshead College.
Our teaching style can be described as creative and collaborative.
So, we hope that you like building model drainage basins from refuse and creating cities from Lego!
We will work together, for six hours each week, to study the AQA specification (further details can be found in the sections below).
Further to this, we love getting out in the real world. With ‘The Ouseburn’ and the North East coast being two of our favourite local haunts to explore!
In terms of giving you the ‘Employment Edge’, we will link in with local organisations such as the National Trust, the Geographical Association, and local Universities to see how the study of Geography applies to the real world.
These links will be sure to make you stand out from the crowd when applying for University, apprenticeships, or employment in the future.
Geography is an amazing subject as it combines the arts and sciences to provide a holistic view of the dynamic world we live in. We will study three mandatory modules across the programme:
We will then choose from the following modules as a group. This is decided using a career focussed discussion and a democratic vote:
These modules will also be underpinned by Geographical Skills and Geographical Fieldwork:
As above, we love getting out in the real world. With ‘The Ouseburn’ and the North East coast being two of our favourite local haunts to explore!
For full details on any of these modules, please see the AQA A Level Geography specification on their website.
In order to study A-levels with us, all students need to obtain a strong GCSE grade profile, averaging 6 x Grade 6s.
Individual subjects will also have their own specific requirements. In Geography, you will be expected to have:
However, if you do not meet this profile, please still come to one of our enrolment events to discuss all of your options with a member of our A-level team.
After all those lessons, the independent learning, and exciting fieldwork it is time to show what you know!
At the end of year one, you will sit the AQA AS exams. These are two exam papers which will test your knowledge gained in the first year. We think AS exams are excellent as they track your progress and keep your exam skills up to date between GCSE and A Level.
The exam papers are:
Following this, the second year is assessed by a combination of exams and coursework.
This leaves 20% to come from your coursework.
This really is the exciting bit, as you will choose, carry out, and write up your own Geographical research investigation based on your own area of interest.
Past studies by Gateshead College students have explored everything from the Impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on football stadiums to Sand dune development in Northumberland.
Hi! I am Amy, the Geography teacher here at Gateshead College.
My academic interests are largely grounded in social geography. I am passionate about tackling inequality, promoting inclusion, and celebrating diversity. Although, I love all aspects of the subject; and geek out on everything from maps to rainforests!
My educational back ground includes:
Additionally, I am a committee member on the local branch of the Geographical Association.
This means that I am constantly up to date with the latest Geographical happenings.
Finally, I am an examiner for AQA A Level Geography, so you are definitely in safe hands!
I look forward to meeting you!
Amy Girdlestone BA (Hons) PGCE MaEd
‘I enjoy studying Geography as it helps me to understand the world we live in. I particularly enjoy the human aspects, as it links really well with my other A Level subjects.
My favourite part of this year has been the visits to ‘The Ouseburn’ area of Newcastle to carry out research into our local case study.
Completing A Level Geography enables me to access many different university degrees and career paths as it has so many connections beyond the subject itself!’
People who study Geography at A Level and wish to take their study in this field further often go on to study a BA in Geography or one aspect of it such as:
It is also a subject that is popular as a joint-honours course because of the wide range of topics that it covers.
For example universities advertise courses in:
There are many careers that are based on an excellent knowledge of geography such as:
Geography teaching is also a popular career and is currently one of seven priority subjects which means that there is extra financial and other support for people training to teach in this area.
This course is free to those aged under 19 years old.
Most people aged 19 years and over can qualify for free or reduced price course fees and there are grants and bursaries you can apply for to help cover the costs of coming to college, depending on your circumstances.
If you already have a full level 3 qualification and are aged 19 years over, you can apply for an Advanced Learning Loan or pay the fee upfront in full and qualify for a 10% discount.
You can get more information at our enrolment events, by calling 0191 490 0300 or email us at [email protected]
Whatever support you need, we’re here for you and will make sure you get the most out of your time at college. We have expert teams in place to look after every single one of our students.
To contact our dedicated Learning Support team email [email protected] or head to Live Chat
Knowledge
Biology: Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
Geography: Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
Customer and Personal Service: Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Engineering and Technology: Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
English Language: Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Median Salary£34,694
Average QualificationsHonours, Bachelor's degree
Design: Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Building and Construction: Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Median Salary£32,626
Average QualificationsLevel 4 NVQ; Intermediate, DipHE, DipFE
Sociology and Anthropology: Knowledge of group behaviour and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures and their history and origins.
History and Archaeology: Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
Law and Government: Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Median Salary£31,253
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