From 2016, the DfE and Ofqual propose that AS level geography will be separated from A level to become a 'stand alone' qualification. A level students will sit exams at the end of the two-year course. Core content will be common to each specification, requiring students to study a balance of human and physical geography. A teacher-assessed investigative report will account for 20% of the course.
The new A Level will have:
- 60% core content . Two core physical and two core human themes (1 each for AS)
- physical themes – Water and carbon cycles and Landscape systems
- human themes – Global systems & global governance and Changing place, changing places
- at least half non-core content to address people-environment questions and issues
- minimum 2 fieldwork days at AS and 4 days for A level
- independent student investigation at A level 20% (includes fieldwork and research)
- greater rigour with understanding physical systems and processes
The DfE document, published today, is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/gce-as-and-a-level-geography
