Frequently Asked Questions
Q. When do the exams take place?
A. Exams for modules AS 1, AS 2, AS 3, A2 1 and A2 2 are held in both the January and summer series of examinations. The exam for module A2 3 is only held in the summer.
Q. What range of grades can students achieve for AS and A2 Geography?
A. Both AS and A2 are awarded on a five-grade scale: A, B, C, D and E. Students who fail to reach the minimum standard for a Grade E are recorded as U (unclassified) and will not receive an AS or A2 certificate. We will notify students of their performance in individual assessment units.
Q. Can you tell me more about the fieldwork summary report for module AS 3?
A. The summary report must contain not more than 750 words. It must be word processed (Times Roman, font size 12) on A4 paper. It must be accompanied by a Candidate Record Sheet showing the title of the investigation, candidate number and centre number.
Students must bring their summary report and a table of data to the AS 3 examination. Students have to answer questions about their report in the exam. At the end of the exam, students must attach their report and table of data to their exam script. Students who fail to submit the summary report will not be able to score any marks for this section of the test or the questions relating to it.
Q. What are the requirements of the investigation topic for module AS 3?
A. Students must investigate an issue, hypothesis or question related to, or arising from the study of modules AS 1 or AS 2.
Students can work individually, in small groups or as part of a class to identify the most appropriate sources and methods for data collection.
Q. How much field data do students have to gather for the investigation?
A. Students must gather sufficient data to meet the aims of the investigation. They must also consider what data is needed to perform appropriate statistical tests.
Q. How should the table of data be presented?
A. The table of data must be computer-generated and must be clearly titled. Columns must be labelled with units of measurements specified. There must be no missing data or empty cells.
Q. Can you tell me more about the decision making exercise in module A2 3?
A. Students are given a scenario and a resource booklet that contains maps, statistics, reports and/or diagrams. Students have to adopt a set role in order to write a report on the information provided to them.
Students must also examine conflicting values that may be apparent in
the case study, consider alternative choices and make and justify recommendations.
Q. Is there a resource list available for this specification?
A. Yes, there is a resource list in the full specification which both teachers and students will find useful.
Q. How can this qualification help me gain Key Skills?
A. Our Geography GCE specification enables students to provide assessment evidence for nationally-specified Key Skills Level 3 in:
- Communication;
- Application of Number;
- Information Technology;
- Working with Others;
- Improving Your Own Learning; and
- Problem Solving.
Q. How will studying GCE Geography improve my career prospects?
A. Our GCE Geography qualification prepares students for a range of interesting careers. Many students with geography qualifications go on to have successful careers as teachers, lecturers, town planners, chartered surveyors, tourism officers, cartographers, computer programmers and demographers.
Employers want staff to have analytical, numeric, literacy, problem-solving and IT skills. Our GCE Geography qualification provides students with these skills through the range of assessment tasks, for example written work, investigative study and analysing and interpreting the data.
Employers also require workers who have good communication skills, are able to work in a team and can manage their own work. Geography GCE encourages students to develop these skills through class discussion, teamwork and independent study.
