New GCEs for 2008
GCE Geography (2030)
Introducing AQA's new course specification for Geography for AS and A Level. This new redrafted specification has been designed to:
- Increase the choice offered to centres and candidates while studying GCE Geography, allowing for specialisation and progression to higher education and employment
- Ensure a natural progression from GCSE to GCE ensuring that there is minimal repetition of content
- Provide the scope for centres to choose topics to study within units 1 and 3.
The following information and specification outline will enable both practising Teachers and Subject Heads to be better informed and supported in the teaching of this subject, particularly if attending one of AQA's Teacher Support meetings.
Classification Codes
Every specification is assigned a national classification code indicating the subject area to which it belongs. The classification code for this specification is 3910.
Centres should be aware that candidates who enter for more than one GCE AS/A level qualification with the same classification code will have only one grade (the highest) counted for the purpose of the School and College Performance Tables.
Centres may wish to advise candidates that, if they take two specifications with the same classification code, universities and employers are very likely to take the view that they have achieved only one of the two GCE AS/A levels. The same view may be taken if candidates take two GCE AS/A level specifications that have different classification codes but have significant overlap of content. Candidates who have any doubts about their subject combinations should check with the university to which they wish to progress or company they wish to join, before embarking on their programmes.
Assessment Objectives
The Assessment objectives are common to AS and A Level.
AO1 - Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the content, concepts and processes
AO2 - Analyse, interpret and evaluate geographical information, issues and viewpoints and apply understanding in unfamiliar contexts
AO3 - Select and use a variety of methods, skills and techniques (including the use of new technologies) to investigate questions and issues, reach conclusions and communicate findings.