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Oxford Online School

Key Stage 5

🗺️ Geography

Understand the physical and human forces shaping our world through a rigorous A Level Geography course with live lessons and expert teacher support.

Overview

A Level Geography develops students' ability to analyse the complex relationships between people, places and environments at local, national and global scales. The course integrates physical and human geography, building the evaluative, cartographic and quantitative skills valued in university programmes across the sciences, social sciences and humanities.

What Students Study

Physical Geography and Landscapes

Students examine the processes that shape the Earth's surface, from tectonic activity to coastal and river systems. Detailed case studies anchor theoretical concepts in real-world landscapes.

  • Tectonic processes and hazard management
  • River systems, drainage basins and flooding
  • Coastal processes, landforms and management

Climate, Weather and Ecosystems

This unit explores atmospheric processes, climate systems and the ecological communities they support. Students evaluate the impacts of climate change on ecosystems and human activity.

  • Atmospheric circulation and weather systems
  • Tropical rainforest and tundra ecosystems
  • Climate change: evidence, causes and responses

Human Geography and Development

Students investigate patterns of global inequality, urbanisation and demographic change. Development theory and international policy responses are critically evaluated.

  • Development indicators and global inequality
  • Urbanisation trends and urban management
  • Migration, population change and demographic transition

Globalisation and Geopolitics

Students analyse the interconnections of the global economy, the role of transnational corporations and the geopolitical tensions arising from resource distribution and territorial disputes.

  • Economic globalisation and TNCs
  • Global resource distribution and sustainability
  • Geopolitical conflicts and international governance

Geographical Skills and Enquiry

Students develop the quantitative and qualitative skills needed to collect, represent and interpret geographical data. These skills are applied throughout the course in structured enquiry tasks.

  • Cartographic and GIS skills
  • Statistical analysis and data presentation
  • Fieldwork planning, methodology and evaluation

Assessment & Progress

Oxford Online School follows the Pearson Edexcel International A Level (IAL) Geography specification. This qualification is assessed through written examination only, without coursework. To build exam readiness, students complete:

  • Weekly homework assignments
  • Termly project-based assessments
  • Full mock exams with personalised written feedback

Course Details

Assessment

  • The qualification is assessed entirely through written examinations.
  • No coursework or non-examined assessment component is required.
  • All examinations are sat at an approved Pearson Edexcel International A Level centre.
  • Grades are awarded on a scale from A* to E.

Course Duration

The International A Level course runs over two academic years (Years 12 and 13). Students have continuous access to live online lessons, one-to-one subject support, and learning resources throughout the programme.

Course Outcome

Students who successfully complete all required examinations are awarded the Pearson Edexcel International A Level qualification. This is recognised by universities and higher education institutions worldwide as equivalent to UK A Levels.

Entry Requirements

  • Five or more International GCSE grades at C/4 or above (or equivalent)
  • Grade B/6 or above at IGCSE level in the chosen A Level subject or a closely related subject
  • A pass in an internal subject assessment completed prior to enrolment
  • Students whose English is not their first language must provide a language certificate showing a minimum B2 level in all components, or sit an internal English assessment
  • Two years of previous school reports are required
FAQs

Frequently asked questions

Have questions about A Level Geography? Here are some of the key things families often want to know.

Next steps

Ready for university?

Our Sixth Form A Level programme gives students the grades, skills, and personal statement support to secure their university place.