Scheme of assessment at as level

1. Scheme of assessment at as level • Unit 1 – Physical and Human Geography • 70% of total award • 2 hour examination consisting of structured short and extended questions. • Topics examined • Rivers, floods and management • Cold environments • Population change • Energy issues. • Unit 2 – Geographical Skills • 30% of total award • 1 hour examination consisting of structured skills and generic fieldwork questions.

2. Marking criteria • Level 1 • Displays a basic understanding of the topic • Makes one or two points but without the support of examples or application of principle • A simple response, is given, which may not directly relate to the question • Response is not clearly structured or shows the possible complexity of the issue being discussed. • Only a limited range of relevant key words are used • Errors in spelling and grammar detract from the quality of the work.

3. Marking criteria • Level 2 • Displays a clear understanding of the topic • Makes one or two good points with the support of examples and/or application of principle • Can describe, explain and give reasons for a number of geographical processes, patterns and attitudes • Response clearly relates to the question and picks out command words • Written work shows that geographical problems have complex answers. • Good use of key words • Grammar and spelling mistakes not detract from the quality of the work

4. Marking criteria • Level 3 • Displays detailed understanding of the topic • Several points made refer to examples or apply to the principle of the question • Can describe, explain and give reasons for a wide range of geographical processes, patterns and attitudes • Has responded well to the command words • Detailed knowledge of case studies • Evidence of evaluation and synthesis reflecting complexity of the subject matter • Written work clearly answers the question, using a wide range of relevant key words. • Excellent grammar and spelling

5. What are command words? Command words are the key words of an essay title or short structured question. They let us know the nature of the question and the skills being tested. It is very important that you know what each command word means. • Identify • State • Define • Describe • Explain • Compare • Analyse • Discuss • Evaluate • Assess • Justify • Comment on .......

6. Scheme of assessment at a2 • Unit 3 – Contemporary Geographical Issues • 90 marks available • 2 ½ hour examination consisting of structured questions and an essay question. Students must answer 3 questions: • Section A – one structured question from either Plate Tectonics and Associated Hazards or Ecosystems: Challenge or Change (25 marks) • Section B – one structured question from either World cities or Development and globalisation (25 marks) • Section C – one essay from an option not answered above (40 marks) • Unit 4B – Geographical issue evaluation • 60 marks available • 1 ½ hour examination based on pre-released material. • Students are tested on their ability to apply understanding in unfamiliar contexts using fieldwork-based stimulus material.

7. Marking criteria • Level 4 – A2 only • Provide strong evidence of through, detailed and accurate knowledge, critical understanding of concepts and principles and specialist vocabulary • Explanations, arguments, assessments and evaluations are logical, perceptive, purposeful and show balance and flair • Demonstrate a high level of insight, and an ability to identify, interpret and synthesise a wide range of material with creativity • Demonstrate evidence of maturity in understanding the role of values, attitudes and decision-making processes