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About AS Level Geography
AS Level Geography is the first year of A Level Geography, usually taken in Year 12. Students sit the exams at the end of that year. It covers physical geography, such as water and carbon cycles, coasts and hazards, and human geography, such as changing places and urban environments. It works two ways: as a qualification in its own right, or as the first half of a full A Level.
Geography rewards students who can move between scales. A good answer zooms from a named place to a global process and back again, using case study detail and data to support the argument. Students who write generally about the topic, without named examples or figures, lose marks however well they know the theory.
We teach the AS as its own qualification, not a warm-up for the second year. Lessons follow the topics and case studies your child's school has chosen, we work from real past papers from their board, and we mark extended answers the way an examiner would. Parents can follow progress in the Centaurus Academy LMS all year.
Who AS Level Geography Is For
This course suits Year 12 students who want an AS Geography grade they can rely on.
- Year 12 students sitting AS Geography this summer
- Students aiming at geography, environmental science or planning degrees
- Learners pushing from a B up to an A
- Students who know the content but write answers without case study detail
- Students who lose marks on data, graphs and fieldwork questions
AS Level Geography Exam Boards We Cover
Every board here examines geography through written papers, and none of them use coursework at AS. The bigger difference is choice. AQA, Edexcel and OxfordAQA all let students pick topics, so revision can be targeted. Cambridge does not: your child studies the same three physical and three human topics as everyone else. Fieldwork is also handled differently, and we plan around whichever route your child is on.
AQA
Two components, each a 1 hour 30 minute written exam worth 80 marks and 50% of the AS. Component 1 is Physical geography and people and the environment. In Section A students answer one question from a choice of three: water and carbon cycles, coastal systems and landscapes, or glacial systems and landscapes. In Section B they answer one from a choice of two: hazards or contemporary urban environments. Component 2 is Human geography and geography fieldwork investigation. Section A covers changing places and all questions are compulsory. Section B covers fieldwork investigation and geographical skills, and here students answer one compulsory question plus one from a choice of two. All students must complete a minimum of two days of fieldwork, covering both physical and human geography.
Edexcel
Two papers, each 1 hour 45 minutes and 90 marks, worth 50% each, with all assessment in May or June of a single year. Paper 1 is Dynamic Landscapes. Section A covers tectonic processes and hazards, then students choose one sub-topic: either glaciated landscapes or coastal landscapes. Paper 2 is Dynamic Places. Section A covers globalisation, then they choose either regenerating places or diverse places. Both papers include 12-mark and 16-mark extended writing, and each optional section ends with a 16-mark synoptic question that links the compulsory and optional topics. Calculators are required, and each paper includes a question assessing fieldwork. Students must complete two days of fieldwork.
Cambridge
Two compulsory papers make up the AS, each 1 hour 30 minutes, 60 marks and worth 50% of the AS and 25% of the full A Level. Paper 1 is Physical Geography: 45 marks of structured questions on hydrology and river processes, atmospheric processes and climate change, and earth processes and mass movements, then a 15-mark essay chosen from three. Paper 2 is Human Geography: 45 marks of structured questions on population and migration, water resources, and urban areas, then a 15-mark essay chosen from three. There is no topic choice, and fieldwork is not assessed at this level. Exams run in June and November, and students can carry their AS marks forward.
OxfordAQA
Two units, each a 1 hour 30 minute written exam worth 80 marks and 50% of the AS. Unit 1 is Physical geography 1, and students choose one of two routes: living with hazards plus hot desert systems and landscapes, or living with hazards plus coastal systems and landscapes. Each section is 40 marks. Unit 2 is Human geography 1, covering global systems and governance, and resource security, again 40 marks per section. Both units are worth 20% of the full International A Level. Exams run in January and May/June, and units can be retaken. The fieldwork unit sits at A Level, so the AS is two written papers.
How Centaurus Helps AS Level Geography Students Excel
Case Studies That Carry Marks
Examiners want named places and real detail. Your child builds a bank of case studies for each topic, at the right scale, and learns how to use them quickly.
Data, Graphs and Statistics
Every paper tests data skills. We work through reading graphs, calculating percentages and rates, and using statistical tests correctly.
Fieldwork Questions
Fieldwork is examined even where students do not submit a project. We cover the enquiry process from aims and sampling to conclusions and evaluation.
Extended Answer Structure
Longer answers carry the most marks. We teach a structure that balances knowledge, application and a clear judgement, and mark answers the way an examiner would.
Classes in Your Local Time
Live sessions scheduled around your time zone, so no late nights or early mornings just to make a class.
24/7 Progress Reporting
Families get access to the Centaurus Academy LMS, with attendance, progress and lesson notes available to parents, students and teachers at any time.
Why Centaurus Stands Out
Choosing the right AS Level Geography support makes a real difference. Here is how Centaurus Academy compares with typical online providers.
Meet our Team Of Experts
Our expert tutors bring deep subject knowledge and a passion for teaching — helping every student reach their full potential.
What Parents Say About Us
Hear from the parents and students who have experienced our personalised teaching first-hand.
Excellent long-term experience
We have an excellent long-term experience with the academy and Sir Awais. Our three children studied with them during different periods and succeeded well. We highly recommend the academy.
Excellent academy
Centaurus Academy is truly one of the best educational institutions I've come across. The environment is nurturing, the staff are incredibly dedicated, and the quality of education is outstanding. They focus not only on academic excellence but also on character building and personal growth. The teachers are supportive and go the extra mile to ensure every student feels confident and motivated.
My child has gained confidence
I'm very satisfied with the dedication and teaching approach. My child has gained confidence and improved significantly in understanding math concepts, thanks to the teacher's clear explanations and supportive guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions About AS Level Geography
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