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Geography

A level and Applied

Geography

Course type: A level
Awarding/exam body: Pearson Edexcel

Are you curious about the dynamic tectonic processes that shape our planet?

Do you want to understand why and how people migrate?

You’re not alone: Geography is an exciting and relevant subject for our times. In this A level, you will get the opportunity to develop an in-depth understanding of physical and human geography, to explore the relationship between people and the environment and to become a critical, reflective and independent learner.

A level Geography will develop your skills in numeracy, graphs, mapwork, research, interpretation of data, debating, environmental awareness, team-based work and fieldwork techniques. You will gain insight into the forces shaping the present and future of our societies and environments.

Geography is a well-regarded A level that sits as comfortably with science subjects such as Biology, Maths, Physics and Chemistry, as it does with humanities such as History, Sociology, Politics, Business Studies and Economics. You can continue your Geography studies into higher education, and career paths include urban planning, civil engineering, overseas development, environmental services, as well as teaching, marketing, and journalism.

YEAR 1

Unit 1: Tectonic Processes and Hazards

Unit 2: Coastal Landscapes and Change

Unit 3: Globalisation

Unit 4: Regenerating Places

YEAR 2

Unit 1: The Water Cycle and Water Insecurity

Unit 2: The Carbon Cycle and Energy Security

Unit 3: Globalisation

Unit 4: Migration, Identity and Sovereignty

80% of the marks are for three exams. 20% of the marks are for coursework, which is an independent investigation of 3000-4000 words. (Four days of field work feeds into this coursework.)

Jobs related directly to Geography include cartography, surveying, planning, environmental consultancy, Geographic Information Systems officer and teaching. The transferability of geographic knowledge and skills also make it one of the most popular qualifications for many other careers such as international aid, logistics and distribution, finance, tourism and transport.

6 GCSEs at Grade 4 or above, preferably including English Language or Maths at Grade 4 or above. An average GCSE Score of at least 4.3. Grade 5 in English Language and Grade 4 in Maths.

  • Opportunities to attend conferences and hear keynote speakers/A level support
  • Outside speakers are invited to run workshops on core topics/share their insights on relevant issues
  • Fieldwork trips to the local area and key destinations within the London area

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Courses

Students can take any combination of 30 A level and Level 3 Applied Diploma subjects. Vocational programmes include 11 Level 3 Extended Diplomas, including BTEC, CTEC and University of the Arts courses, and 4 T Levels. We also offer BTEC Level 2 and Foundation options, along with GCSE Maths and English language retakes.

Students

At Saint Francis Xavier, we develop the whole person. Our commitment goes beyond academic achievement; we equip students with the confidence, values, and skills needed to thrive in higher education, employment, and adult life. With an extensive range of courses, our students receive expert teaching in our modern, state-of-the-art facilities.

Female Student

Parents & Carers

Personal Tutors will work with both you and your student to overcome any obstacles and achieve their potential. We build a positive ethos around learning and behaviour, support students with discussion and advice, invite you to progress review evenings, provide each student with an Individual Learning Plan (ILP), and send you full reports.

Male Student

Upcoming Events

Open Evening

Wednesday, 4th March · 4pm – 6pm

Explore your options and secure your offer from Saint Francis Xavier Sixth Form College for September 2026.

Book your place to visit London’s top performing and friendliest sixth form college with a 97% pass rate in A levels, BTECs, UAL Diplomas and T Levels.

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Hold your next event with us in one of our many available spaces. Choose from: a multi-use games area, sports hall, dining hall and garden, multi-purpose hall, dance/drama studio, fitness suite, meeting/conference rooms, computer suite, chapel and music studio. Kitchen and catering facilities and free parking are also available.

Nursery

‘Happy staff make happy children’

Nightingale’s Nursery is set in the beautiful, secure grounds of Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Sixth Form College where children can play outside and help tend the vegetable patch. The nursery follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) statutory framework and provides a holistic learning environment, paying special attention to the transition from home to nursery, reassuring parents of their child’s wellbeing and progress on a daily basis.

Nightingale’s friendly team builds positive relationships with all the children and parents.

Student with child

What Our
Students Say

The support I received from passionate teachers who pushed me to aim higher, to the tailored guidance with university applications made all the difference. SFX believed in my potential even when I doubted myself, and that encouragement gave me the confidence to pursue my ambitions. Without that foundation, I don’t think I’d be on the path to a legal career today.

Joshua, former Sociology student

Latest News & Blog

Saint Francis Xavier Sixth Form College announces excellent 2025 Level 3 examination results

We congratulate all our students who received their excellent public examination results today. We are delighted to see results improving on last year’s impressive pass rates across A level, BTEC, CTEC and UAL courses. Our second year T Level results have also been excellent. The overall pass rate at Level 3 was 97%, including 50% […]

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Saint Francis Xavier Sixth Form College was filled with colour, flavour, and pride as we hosted our much-anticipated Culture Day — a joyful celebration of the rich diversity that makes our college community so special. We are proud to be a truly inclusive college, welcoming students and staff from a wide range of cultural and […]

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We’re incredibly proud to announce that our Young Enterprise team, Nexora, has won the Central, North & West London Final, held at the prestigious Samsung KX venue in King’s Cross. Representing St Francis Xavier Catholic Sixth Form College, students Guilherme, Nawid, Tiago, Ruan and Kevin competed against seven other schools in a high-pressure final that tested their innovation, professionalism and business […]

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