IGCSE Booklet ENG | Page 16

GEOGRAPHY

Exam Board - EDEXCEL

GCSE students who opt for Geography follow the Cambridge IGCSE syllabus which is specially designed for international students. The course builds upon knowledge and skills acquired at Key Stage 3. GCSE Geography is a good option as it equips students with a variety of skills. Not only do students develop geographical knowledge but also a way with maths through data calculation, analysis, interpretation and presentation are enhanced. Moreover, map reading and group work are a regular feature of the course and they learn to interpret a variety of sources of data. Geography will also create greater environmental awareness which is becoming all the most important in the current climate. All that is required of students to study GCSE Geography is a genuine interest in the subject and willingness to work hard through a variety of different techniques.

Successful Cambridge IGCSE Geography candidates develop lifelong skills, including:

- an understanding of location on a local, regional and global scale.

- the ability to use and understand geographical data and information.

- an understanding of how communities around the world are affected and constrained by different environments.

- an understanding of the ways in which people interact with each other and with their environment.

- an awareness of the contrasting opportunities and constraints presented by different environments.

- an appreciation of and concern for the environment.

- an appreciation of the earth, including its people, places, landscapes, natural processes and phenomena.

Content overview

The syllabus is divided into three themes:

Theme 1: Population and Settlement

Theme 2: The Natural Environment (Plate tectonics, Rivers, Coasts, Weather, Climate and Vegetation,

Theme 3: Economic Development (Development and it's Environmental Risks, Food Production, Industry, Tourism, Energy, Water) Assessment overview

All candidates take three papers:

Paper 1 - 1 hour 45 minutes Geographical Themes 45% 75 marks, weighted to 100 marks. Candidates answer three questions, each worth 25 marks.

Candidates must answer one question from each section. Externally assessed

Paper 2 - 1 hour 30 minutes Geographical Skills 27.5% 60 marks.

Candidates answer all the questions Externally assessed

Paper 4 - 1 hour 30 minutes. Alternative to Coursework 27.5% 60 marks.

Candidates answer two compulsory questions, completing a series of written tasks. Externally assessed.