Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What are the main areas of study for GCSE Geography?
A. The subject content is divided into six themes:
- Atmosphere and Human Impact;
- Physical Processes and Challenges;
- Ecosystems and Sustainability;
- Population and Resources;
- Economic Change and Development; and
- Settlements and Change.
Q. Is there a coursework requirement for GCSE Geography?
A. Yes, students must complete one fieldwork investigative study. This must be based on one of the following: a decision-making task; a problem-solving task; or a hypothesis-testing task.
Students must:
- contribute to the planning of the investigation;
- collect data;
- interpret and evaluate the results and draw conclusions; and
- complete a written report on the investigation.
Q. Is there a word limit for the coursework?
A. Yes, the final report must be less than 2500 words.
Q. Who marks the investigative study?
A. The investigative study is marked by teachers and moderated by us.
Q. Can I bring an atlas into the examination?
A. No, atlases cannot be used in the examination.
Q. Does the tier of entry affect the grade that may be awarded?
A. Yes, students who enter for the Foundation Tier are eligible for an award of grades C-G whereas students who enter for the Higher Tier can obtain grades A*-D. Students who just fail to achieve a Grade D in the Higher Tier are awarded a grade E.
Q. What is the difference between the Foundation and the Higher Tier exam papers?
A. Both the Foundation and Higher Tier exam papers follow the same format. Students must respond to a wide range of stimulus materials including tables of data, graphs, photographs, maps and text. The stimulus materials are tailored to suit the demands of each tier.
In the Foundation Tier exams, students complete short-answer questions and may be required to complete tables or draw graphs based on information provided to them. The Higher Tier exams are more challenging. Students are expected to write answers in extended prose.
Q. What happens if a student does not meet the minimum mark required for a grade in their tier of entry?
A. A student who does not achieve the minimum mark required for Grade G in the Foundation Tier will be recorded as unclassified and will not receive a certificate. Students who do not achieve the minimum mark required for Grade E in the Higher Tier will be recorded as unclassified and will not receive a certificate.
Q. How can this qualification help students gain Key Skills?
A. Our GCSE Geography qualification can provide assessment evidence for nationally-specified Key Skills Levels 1 and 2 in:
- Communication;
- Application of Number;
- Information Technology;
- Working with Others;
- Improving Your Own Learning; and
- Performance and Problem Solving.
Q. How can this course improve my career prospects?
A. This course prepares students for studying geography at GCE. Many students with qualifications in geography go on to have interesting and successful careers in planning, public services, environmental consultancy, computing, leisure and tourism, heritage management, research, media and teaching.
