IGCSE Geography

INTRODUCTION

Geography has never been more relevant than it is today. Almost every news article has a link with topics that we study, from the way that viruses spread to the policies of presidents. From wildfires to water shortages. Our world is constantly changing and Geography aims to give you the reasons for these changes and be able to act against the environmental issues we face.

Our Geography course covers a range of physical and human Geography topics that supports every interest and links well to modern economic and environmental issues. They are divided into three themes:

WHY CHOOSE GEOGRAPHY?

The course will help develop lifelong geographic skills, including: 

• an understanding of the processes which affect physical and human environments

• 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. 

COURSE OUTLINE & ASSESSMENT

The course covers three main areas:

1. Paper 1 - 1 hour 45 minutes - Candidates answer three questions out of six. There are two questions set on each of three themes. Questions are structured with gradients of difficulty and are resource-based, involving problem solving and free response writing - (75 marks) 45% of total marks.

2. Paper 2 - 1 hour 30 minutes - Candidates answer all the questions. The paper is based on testing the interpretation and analysis of geographical information and on the application of graphical and other techniques as appropriate. The questions will not require specific information of place. One question is based on a 1:25 000 or 1:50 000 topographical map of a tropical area such as Zimbabwe or Norway - (60 marks) 27.5% of total marks.

3. Paper 4 - Alternative to Coursework – Candidates will sit a third exam about conducting fieldwork, students will undertake a range of fieldwork activities, including a river and coastal fieldwork. There will be some additional cost involved - (60 marks) 27.5% of total marks.