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Geography

Geography is a wide-ranging subject, which acknowledges the interaction between people and the natural world. It should not be thought of as either a science or an art because it contains elements of both in order to fully explain the world. Study of it will help any student to understand the changing world around them.

GCSE GEOGRAPHY

The bulk of the course is provided by the physical and human topics, and with relevant skills learnt, developed and practised throughout. In addition, time is made available for the specific skills needed for Paper 3.

Skills covered will include:

  • the ability to write clearly and concisely;
  • collecting, recording, presenting and analysing data from a variety of sources;
  • using maps of all types;
  • using and understanding visual material (photographs, diagrams, videos etc.);
  • the use of a critical approach to “see the wood for the trees”.

SPECIFICATION LINK: 8035

COURSE INFORMATION: AQA GCSE Geography (601/8410/3)

ASSESSMENT STRUCTURE

Paper 1: Living with the physical environment

What's assessed

  • 3.1.1 The challenge of natural hazards
  • 3.1.2 The living world
  • 3.1.3 Physical landscapes in the UK
  • 3.4 Geographical skills

How it's assessed

  • Written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • 88 marks (including 3 marks for spelling, punctuation, grammar and specialist terminology (SPaG))
  • 35% of GCSE

Questions

  • Section A: answer all questions (33 marks)
  • Section B: answer all questions (25 marks)
  • Section C: answer any two questions from questions 3, 4 and 5 (30 marks)
  • Question types: multiple choice, short answer, levels of response, extended prose
Paper 2: Challenges in the human environment

What's assessed

  • 3.2.1 Urban issues and challenges,
  • 3.2.2 The changing economic world
  • 3.2.3 The challenge of resource management
  • 3.4 Geographical skills

How it's assessed

  • Written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • 88 marks (including 3 marks for SPaG)
  • 35 % of GCSE

Questions

  • Section A: answer all questions (33 marks)
  • Section B: answer all questions (30 marks)
  • Section C: answer question 3 and one from questions 4, 5 or 6 (25 marks)
  • Question types: multiple choice, short answer, levels of response, extended prose
Paper 3: Geographical applications

What's assessed

  • 3.3.1 Issue evaluation,
  • 3.3.2 Fieldwork
  • 3.4 Geographical skills

How it's assessed

  • Written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • 76 marks (including 6 marks for SPaG)
  • 30% of GCSE
  • Pre-release resources booklet made available 12 weeks before Paper 3 exam

Questions

  • Section A: answer all questions (37 marks)
  • Section B: answer all questions (39 marks)
  • Question types: multiple choice, short answer, levels of response, extended prose