Overview

Geography is known as an ’umbrella subject’ and geographers learn skills that can be applied to all subject areas. Pupils will learn an equal balance of human and physical geography, including topics such as the environmental impact of development and hazards, topics which are at the forefront of our planet’s future. They will be developed as autonomous learners and, by the end of the course, will be able to plan, manage, lead and conclude investigations with minimal guidance from teachers.

Pupils will use technology that is at the forefront of geography’s growing importance such as GIS (Geographical Information Systems), which are used by planners, developers, political groups and military organisations to lay digital data over geographical information.

They will also develop and embed mathematical, aural, literacy and debating skills. The internal assessment required by the course allows pupils to exhibit their skills and knowledge through an extended investigation which also involves an overnight field-trip.

Assessment

Paper 1: Short answer questions and case study knowledge based on Physical Geography

Paper 2: Skills papers based on map work, graph interpretation and application of skills, focused on Human Geography.

Internal Assessment: A short project completed in Year 10 and improved in Year 11.

Future Pathways

IGCSE Geography helps to develop skills that can be applied to all subjects. Geography is a very popular choice at university as it allows progression into diverse careers, from hazard mitigation to governmental advisor. Geographers are seen as amongst the most skilled graduates.