Geography

Cambridge IGCSEs are international in outlook, but retain a local relevance. The IGCSE Geography course offers you the opportunity to develop lifelong and transferable 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

What you will study

You will travel the world from the classroom, exploring case studies from the UK, newly emerging economies and lower income countries. Topics of study are wide-ranging and are based around three themes:

Theme 1: Population and settlement:

Population dynamics, migration, structure, density and distribution, settlement and service provision, urban settlements, urbanisation.

Theme 2: The natural environment:

Earthquakes and volcanoes, rivers, coasts, weather, climate and natural vegetation.

Theme 3: Economic development:

Development, food production, industry, tourism, energy, water, environmental risks of economic development.

How you will be assessed

The IGCSE will be assessed over three different examination papers at the end of Year 11. These are outlined below:

Paper 1 – Three Themes (see above) 1 hour 45 minutes (45%) You will answer three questions each worth 25 marks. The paper has three sections and you will need to answer one question from each section.

Paper 2 – Geographical Skills 1 hour 30 minutes (27.5%) The interpretation and analysis of geographical information, decision making and the application of graphical and other techniques as appropriate. You will answer all questions.

Paper 3 – Coursework- Centre based assessment (27.5%) Teachers set one school-based assignment of up to 2000 words. Marked out of 60.

Examination Board – Cambridge IGCSE