Geography

Geography

IGCSE GEOGRAPHY: SPECIFICATION CODE 0460 [Cambridge International Examinations]

2024 Syllabus

IGCSE Geography Singapore CBD Fieldwork

Introduction

Geography is not only up-to-date and relevant, it is one of the most exciting, adventurous and valuable subjects at GCSE. Climate change, sustainable food production, natural disasters such as earthquakes and floods, the spread of disease, the reasons for migration and the future of energy resources are some of the greatest challenges facing the next generation of geographers. The IGCSE Geography course is an interesting and stimulating one that has been designed to provide a broad and balanced appreciation of the key areas of human, physical and environmental geography. It builds on the knowledge, skills and understanding established in Key Stages 1, 2 and 3 and gives students a comprehensive and detailed grounding for further study at A Level or IB.

Aims

The specification provides opportunities for students to: • acquire knowledge and understanding of a range of places, environments and geographical patterns at various scales from local to global, as well as an understanding of the physical and human processes, including decision-making, which affect their development • develop a sense of place and an appreciation of the environment, as well as an awareness of the ways in which people and environments interact, and of the opportunities, challenges and constraints that face people in different places • appreciate that the study of geography is dynamic, not only because geographical features, patterns and issues change but also because new ideas and methods lead to new interpretations • acquire and apply the skills and techniques – including those of mapwork, fieldwork and ICT applications (Google Earth & GIS) needed to conduct a geographical enquiry

Content

The specification consists of three themes; ‘Population and Settlement’, ‘The Natural Environment’ and ‘Economic Development and the Use of Resources.’ Details of each theme are listed below:

Core Themes:

1. Population and Settlement

a) Population dynamics b) Settlement

2. The Natural Environment

a) Earthquakes and Volcanoes c) River and Coastal processes b) Ecosystems d) Weather and Climate

3. Economic Development and the Use of Resources

a) Development and Globalisation c) Industry and Tourism b) Food production d) Energy and Water resources

Coursework: A local fieldwork investigation with a brief write-up (2,500 words) completed in class and at home.

Scheme of Assessment

Written Paper 1 Core Themes examination [1 Hour 45 mins - 45%] Written Paper 2 Geographical Skills examination [1 Hour 30 mins - 27.5%] Coursework Investigation write-up [27.5%]

The style of all papers will be on structured data response questions, with an emphasis on the testing of skills, knowledge and understanding. Candidates are required to complete one piece of coursework, in the form of a geographical investigation, based on fieldwork. The coursework investigation is teacher assessed and externally moderated.

The scheme of assessment results in students being graded from A* - G.

Suitability

Geography is an ideal subject for students who have an interest in the links and processes between the physical and human environments that will help them make sense of the world in which they live. The course focuses on current, topical issues at both a national and international scale.