Geography

Whatever a pupil’s passion for the world – fascination with dynamic landscapes or changing climate – Geography will provide them with knowledge and transferable skills that will reward them personally and advance them professionally. Geography is a subject for our times. It is considered as an academic, multidisciplinary subject in a world that increasingly values people who have skills needed to work across the physical and social sciences.

Where can this subject take you? 

Geography is a subject that complements others and sits as well with Business and Economics as it does with languages, Maths and Science. It can be studied at both A level and IB. Further study helps pupils build a broad knowledge base, as well as practical skills like fieldwork, research analysis and essay writing. This makes geography graduates valuable in a variety of fields, including business, government, environmental consultancy, and international development. Universities appreciate Geography as a GCSE and A level/IB subject for its academic rigour, while employers value the versatility, critical thinking, and global perspective it fosters.

Course Content/Structure 

The course is split into human and physical Geography. Geographical skills are embedded throughout the course. 

Physical Geography: 

• Changing river environments 
• Changing coastal environments 
• Changing ecosystems 
• Tectonic hazards 
• Climate change. 

Human Geography: 

• Resource provision. 
• Changing populations 
• Changing towns and cities 
• Development 
• Changing economies 

Assessment

Paper 1: 1 hour 45 minutes 
Physical Geography 36%  75 marks Structured questions containing short answer and extended response items. Some items are based on source material. Externally assessed 

Paper 2: 1 hour 45 minutes 
Human Geography 36% 75 marks Structured questions containing short answer and extended response items. Some items are based on source material. Externally assessed

Paper 4:
Alternative to Coursework Paper 1 hour 30 minutes (28%) 60 marks. Two compulsory questions containing short answer and extended response items. Some items are based on source material. 

Additional Information

Exam Board:
CAMBRIDGE IGCSE

Head of Department:
Jamie Wainwright – jepw@rydeschool.net