At GCSE we study the OCR B (Geography for Enquiring Minds 9-1) syllabus. This can be found here.
The specification will engage learners through the exploration of a number of geographical topics encapsulating both the geography of the UK and the rest of the world. Students will be encouraged to make links between topics and challenge their previous ideas developed in geography through an enquiring approach to the content.
The GCSE consists of three components:
- Our Natural World
- People and Society
- Geographical Exploration
Alongside specific content, geographical and fieldwork skills are embedded throughout all the units and are examined in every component.
GCSE Assessment
The GCSE is entirely externally assessed. Students will sit three exams at the end of year 11. Example assessment materials can be found here.
Component 1 Our Natural World
35% of GCSE
1 hour 15 minutes
This question paper has two sections:
Section A: Questions on all individual topic areas (Global Hazards, Changing Climate, Distinctive Landscapes and Sustaining Ecosystems)
Section B: Physical Geography Fieldwork.
Component 2 People and Society
35% of GCSE
1 hour 15 minutes
This question paper has two sections:
Section A: Questions on all individual topic areas (Urban Futures, Dynamic Development, UK in the 21st Century and Resource Reliance)
Section B: Human Geography Fieldwork.
Component 3 Geographical Exploration
30% of GCSE
1 hour 30 minutes
This question paper has a series of questions focusing on synoptic assessment of material from a range of topics across both Our Natural World (01) and People and Society (02) and will feature a decision-making exercise.