Geography

Assessment

Paper 1: Physical Geography • Tectonic Processes and Hazards An exploration of the causes of tectonic hazards, the degree to which they can be managed, and how successful responses that can mitigate social and economic impacts can allow humans to adapt to hazard occurrence. • Coastal Landscapes and Change An exploration of how winds, waves and currents operate within a landscape system, interacting with prevailing lithological and geological characteristics. These landscapes are increasingly threatened by physical processes and human activities, thus we will investigate the need for holistic and sustainable management of these areas in all the world’s coasts. • The Water Cycle and Water Insecurity An exploration of the water cycle across a variety of spatial scales and also at short and long-term timescales, from global to local. The idea of water insecurity will also be analysed, as a global issue with serious consequences. • The Carbon Cycle and Energy Security An exploration of the carbon cycle, and how changes to carbon stores and fluxes are a result of physical and human processes. This topic will also delve into anthropogenic climate change and the range of adaptation and mitigation strategies that could be used. Paper 2: Human Geography • Globalisation An exploration of increasing globalisation and interdependence around the world, and the consequential unequal, environmental, and cultural impacts that may arise from this. • Regenerating Places An exploration of places as dynamic entities, understanding how they change over time, and the impact of regeneration schemes on individuals and communities. • Superpowers An exploration of how superpower dominance has changed over time, and the impact these changes have on the global economy, global politics and the environment. • Migration, Identity and Sovereignty An exploration of how globalisation movements have led to international migration, and the impacts this has on global governance, of both national and global issues. Paper 3: Synoptic Geography The synoptic investigation will be based on a geographical issue within a place-based context, rooted in two or more of the compulsory content areas. • Investigative Geography (NEA) The non-examined assessment is an independent geographical investigation conducted by each candidate based on primary and secondary data. There will be a residential field course to support this element, to enable primary data collection.