EDEXCEL Level 1/Level 2 GCSE in Geography A
Qualification summary
All GCSE specifications in Geography should encourage students to be inspired, moved and changed by following a broad, coherent, satisfying and worthwhile course of study and gain an insight into related sectors. They should prepare learners to make informed decisions about further learning opportunities and career choices.
All GCSE specifications in Geography must enable students to:
• actively engage in the process of geography to develop as effective and independent learners and as critical and reflective thinkers with enquiring minds
• develop their knowledge and understanding of geographical concepts and appreciate the relevance of these concepts to our changing world
• develop a framework of spatial awareness in which to appreciate the importance of the location of places and environments from local to global
• appreciate the differences and similarities between people’s views of the world, its environments, societies and cultures
• understand the significance of values and attitudes to the development and resolution of issues
• develop their responsibilities as global citizens and recognise how they can contribute to a future that is sustainable and inclusive
• develop and apply their learning to the real world through fieldwork and other out of classroom learning
• use geographical skills, appropriate technologies, enquiry and analysis.
Qualification details
GCSE - General Certificate of Secondary Education
Accreditation start date:
Operational start date in centres:
For information on the approval of qualifications for funding in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, see the links to DCSF, DIUS, DCELLS, DELNI and DENI below.
When undertaking a qualification that does not appear on the governments' lists as eligible for funding for specific age ranges, users must be aware of legal requirements. Not all qualifications are suitable for all age ranges.
For further information on 14-19 qualifications offered in England, please refer to the DCSF
Section 96 website.
For further information on 19+ qualifications offered in England, please refer to the DIUS
Section 97 website.
For further information on Wales, visit the
DCELLS website.
For further information on Northern Ireland, visit the
DELNI and
DENI websites.
Students who have completed this GCSE Geography could progress onto a number of different qualifications at level 3, including GCE Geography or Geology, Environmental Sciences, Travel & Tourism and Leisure & Recreation courses.
Students could also progress directly into employment, often with work-related training.
No specific job occupation
Task-based controlled assessment
Written Examination
Each unit will be assessed independently. However the teaching of units can be carried out in a holistic way.
There are four mandatory units. Unit 1 is completely mandatory. Units 2 and 3 have two sections (A and B). Students must complete one of the four topics in section A and one of the two topics in section B. Unit 4 is mandatory and is the controlled assessment unit.