specification overview
Cambridge International A Level Geography (9696) is a two-year linear qualification covering physical and human geography plus global options. Papers 1 (Physical Geography) and 2 (Human Geography) form the AS Level. Papers 3 (Global Environments) and 4 (Global Themes) add the A Level, with candidates studying two options on each. Paper 4's options are thematic rather than purely human geography.
subject content
1. Physical Geography
Paper 1- Hydrology, river processes and hazards
- Atmospheric processes and global climate change
- Earth processes and mass movements
2. Human Geography
Paper 2- Population and migration
- Water resources and management
- Urban areas and management
3. Global Environments
Paper 3- Tropical environments
- Coastal environments
- Hazardous environments
- Arid environments
4. Global Themes
Paper 4- Climate change impacts and governance
- Environmental issues and management
- Trade, aid and tourism
- Disease and geography
assessment structure
| Paper | What's assessed | Length | Marks | Weight | Question types |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 - Physical Geography | AS physical: hydrology, river processes and hazards; atmospheric processes and global climate change; Earth processes and mass movements | 1h 30m | 60 | 25% of A Level / 50% of AS Level | Section A: three resource-based questions, one per topic, 15 marks each (45 marks). Section B: one essay from a choice of three (15 marks). |
| Paper 2 - Human Geography | AS human: population and migration; water resources and management; urban areas and management | 1h 30m | 60 | 25% of A Level / 50% of AS Level | Section A: three resource-based questions, one per topic, 15 marks each (45 marks). Section B: one essay from a choice of three (15 marks). |
| Paper 3 - Global Environments | Two of: tropical environments, coastal environments, hazardous environments, arid environments | 1h 30m | 60 | 25% of A Level | Two chosen options; each option has one structured question (10 marks) and a choice of essay questions (20 marks) |
| Paper 4 - Global Themes | Two of: climate change impacts and governance, environmental issues and management, trade/aid/tourism, disease and geography | 1h 30m | 60 | 25% of A Level | Two chosen options; each option has one structured question (10 marks) and a choice of essay questions (20 marks) |
The full A Level route is all four papers. Students can also take Papers 1 and 2 as the standalone AS Level (grades a-e), or stage the qualification (AS in Year 1, Papers 3 and 4 in Year 2).
assessment objectives
| AO | What it means | Overall |
|---|---|---|
| AO1 | Knowledge and understanding: demonstrate knowledge and understanding of geographical terms, concepts and systems; geographical principles, theories and models; and the location and character of environments and places. | 50% at A Level (53% at AS) |
| AO2 | Skills and analysis: analyse and interpret geographical information presented in different forms, and use quantitative and qualitative data to identify characteristics, patterns, trends and relationships. | 24% at A Level (35% at AS) |
| AO3 | Evaluation: evaluate the importance of geographical factors, processes and change; evaluate the impact of different values and attitudes; and present logical, structured, coherent and evidence-based arguments. | 26% at A Level (12% at AS) |
key tips for success
Master AS content before the option papers
Papers 1 and 2 cover physical and human geography. This forms the foundation for the Global Environments options on Paper 3 and the Global Themes options on Paper 4, revise it alongside your option preparation.
Choose options carefully
Paper 3 requires two Global Environments options; Paper 4 requires two Global Themes options. Your school picks these at the start of the course.
Build a case-study bank
All papers reward specific case studies with named places, statistics and details. Build a bank of ~10 well-detailed case studies across topics and scales.
Practise the extended essay format on Papers 3 and 4
Papers 3 and 4 each pair a 10-mark structured question with a 20-mark essay per option. Structure essays with clear argument, case-study evidence and evaluative judgement, AO3 (evaluation) is 40% of both option papers.
AS content is assumed on Global Environments and Global Themes
Papers 3 and 4 assume you still know Papers 1 and 2 content. Revise physical and human geography as part of your option preparation.
Know which route you're on
AS only (Papers 1 and 2), staged A Level, or all four papers in one series. Confirm which route with your school.
Where to next
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Practise with Cognito's free past papers for this spec – or browse grade boundaries and related specifications.
