specification overview
Edexcel A-Level Geography (9GE0) is a two-year linear qualification with three written papers plus an independent investigation. Papers cover physical geography (Paper 1), human geography (Paper 2), and a synoptic paper drawing on both (Paper 3). The NEA is a student-designed fieldwork investigation.
subject content
1. Physical geography
Paper 1- Tectonic processes and hazards
- Landscape systems (coastal OR glaciated)
- The water cycle and water insecurity
- The carbon cycle and energy security
2. Human geography
Paper 2- Section A covers both compulsory topics 3 (Globalisation) and 7 (Superpowers)
- Section B: Shaping Places (Topic 4A Regenerating Places OR 4B Diverse Places)
- Section C: Global Development and Connections (Topic 8A Health, Human Rights and Intervention OR 8B Migration, Identity and Sovereignty)
3. Synoptic paper
Paper 3- Synoptic investigation of an unseen contemporary geographical issue
- Draws content from Papers 1 and 2 across compulsory topics
4. Independent investigation (NEA)
NEA- 3,000-4,000 word fieldwork report
- Student-designed research question and data collection
- Minimum 4 days of fieldwork
assessment structure
| Paper | What's assessed | Length | Marks | Weight | Question types |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 (Physical geography) | Tectonic processes, landscape systems, water cycle, carbon cycle | 2h 15m | 105 | 30% | Short-answer, structured and extended-response questions |
| Paper 2 (Human geography) | Globalisation, shaping places, superpowers, global development and connections | 2h 15m | 105 | 30% | Short-answer, structured and extended-response questions |
| Paper 3 (Synoptic investigation) | Synoptic investigation of a contemporary geographical issue, drawing across Papers 1 and 2 | 2h 15m | 70 | 20% | Resource-based synoptic questions with an unseen contemporary issue |
| Non-exam assessment (Independent investigation) | Student-designed fieldwork investigation with written report | Coursework | 70 | 20% | 3,000-4,000 word investigation report based on primary fieldwork; teacher-assessed and moderated by Pearson |
The NEA requires at least 4 days of fieldwork. Paper 3 is fully synoptic, it pulls together content from Papers 1 and 2 through an unseen contemporary issue.
assessment objectives
| AO | What it means | Overall |
|---|---|---|
| AO1 | Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of places, environments, concepts, processes, interactions and change at a variety of scales. | 34% |
| AO2 | Apply knowledge and understanding in different contexts to interpret, analyse and evaluate geographical information and issues. | 40% |
| AO3 | Use a variety of relevant quantitative, qualitative and fieldwork skills to: investigate geographical questions and issues; interpret, analyse and evaluate data and evidence; construct arguments and draw conclusions. | 26% |
key tips for success
Start the NEA early
The independent investigation needs 4 days of fieldwork plus time for analysis. Start scoping in year 12, collect data in the summer or early year 13.
Build a case-study bank
Papers 1 and 2 reward specific case studies. Build a bank of ~10 well-detailed case studies across topics and scales.
Prepare for Paper 3's synoptic style
Paper 3 uses an unseen contemporary issue and pulls content across the whole spec. Practise synoptic essays linking physical and human processes.
Learn the compulsory topics well
Papers 1 and 2 mix compulsory and optional topics. Compulsory topics (tectonics, water cycle, carbon cycle, globalisation, superpowers) feed into Paper 3 too, prioritise them.
Master quantitative skills
AO3 is 26% and includes Spearman's rank, chi-squared, mean/median, plus map and photo skills. Practise until automatic.
Structure extended responses with clear judgement
AO2 rewards evaluation. Every extended-response essay needs a defensible conclusion backed by weighted arguments and case-study evidence.
Where to next
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