specification overview
Pearson Edexcel International A-Level Geography (YGE01) is a modular qualification of 4 units, examined in January and June. Units 1-2 form the International AS (IAS); units 3-4 add the International A2 for the full IAL. Each unit has its own written paper.
subject content
1. Global Challenges (AS)
Unit 1 (WGE01)- World at risk (hazards, climate change)
- Going global (population, migration, urbanisation)
2. Geographical Investigations (AS)
Unit 2 (WGE02)- Topic 1: Crowded Coasts (coastal processes, management, local investigation)
- Topic 2: Urban Problems, Planning and Regeneration
- Research + fieldwork on one of the two topics, assessed in the written paper
3. Contested Planet (A Level)
Unit 3 (WGE03)- Two compulsory topics: A1 Atmosphere and Weather Systems + A2 Biodiversity Under Threat
- One of B1 Energy Security OR B2 Water Conflicts
- One of C1 Superpower Geographies OR C2 Bridging the Development Gap
4. Researching Geography (A Level)
Unit 4 (WGE04)- Students choose ONE from four options: Tectonic Activity and Hazards, Feeding the World's People, Cultural Diversity: People and Landscapes, or Human Health and Disease
- Pre-release research focus questions guide preparation; exam answers one question on the chosen option
assessment structure
| Paper | What's assessed | Length | Marks | Weight | Question types |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unit 1 (Global Challenges) | World at risk + Going global | 1h 45m | 90 | 30% IAL / 60% IAS | Section A: data response and short-answer questions on both topics. Section B: choice of one longer essay on either World at Risk or Going Global. |
| Unit 2 (Geographical Investigations) | Crowded Coasts + Urban Problems, Planning and Regeneration; research and fieldwork on one topic | 1h 30m | 60 | 20% IAL / 40% IAS | Sections A, B, C: data response + short-answer on both topics + fieldwork questions |
| Unit 3 (Contested Planet) | Two compulsory topics (Atmosphere/Weather + Biodiversity) plus one from B1/B2 and one from C1/C2 | 2h | 90 | 30% IAL / 60% IA2 | Section A (30 marks): longer essays plus a synoptic question on A1 and A2. Section B (30 marks): one data response or essay from B1 or B2. Section C (30 marks): one from C1 or C2. |
| Unit 4 (Researching Geography) | One of four options (Tectonic Activity/Hazards, Feeding World's People, Cultural Diversity: People and Landscapes, Human Health/Disease) | 1h 30m | 60 | 20% IAL / 40% IA2 | One extended question on the chosen option; pre-release focus questions issued before the exam |
The qualification is modular. Papers are available in January and June (no October series for Geography IAL). Unit 4 pre-release focus questions are issued to guide student preparation on the chosen option.
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. | 39-41% |
| AO2 | Apply knowledge and understanding in different contexts to interpret, analyse and evaluate geographical information and issues. | 39-41% |
| AO3 | Use a variety of relevant quantitative, qualitative, research and fieldwork skills to: investigate geographical questions and issues; interpret, analyse and evaluate data and evidence; construct arguments and draw conclusions. | 18-20% |
key tips for success
Plan your unit staging early
Papers are available in January and June. Decide which units go in which series so you're not sitting all four at once.
Choose your Unit 4 option carefully
Unit 4 has four options (Tectonic Activity/Hazards, Feeding the World's People, Cultural Diversity: People and Landscapes, Human Health/Disease). Pick one that plays to your interests; pre-release focus questions guide research before the exam.
Build a case-study bank
All units reward specific case studies with named places, statistics and details. Build a bank of ~10 well-detailed case studies across topics and scales.
Master quantitative and mapping skills
AO3 is 18-20% and includes stats, map interpretation and photo/data analysis. Practise until automatic.
Know the difference between IAS and IAL
Units 1-2 make up the International Advanced Subsidiary (IAS). Adding units 3-4 gives you the full IAL.
Practise the extended-response format on Unit 3
Unit 3 includes an extended-response synoptic essay. Practise structuring essays with argument, case-study evidence and evaluative judgement.
Where to next
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