Before you start you must know the following:
- The Geography GCSE specification (pages 18-23 has a summary of what you need to know)
- The difference between the two examination papers.
Examination Paper 1 (25% of total marks)
This is called a decision making exercise (dme) and will be based on a topic which is published in advance.
This year the topic is below:
Paper 1 will consider the economic and environmental impact of land use changes in MEDC town centres and why some town centres go through periods of economic decline. It will then consider the issues associated with town centre regeneration by looking at a proposed town centre regeneration scheme in the UK and assessing its potential impacts on both people and the environment.
Key Points:
1. There is not much revision you can do for this paper but you do need to do some preparation. The paper will test skills, understanding and knowledge of the topic area. It is very important to revise your geographical skills for this paper
2. The paper will use a range of resources (this might include maps, diagrams, tables of figures, newspaper articles etc) to look at a particular topic
How to do well in this exam:
1. Make sure you look at all the information carefully. Make notes on the paper and underline/highlight the parts if it helps you.
2. Be aware of what the questions are asking you and do what they ask.
3. Read the question carefully and write as much as you can. Use the mark allocation at the end of each question as a guide to know much you should write. Never leave any questions blank!
4. Show that you have studied the resources, by using appropriate quotes e.g. 800 people visited the area in 2002
5. Make sure you revise your map reading skills
Examination Paper 2 (50% of total marks)
Key Points:
1. This paper tests mainly your knowledge and understanding of places and ideas, so revision is vital!
2. The paper will be organised in three topics with one question on each topic:
a) managing change in the human environment
b) managing change in the physical environment
c) managing economic development
You must do every question on the paper. Never leave any questions blank!
How to do well in this exam:
1. You have 1 3/4 hours to do three questions, that is 35 minutes on each.
2. Make sure you look at the mark allocation for the question and give a fitting answer.
3. Identify and respond to the command words – download command word help sheet
4. Use the resources for each question to get as much information as possible to help you answer the question.
5. Each question will require an example – this is when you use your case studies. Make sure you locate your case study e.g. the Aswan High Dam in Egypt, North Africa and use facts about your case study.
Check your material
- Go through your book and make sure you have notes on all topics if you don’t use this website to create them
- The website has past exam questions and mind maps to help your revision for each topic (St Dunstans School, Somerset)
- Past papers and markschemes are available to download from the AQA website
- Create case study cards using this template and use the case study checklist to help you revise case studies
- Use the revision checklist to help you tick off what you know. (Guildford County School)
- Make sure you know the key terms for each topic. (Guildford County School)
- Create a separate folder or set of notes that you would use for your revision.
- You should plan to begin your revision weeks before the examination.
- Whenever you begin to revise, draw up a calendar of the days/weeks to the exam and plan to revise a little each day (20 – 40mins max at a time then have a break).
How do I revise?
