GCSE Geography (2017)

The CCEA GCSE Geography specification is topical, relevant and at the leading edge of technology. This course includes physical and human geography. Students also undertake fieldwork.

This qualification builds on the knowledge, understanding and skills developed through the Environment and Society Area of Learning.

Unit 1 has four themes covering physical geography processes and systems. Students evaluate river and coastal management strategies and the processes shaping our weather. They explore extreme weather and the forces that create earthquakes and volcanic activity.

Unit 2 has four themes covering human geography. Students explore the challenges facing refugees, inner city issues, strategies for sustainable development, and the environmental impact of increasing consumption.

In Unit 3, students apply the knowledge, understanding and skills gained Unit 1 or Unit 2 to a fieldwork investigation.

This specification is unitised, so it’s possible to take part of the assessment at the end of the first year of study.

The specification has three units:

  • Unit 1: Understanding Our Natural World
  • Unit 2: Living in Our World
  • Unit 3: Fieldwork.

Current Specification

First teaching: from September 2017
First assessment: from Summer 2018
First award: from Summer 2019
QAN: 603/1080/7
Subject code: 3910
Guided learning hours: 120
Qualification level: 1/2

Skills developed through our GCSE Geography

This specification supports the Northern Ireland Curriculum at Key Stage 4 and gives students further opportunities to achieve their potential and develop skills for life.

By studying Geography, students develop as effective and independent learners and as critical thinkers with enquiring minds.

Geography gives students opportunities to develop skills, such as working with others, managing information and problem solving, which are useful across the school curriculum and highly sought after by universities and employers. Students develop map skills, including co-ordinates, grid references and scale. They also identify, collect and evaluate evidence and present their findings.

For more information on this specification contact:

Petula Henderson
Subject Officer
(028) 9590 6709
Arlene Ashfield
Specification Support Officer
(028) 9590 6678