LNF Cymru Literacy and numeracy for Wales

← All qualifications

GCSE Geography

Geography asks learners to read and judge sources for bias, plan and evaluate a fieldwork enquiry, and write extended answers that reach a justified decision, all using precise geographical terms. Its numeracy is broad and applied: map scale, grid references and contours, sampling, averages and spread, percentage change, and drawing and interpreting graphs, all set out in Appendix B and used in every unit. The biggest thing Key Stage 3 should build is the habit of turning real local data into a correct graph and then a written conclusion that quotes the figures.

Awarding body
WJEC
Level
Level 1 and Level 2
First taught
September 2025
Amount of literacy work
High
Amount of numeracy work
High
Specification
Open the specification
How this qualification is assessed
  • Unit 1: Our Physical and Human World: Written examination 1 hour 30 minutes, 30%
  • Unit 2: Developing Fieldwork Skills: Non-examination assessment 7 hours (not including the fieldwork), 25%, set and marked by WJEC
  • Unit 3: Our Dynamic and Diverse World: Written examination 1 hour 30 minutes, 30%
  • Unit 4: Sustainable Solutions: Non-examination assessment 6 hours (3 hours research, 3 hours tasks), 15%, set by WJEC, marked by the centre and moderated by WJEC

Skills that use Communicating with symbols

  1. Map skills: grid references, scale, distance and height

    Assessed: In the exam and in coursework (NEA)

    Learners give four and six figure grid references, measure distance with the scale line, estimate area on OS maps at 1:25,000 and 1:50,000, and use contours, spot heights, gradient and cross sections. Map distance is also a named processing technique in the fieldwork enquiry.

    Numeracy: Position, Measurement, Shape and space, Calculation, Angle, Strategic competence, Communicating with symbols, Conceptual understanding

    Getting pupils ready

    Year 7
    Pupils give four and six figure grid references for the school, their own street and Aberdare Park on a 1:25,000 OS map of the Cynon Valley.
    Year 8
    Pupils use the scale line and a strip of paper to measure the straight and road distance from school to Dare Valley Country Park, converting centimetres to kilometres, and draw a cross section across the valley.
    Year 9
    Pupils measure the same route on 1:25,000 and 1:50,000 maps, estimate the area of a local reservoir by counting grid squares, and calculate the gradient of a hill road from contour heights.
    Show the specification wording and the LNF statements

    Where it is in the specification: Appendix B, 1.1, page 45; Appendix B, 3.1 to 3.3, page 46; Unit 2, Sections 2.1.3 and 2.3.1, pages 19 and 21

    “Calculate distance from maps using the scale line and estimate area.”
    Progression step 3

    • I can use grid references to specify location.

    • I can convert metric units of length to smaller units, e.g. cm to mm, m to cm, km to m.

    • I can find areas by counting squares, progressing to calculating the area of squares and rectangles using formulae.

    Progression step 4

    • I can use ratio and proportion including map scales.

    • I can apply understanding of bearings and scale to interpret maps and plans, and to create plans and drawings to scale.

    • I can use the common units of measure, convert between related units of the metric system and carry out calculations.

    Progression step 5

    • I can identify, measure or obtain required information to complete the task.

    • I can use appropriate notation, symbols and units of measurement, including compound measures.

    • I can draw on my understanding of the basic structures of mathematics and can apply them in different contexts.

Good to know

Links with other qualifications

Averages, percentage change and scatter graphs overlap with Mathematics and Numeracy, and judging sources for bias overlaps with History.

Source: WJEC GCSE Geography specification, Teaching from 2025, For award from 2027, Version 6, September 2026.