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.
- First taught
- September 2025
- Amount of literacy work
- High
- Amount of numeracy work
- High
- Specification
- Open the WJEC specification (PDF)
How this GCSE 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 Logical reasoning
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Averages and spread in fieldwork data
Learners process evidence using median, mean, range and mode, and at the top end quartiles, interquartile range and modal class, choosing the measure that best supports interpretation.
Numeracy: Interpreting data, Calculation, Logical reasoning
Getting pupils ready
- Year 7
- Pupils record rainfall and temperature from a school rain gauge and thermometer for a week, then work out the mean and range.
- Year 8
- Pupils measure pebble sizes at five sites along a stream or beach and calculate the mean, median, mode and range, then say which average best represents each site.
- Year 9
- Pupils find the median and interquartile range of pedestrian counts from two parts of Aberdare, spot any outliers and use the figures to compare the sites.
Show the specification wording and the LNF statements
Where it is in the specification: Unit 2, Section 2.3.1, page 21; Appendix B, 2.1, page 45
“Use appropriate measures of central tendency, spread and cumulative frequency.”
Progression step 3
I can use mean to interpret a simple data set.
I can add and subtract numbers using whole numbers and decimals.
Progression step 4
I can use mean, median, mode and range to compare data (continuous and discrete), and can choose the most appropriate average.
I can explore trends and extreme values (outliers) for data sets.
I can examine results critically, select and justify choice of statistics, recognising the limitations of any assumptions and their effect on the conclusions drawn.
Progression step 5
I can interpret mathematical information; drawing inferences from graphs, diagrams and data, including discussion on limitations of data.
I can justify my procedures, predictions and conjectures.
Good to know
- No marks for spelling, punctuation and grammar are mentioned anywhere in the specification. All marks sit under AO1 to AO4 (Section 3.1, page 36), and AO3 "Analyse, evaluate, or make judgements from a variety of sources" is worth 25% overall.
- Calculator use is not stated in the specification. Section 3 says "The Assessment Pack will include all detailed information relating to assessment" (page 36), so check the Assessment Pack for Unit 1 and Unit 3.
- Both NEA units "must be submitted digitally (they may be handwritten and scanned, or completed digitally)" (Section 3.2, pages 37 and 38), so extended writing may be handwritten.
- Unit 4 research notes are limited to "a maximum of two sides of A4 notes to be used during the assessment" (page 37).
- Unit 2 is 7 hours for 90 marks and needs one day of fieldwork "outside the classroom and school grounds" (page 37).
- Each unit says the depth of mathematical and statistical skills "is given in Appendix B on pages 44-45" (pages 10, 18, 24 and 33), but Appendix B is printed on pages 45 and 46.
Links with other GCSEs
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.