Entry tiers
Candidates for this qualification must be entered for one of two
tiers. The Higher Tier is targeted at grades A* to D, and the Foundation Tier is
targeted at grades C to G. A safety net is provided for candidates entered for
the Higher Tier in this specification, and an allowed grade E can be awarded on
the Higher Tier. Candidates failing to achieve grade E on the Higher Tier will
be reported as Unclassified.
Assessment of the specification consists of:
• For Higher Tier candidates – two written papers (Paper 3H,
1 hour 45 minutes, and Paper4H, 1 hour 15 minutes) and coursework;
• For Foundation Tier candidates – two written papers (Paper
1F, 1 hour 45 minutes, andPaper 2F, 1 hour 15 minutes) and coursework.
Papers 1F and 3H
Written paper, 1 hour 45 minutes
These papers will consist of four compulsory questions, one on
each of the core units. The style of the paper will be structured data-response
questions, with an emphasis on the testing of skills and understanding. There
will be some opportunities for extended writing and a limited requirement for
recall of specified case study material. A variety of resources will be made
available in the examination. A 1:50,000 Ordnance Survey map extract will be
used, and other resources may include maps at other scales, graphs, diagrams,
newspaper articles and photographs.
Differentiation will be achieved by:
• task – stimulus material may differ between the tiers, and
there will be more demanding tasks set in Paper 3H
• outcome – since there will be some common questions for
which the mark schemes will credit different levels of response.
Papers 2F and 4H
Written paper, 1 hour 15 minutes
These papers will consist of four questions, testing Units B5,
B6, C7 and C8.
Candidates choose two questions, one testing either Unit B5 or
B6, and one testing either Unit C7 or C8.
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