Curriculum Summary
The Cambridge IGCSE Geography syllabus is organised into three core themes that cover key elements of human and physical geography:
|
Module |
Skill Area |
Focus Areas |
|
1. Population and Settlement |
Knowledge & Interpretation |
Population change and structure; migration and its impacts; settlement patterns and hierarchy; urban land-use, problems and solutions; urbanisation impacts. |
|
2. The Natural Environment |
Understanding & Application |
Earthquakes and volcanoes; weather, climate and ecosystems; rivers and coasts processes and landforms; biodiversity and natural hazards. |
|
3. Economic Development |
Analysis & Evaluation |
Economic activity and industry; globalisation and trade; tourism; resource management; challenges of development. |
|
Geographical Skills |
Data handling & Map skills |
Statistical interpretation; topographic mapping; use of GIS and remote sensing; fieldwork techniques. |
Note: Fieldwork and case studies are key components that link the thematic content with real-world geographical inquiry.
Assessment Overview
Cambridge IGCSE Geography assessment comprises three compulsory components (all weighted equally) and a choice between coursework or an alternative written paper.
|
Item |
Paper / Component |
Type |
Duration / Marks |
Weighting |
|
Paper 1 |
Geographical Themes |
Written |
1 hr 45 min / 75 marks |
~45% of total |
|
Paper 2 |
Geographical Skills |
Written |
1 hr 30 min / 60 marks |
~27.5% of total |
|
Component 3 |
Coursework |
Centre-assessed / moderated |
~2000-word investigation / 60 marks |
~27.5% of total |
|
Paper 4 |
Alternative to Coursework |
Written |
1 hr 30 min / 60 marks |
~27.5% of total |
Key Points:
All candidates must take Papers 1 and 2.
For the third component, schools choose either Component 3 (coursework) or Paper 4. Coursework involves a fieldwork-based geographical investigation of approximately 2000 words.
Assessment Objectives: Students are assessed on:
AO1 – Knowledge with understanding (≈30% overall),
AO2 – Skills and analysis (≈52% overall),
AO3 – Judgement and decision-making (≈18% overall)
Cambridge official IGCSE Geography 0460 syllabus link bellow:
https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/Images/664610-2025-2026-syllabus.pdf