Specifications that use this resource:

Switching to AQA: from Eduqas B1

To save you time and help you compare our GCSE Geography with the Eduqas B1 specification, we’ve created some comparison tables.

These tables highlight the content and requirements side by side, so you can make the right choice for your students.

Assessment structure

Paper 1

AQA – GCSE Geography

Eduqas – GCSE Geography B1

Living with the physical environment

Investigating geographical issues

Written exam

Written exam

1 hour 30 minutes

1 hour 45 minutes

88 marks (35% of GCSE)

100 marks (40% of GCSE)

Paper 2

AQA – GCSE Geography

Eduqas – GCSE Geography B1

Challenges in the human environment

Problem solving geography

Written exam

Written exam

1 hour 30 minutes

1 hour 30 minutes

88 marks (35% of GCSE)

76 marks (30% of GCSE)

Paper 3

AQA – GCSE Geography

Eduqas – GCSE Geography B1

Geographical applications

Applied fieldwork enquiry

Written exam

Written exam

1 hour 30 minutes

1 hour 30 minutes

76 marks (30% of GCSE)

76 marks (30% of GCSE)

Subject content

Paper 1

AQA – GCSE Geography

Eduqas – GCSE Geography B1

3.1 Living with the physical environment

3.1.1 – the challenge of natural hazards

  • 3.1.1.1 Natural hazards
  • 3.1.1.2 Tectonic hazards
  • 3.1.1.3 Weather hazards
  • 3.1.1.4 Climate changes

Theme one: changing places – changing economies

  • 1.1.1 – 1.1.3 Urbanisation in contrasting global cities
  • 1.2.1 – 1.2.5 Urban and rural processes and change in the UK
  • 1.3.1 – 1.3.4 A global perspective on development issues.

3.1.2 – the living world

  • 3.1.2.1 Ecosystems
  • 3.1.2.2 Tropical rainforests
  • 3.1.2.3 Hot deserts or
  • 3.1.2.4 Cold environments

Theme two: changing environments

  • 2.1.1 – 2.1.4 Shaping the landscape – coasts and coastal management
  • 2.2.1 – 2.2.4 Shaping the landscape – rivers and river management
  • 2.3.1 – 2.3.4 Weather and climate
  • 2.4.1 – 2.4.4 Climate change – cause and effect.

3.1.3 – physical landscapes in the UK

  • 3.1.3.1 Overview of UK physical landscapes

Two from:

  • 3.1.3.2 Coastal landscapes in the UK
  • 3.1.3.3 River landscapes in the UK
  • 3.1.3.4 Glacial landscapes in the UK

Theme three: environmental challenges

  • 3.1.1 – 3.1.3 How ecosystems function
  • 3.2.1 – 3.2.3 Ecosystems under threat
  • 3.3.1 – 3.3.3 Water resources and management
  • 3.4.1 – 3.4.3 Desertification.

Paper 2

AQA – GCSE Geography

Eduqas – GCSE Geography B1

3.2.1 Section A – urban issues and challenges:

Including case study of major city in an LIC or NEE and a case study of a major city in the UK.

Part A

This section will introduce an issue and set the geographical context.

3.2.2 Section B – the changing economic world

Including development indicators, causes of uneven development and a case study of a LIC or NEE.

Part B

This section will outline a number of possible solutions to the issue.

3.2.3 Section C – the challenge of resource management

3.2.3.1 Resource management. Overview of resources in relation to the UK. One from:

  • 3.2.3.2 Food
  • 3.2.3.3 Water
  • 3.2.3.4 Energy

Part C

This section will provide an opportunity for the candidates to choose a solution and justify their choice.

Paper 3

AQA – GCSE Geography

Eduqas – GCSE Geography B1

3.3.1 Section A – issue evaluation

Using pre-release resource issued 12 weeks before the date of the exam. Theme based on compulsory part of the specification.

Part A

Approaches to fieldwork methodology, representation and analysis.

3.3.2 Section B – fieldwork

Assessment based on two geographical enquiries completed by candidates and on fieldwork materials from an unfamiliar context. One enquiry must focus on human geography and the second enquiry must focus on physical geography. One of the enquiries must show an understanding about the interaction between physical and human geography.

Part B

How fieldwork enquiry may be used to investigate geography’s broad conceptual frameworks.

Assessment of parts A and B will be based on two geographical enquiries completed by candidates and on fieldwork materials from an unfamiliar context. Fieldwork options are published two years in advance on the exam. Centres choose one from Table A and one from Table B.

Part C

This section will assess the application of broad geographical concepts to a wider UK context and assess the ability to make and justify a decision.