Edexcel GCSE Geography B specification (1GB0)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your Edexcel GCSE Geography B exam. It lays out exactly what you need to learn, how you'll be assessed, and what skills the examiners seek. Whether you're working through the course for the first time or revising for your final exams, the specification helps you stay focused and confident in your preparation.
We've included helpful revision tools to support you in putting the specification into practice. Wherever you're starting from, you'll find everything you need to feel prepared, from the official specification to high-quality resources designed to help you succeed.
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In the next section, you'll find a simplified summary of the official Edexcel GCSE Geography B specification, along with a breakdown of key topics, assessment structure, and useful study resources. We've also included links to topic-level guides and revision tools to help you put the specification into practice.
Contents
Disclaimer
This page includes a summary of the official Edexcel GCSE Geography B (1GB0) specification, provided to support your revision. While we've made every effort to ensure accuracy, Save My Exams is not affiliated with the awarding body.
For the most complete and up-to-date information, we strongly recommend consulting the official Edexcel specification PDF.
Specification overview
The Pearson Edexcel GCSE (9–1) in Geography B helps students develop understanding of the world’s people, places and environments. Through enquiry-based topics, learners investigate key global and UK geographical issues and consider real-world challenges, including environmental sustainability, development, urbanisation and resource management. Students develop analytical, numerical and fieldwork skills while applying geographical knowledge to decision-making contexts. The course fosters critical thinking and prepares students for further study or careers through integrated themes and accessible assessments.
Subject content breakdown
Component 1: Global Geographical Issues
Topic 1: Hazardous Earth
- Atmospheric circulation and climate change (natural and human causes)
- Tropical cyclones and tectonic hazards, with case studies
Topic 2: Development Dynamics
- Measuring development and inequality
- Development theories (Rostow, Frank), strategies and globalisation
- Case study: development of one emerging country
Topic 3: Challenges of an Urbanising World
- Urbanisation trends, megacities and socio-economic impacts
- Case study: quality of life in one megacity in a developing/emerging country
Component 2: UK Geographical Issues
Topic 4: The UK’s evolving physical landscape
- Geology and landscapes: coastal and river processes with human impact
- Landforms, erosion, deposition and conflict/management
Topic 5: The UK’s evolving human landscape
- Urban/rural contrasts, migration, economic changes
- Case study: change in one UK city, regeneration and urban sustainability
Topic 6: Geographical investigations
- Fieldwork in two contrasting environments:
- One physical (coastal or river)
- One human (urban or rural)
- Enquiry stages: question, methods, data, analysis, conclusions
- Fieldwork in two contrasting environments:
Component 3: People and Environment Issues – Making Geographical Decisions
Topic 7: People and the Biosphere
- Global biomes, resource use and population/resource debates
Topic 8: Forests under Threat
- Rainforest and taiga characteristics, threats, management strategies
Topic 9: Consuming Energy Resources
- Energy types, supply, demand, environmental impact, alternatives
- Attitudes and decision-making about future energy
Geographical and mathematical skills
- Map skills (OS, GIS), data presentation, statistical analysis
- Fieldwork techniques, hypothesis testing and enquiry evaluation
Assessment structure
Paper 1: Global Geographical Issues
- 1 hr 30 mins written exam
- 37.5% of qualification (94 marks incl. 4 SPaG)
- Topics: Hazardous Earth, Development Dynamics, Urbanisation
- Includes MCQs, short/open response, 8-mark extended writing
Paper 2: UK Geographical Issues
- 1 hr 30 mins written exam
- 37.5% of qualification (94 marks incl. 4 SPaG)
- Topics: Physical and human UK landscapes and two fieldwork investigations
- Includes optional questions for physical and human fieldwork
Paper 3: People and Environment Issues – Making Geographical Decisions
- 1 hr 30 mins written exam
- 25% of qualification (64 marks incl. 4 SPaG)
- Topics: Biosphere, Forests, Energy, decision-making scenario with resource booklet
Assessment Objectives
- AO1: Knowledge – 15%
- AO2: Understanding – 25%
- AO3: Interpretation, evaluation, judgement – 35% (10% fieldwork)
- AO4: Skills and communication – 25% (5% fieldwork)
Exam format
- All papers externally assessed
- All components assessed at the end of the course
- Calculators allowed on all papers
- Decision-making paper includes a 12-mark extended response
Key tips for success
Doing well in your Edexcel GCSE Geography B isn't just about how much you study, but how you study. Here are a few proven tips to help you stay on track
- Start with a clear plan: Break the subject into topics and create a revision schedule that allows enough time for each. Start early to avoid last-minute stress.
- Focus on understanding, not memorising: Use our revision notes to build a strong foundation in each topic, making sure you actually understand the material.
- Practise regularly: Attempt past papers to familiarise yourself with the exam format and timing. Mark your answers to see how close you are to full marks.
- Be strategic with your revision: Use exam questions by topic to focus on weaker areas, and flashcards to reinforce important facts and terminology.
- Learn from mistakes: Whether it's from mock exams or practice questions, spend time reviewing what went wrong and why. This helps prevent repeat mistakes in the real exam.
- Stay balanced: Don't forget to take regular breaks, eat well, and get enough sleep, a healthy routine makes revision much more effective.
With the right approach and consistent practice, you'll build confidence and improve your chances of exam success.
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