Oxford AQA International A Level (IAL) Geography specification (9637)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your Oxford AQA International A Level (IAL) Geography 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 Oxford AQA International A Level (IAL) Geography 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 Oxford AQA International A Level (IAL) Geography (9637) 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 Oxford AQA specification PDF.
Specification overview
The Pearson Edexcel International Advanced Level in Geography enables students to develop a critical understanding of the world through geographical enquiry, spatial awareness and contextual knowledge of places and environments. It supports the analysis of key processes shaping physical and human landscapes and encourages the application of geographical skills in real-world scenarios. Learners explore issues such as climate change, globalisation, resource security, and urbanisation. The course promotes informed decision-making and equips students with investigative, analytical and evaluative skills essential for higher education and geographical careers.
Subject content breakdown
1. Global Challenges
- World at risk: natural hazards and climate change
- Going global: globalisation, migration, and superpowers
2. Geographical Investigations
- Crowded coasts: coastal processes, management and conflict
- Urban problems, planning and regeneration
3. Contested Planet
- Energy security and water conflicts
- Biodiversity under threat and sustainable development
- Superpower geographies and bridging the development gap
- Technological fix and global futures
4. Researching Geography
- One topic selected from: Tectonic activity and hazards, Cold environments, Superpower geographies, Cultural diversity, Consuming the rural landscape, or A topic defined by Pearson
Skills Across Units
- Application of maps, graphs, statistics and data
- Fieldwork-based enquiry and report interpretation
- Evaluation of strategies and stakeholder viewpoints
Assessment structure
Unit 1: Global Challenges
- Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes
- 90 marks
- Two sections: World at Risk and Going Global
- Mix of short answers, data response and extended writing
- 50% of IAS / 25% of IAL
Unit 2: Geographical Investigations
- Written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes
- 60 marks
- Choose one physical and one human option
- Structured questions and extended responses
- 50% of IAS / 25% of IAL
Unit 3: Contested Planet
- Written exam: 2 hours 30 minutes
- 90 marks
- Six structured questions, one from each topic
- One synoptic essay from a choice of three
- 50% of IAL
Unit 4: Researching Geography
- Written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes
- 60 marks
- Based on pre-released research focus and resource booklet
- Questions test investigation, analysis and evaluation
25% of IAL
- IAS: Units 1 and 2
- IAL: All four units
- Assessment available January and June
- Grading: A–E (IAS), A*–E (IAL)
Key tips for success
Doing well in your Oxford AQA International A Level (IAL) Geography 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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