Edexcel GCSE Geography B
Explore your course, one topic at a time.
Course overview
The PEARSON-EDEXCEL GCSE Geography B specification covers 63 study areas with 402 learning objectives (1GB0). Use the topic browser below to explore subtopics, exam tips, common mistakes, and key terminology for each area of the course.
- 63 study areas
- 402 learning objectives
Verified courseQuestions and notes checked against the official specification.
- 804
- verified practice questions
- 134
- verified teaching notes
- 63
- topics
Your exams
- Paper 1: Global Geographical IssuesTuesday, 18 May 2027, AM
- Paper 2: UK Geographical IssuesWednesday, 26 May 2027, PM
- Paper 3: People and Environment Issues – Making Geographical DecisionsThursday, 10 June 2027, PM
Always confirm dates and times with your exam centre.
| Paper | Time | Marks | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1: Global Geographical Issues | 90 min | 94 | 37.5% |
| Paper 2: UK Geographical Issues | 90 min | 94 | 37.5% |
| Paper 3: People and Environment Issues - Making Geographical Decisions | 90 min | 64 | 25% |
Explore your topics
63 study areas
Global Geographical Issues23 topics
- Topic 1: 1.1 The atmosphere operates as a global system which transfers heat around the Earth2 specification points covering a.6 objectives
- Topic 1: 1.2 Climate has changed in the past through natural causes on timescales ranging from hundreds to millions of years2 specification points covering a.6 objectives
- Topic 1: 1.3 Global climate is now changing as a result of human activity, and there is uncertainty about future climates3 specification points covering a.9 objectives
- Topic 1: 1.4 Tropical cyclones are caused by particular meteorological conditions2 specification points covering a.6 objectives
- Topic 1: 1.5 Tropical cyclones present major natural hazards to people and places2 specification points covering a.6 objectives
- Topic 1: 1.6 The impacts of tropical cyclones are linked to a country’s ability to prepare and respond to them2 specification points covering a.6 objectives
- Topic 1: 1.7 Earth’s layered structure, and physical properties is key to plate tectonics2 specification points covering a.6 objectives
- Topic 1: 1.8 There are different plate boundaries, each with characteristic volcanic and earthquake hazards2 specification points covering a.6 objectives
- Topic 1: 1.9 Tectonic hazards affect people, and are managed, differently at contrasting locations2 specification points covering a.6 objectives
- Topic 2: 2.1 There are different ways of defining and measuring development2 specification points covering a.6 objectives
- Topic 2: 2.2 There is global inequality in development and different theories in how it can be reduced2 specification points covering a.6 objectives
- Topic 2: 2.3 Approaches to development vary in type and success2 specification points covering a.6 objectives
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UK Geographical Issues26 study areas
- Topic 4: 4.1 Geology and past processes have influenced the physical landscape of the UK2 specification points covering a.6 objectives
- Topic 4: 4.2 A number of physical and human processes work together to create distinct UK landscapes2 specification points covering a.6 objectives
- Topic 4: 4.3 Distinctive coastal landscapes are influenced by geology interacting with physical processes3 specification points covering a.9 objectives
- Topic 4: 4.4 Distinctive coastal landscapes are modified by human activity interacting with physical processes2 specification points covering a.6 objectives
- Topic 4: 4.5 The interaction of human and physical processes present challenges along coastlines and there are a variety of management options2 specification points covering a.6 objectives
- Topic 4: 4.6 Distinctive river landscapes have different characteristics formed by interacting physical processes3 specification points covering a.9 objectives
- Topic 4: 4.7 River landscapes are influenced by human activity interacting with physical processes2 specification points covering a.6 objectives
- Topic 4: 4.8 Some rivers are more prone to flood than others and there is a variety of river management options2 specification points covering a.6 objectives
- Topic 5: 5.1 Population, economic activities and settlements are key elements of the human landscapeThis statement asks you to compare the urban core with rural areas across population density and age structure, economic activities and settlement.3 objectives
- Topic 5: 5.2 The UK economy and society is increasingly linked and shaped by the wider world3 specification points covering a.9 objectives
- Topic 5: 5.3 The context of the city influences its functions and structure2 specification points covering a.6 objectives
- Topic 5: 5.4 The city changes through employment, services and the movement of people2 specification points covering a.6 objectives
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People and Environment Issues - Making Geographical Decisions14 topics
- Topic 7: 7.1 The Earth is home to a number of very large ecosystems (biomes) the distribution of which is affected by climate and other factors2 specification points covering a.6 objectives
- Topic 7: 7.2 The biosphere is a vital life- support system for people as it provides both goods and services3 specification points covering a.9 objectives
- Topic 8: 8.1 The structure, functioning and adaptations of the tropical rainforest* reflect the equatorial climate2 specification points covering a.6 objectives
- Topic 8: 8.2 The taiga shows different characteristics, reflecting the more extreme and highly seasonal climate2 specification points covering a.6 objectives
- Topic 8: 8.3 Tropical rainforests are threatened directly by deforestation and indirectly by climate change2 specification points covering a.6 objectives
- Topic 8: 8.4 The taiga is increasingly threatened by commercial development2 specification points covering a.6 objectives
- Topic 8: 8.5 Conservation and sustainable management of tropical rain forests is vital if goods and services are not to be lost for future generations2 specification points covering a.6 objectives
- Topic 8: 8.6 The taiga wilderness areas need to be protected from over- exploitation2 specification points covering a.6 objectives
- Topic 9: 9.1 Energy resources can be classified in different ways and their extraction and use has environmental consequences2 specification points covering a.6 objectives
- Topic 9: 9.2 Access to energy resources is not evenly distributed which has implications for people2 specification points covering a.6 objectives
- Topic 9: 9.3 The global demand for oil is increasing, but supplies are unevenly available2 specification points covering a.6 objectives
- Topic 9: 9.4 The world’s continuing reliance of fossil fuels increases pressure to exploit new areas2 specification points covering a.6 objectives
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About this course
About Pearson Edexcel GCSE Geography B
Pearson Edexcel GCSE Geography B is a dynamic, issues-based course that explores the complex relationships between people and their environments. You will study both physical and human geography, focusing on key global challenges such as climate change, resource management, and urbanisation. The specification is structured into three engaging components: Global Geographical Issues, UK Geographical Issues, and People and Environment Issues, each designed to build your understanding of the world and your place within it.
The course encourages you to think like a geographer, investigating real-world problems and considering different perspectives. You will develop critical thinking, data analysis, and fieldwork skills that are valuable for further study and future careers. The content is relevant and up-to-date, covering topics like tectonic hazards, development gaps, and the UK's changing landscapes, making it both interesting and applicable to current global debates.
Assessment Structure
This qualification is assessed through three written exam papers, each worth 30% of the final grade, plus a non-examined assessment (NEA) worth 10% of the final grade. Paper 1: Global Geographical Issues (1 hour 30 minutes, 94 marks) covers hazardous Earth, development dynamics, and challenges of an urbanising world. Paper 2: UK Geographical Issues (1 hour 30 minutes, 94 marks) focuses on the UK's evolving physical landscape, its evolving human landscape, and geographical investigations. Paper 3: People and Environment Issues (1 hour 30 minutes, 94 marks) examines people and the biosphere, forests under threat, and consuming energy resources. The NEA is a fieldwork-based project worth 10% of the total GCSE, assessed by your teacher and moderated by Pearson Edexcel.
Why Choose Pearson Edexcel?
- Pearson Edexcel GCSE Geography B offers a clear and coherent structure with a focus on contemporary global issues, making it highly relevant and engaging for students who want to understand the world today.
- The specification includes a manageable and well-defined fieldwork requirement, with two compulsory fieldwork experiences (one physical and one human) that are assessed in Paper 2, reducing the burden of a separate controlled assessment.
- Edexcel provides excellent support materials, including detailed schemes of work, exam practice questions, and online resources, which help students and teachers prepare effectively for the exams.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Geography A and Geography B for Edexcel GCSE?
How many exams do I take for Edexcel GCSE Geography B and how long are they?
Is there coursework in Edexcel GCSE Geography B?
What fieldwork do I need to do for Edexcel GCSE Geography B?
How does Edexcel GCSE Geography B prepare me for A-level Geography?
Assessment and exam guidance
Assessment Objectives
Demonstrate knowledge of locations, places, processes, environments and different scales
Demonstrate geographical understanding of: concepts and how they are used in relation to places, environments and processes; the interrelationships between places, environments and processes
Apply knowledge and understanding to interpret, analyse and evaluate geographical information and issues and to make judgements
Select, adapt and use a variety of skills and techniques to investigate questions and issues and communicate findings
Exam Structure
Paper 1: Global Geographical Issues
1h 30m
Duration
94
Marks
37.5%
Weighting
Paper 2: UK Geographical Issues
1h 30m
Duration
94
Marks
37.5%
Weighting
Paper 3: People and Environment Issues - Making Geographical Decisions
1h 30m
Duration
64
Marks
25%
Weighting
Tips and common mistakes
Common Exam Mistakes
Pitfalls to avoid in your exams
- •Treats the equator as losing more heat than it gains; correct it by recognising that the equator is a net gainer of solar energy.
- •Places the Ferrel cell between the equator and 30°; correct it by placing the Hadley cell there and the Ferrel cell between about 30° and 60°.
- •Describes ocean currents as unrelated to heat; correct it by linking currents to the transfer of heat from low to high latitudes.
- •Links high rainfall to high pressure; correct it by associating rising air and low pressure with high rainfall.
- •Places arid conditions at the equator; correct it by locating dry, high-pressure conditions where air sinks, near 30°.
- •Explains desert location using only local features such as distance from the sea; correct it by linking location to the global cell pattern.
- •Treats all natural causes as acting on the same timescale; match each cause to hundreds, thousands or millions of years instead.
- •Describes human causes such as burning fossil fuels; this statement covers only natural causes, so exclude human activity.
Top Examiner Tips
Expert advice for exam success
- •Draw a labelled cross-section of one hemisphere showing the three cells and arrows for heat movement before reading the options.
- •Read every option against your diagram and eliminate any that reverse the direction of heat flow between equator and poles.
- •When an option names a current, check whether it is warm or cold and whether it moves heat towards or away from the equator.
- •Annotate a cell diagram with the words rising, low pressure, sinking and high pressure before answering.
- •Check whether each option pairs arid conditions with high pressure and high rainfall with low pressure, since reversing these is a common distractor.
- •Use the latitude of a named place to decide whether it sits in a rising or sinking zone, then match it to the correct option.
- •For each multiple-choice option, check that the cause named matches the timescale of the event before selecting it.
- •Memorise one mechanism and one example for each cause, such as dust from an asteroid impact or sulphur aerosols from an eruption.
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