Geographical skills — AQA GCSE Geography
Geographical skills explained
This statement highlights the fundamental role of geographical skills across the entire GCSE course.
Read the full explanation
Students must develop cartographic, graphical, numerical, and statistical skills, which are integrated into all topics rather than taught in isolation. These skills will be assessed across all three written exam papers. For example, students might be asked to calculate the mean temperature from a data table, interpret a climate graph, or use six-figure grid references to locate a feature on an Ordnance Survey (OS) map extract. Because OS maps or other map extracts can appear in any of the three exams, students must be consistently prepared to apply these practical skills to unfamiliar resources and contexts throughout their assessments.
Your focus
- Identify the four main categories of geographical skills required across the specification.
- Recognise that Ordnance Survey maps and other map extracts can be assessed in any of the three written exams.
- Apply cartographic, graphical, numerical, and statistical skills to various geographical contexts.
Geographical skills exam tips
Examiner Tips
- 💡Practice using OS map extracts regularly, focusing on four- and six-figure grid references, scale, and interpreting contour lines.
- 💡When analysing graphs or data tables in the exam, always manipulate the data (e.g., calculate a difference or percentage) rather than just quoting figures.
- 💡Ensure you bring a calculator to all three geography exams, as numerical and statistical skills can be tested in any paper.
Common Mistakes
- Assuming geographical skills are only tested in a specific 'skills' paper. Correction: Skills are integrated and assessed across all three written exams.
- Neglecting to revise OS map skills because they were covered early in the course. Correction: OS maps or other map extracts can appear in any exam, so continuous practice is essential.
- Believing numerical and statistical skills only require basic arithmetic. Correction: Students must be able to apply statistical skills, such as calculating means, medians, or percentage changes, to geographical data.