Content:
- Do I need to teach the whole syllabus?
- Can candidates use bullet points in responses?
- How important is it for candidates not to exceed the coursework word limit?
- Is there an advantage in opting for Component 3 Coursework rather than Component 4 Alternative to Coursework?
- How can I be sure my learners' coursework will be acceptable to the external moderator?
- Can I adapt the mark scheme for coursework?
- Most of my learners are not First Language English speakers, and their written English is not fluent. Does this disadvantage them?
- Where can I get a copy of the 0460/2 Ordnance Survey Map extracts?
- Can students use string and a magnifying glass in Paper 2?
- Can students use calculators?
Do I need to teach the whole syllabus?
Yes, you should teach the full IGCSE Geography syllabus, and teach all topics within each theme.
Topics that do not come up on Paper 1 might prove to be useful background for Papers 2 and 4, or for coursework if that option is taken.
Can candidates use bullet points in responses?
Candidates can use bullet points in longer responses if time is short but we do not recommend this. Where longer responses are expected, development is often required in the answer to achieve higher marks and this is identified in the mark scheme. Using bullet points allows candidates to state simple points but may not allow the development required for further credit.
How important is it for candidates not to exceed the coursework word limit?
Coursework should not exceed the 2000 word limit. Candidates should be encouraged to develop the skill of writing with precision and succinctness.
Coursework which exceeds the 2000 word limit may lose focus and relevance on the route to geographical enquiry and may not achieve high marks in the assessment criteria. For example the e ‘Organisation and presentation’ assessment criteria (Level 3 (9-12 marks) makes reference to ‘clear relevance to the aims.’
Is there an advantage in opting for Component 3 Coursework rather than Component 4 Alternative to Coursework?
There is no advantage in opting for Coursework rather than Alternative to Coursework. This is a matter of choice for individual schools and teachers.
Both components require learners to assess the same skills and understanding.
How can I be sure my learners' coursework will be acceptable to the external moderator?
Cambridge makes every effort to ensure that coursework tasks are acceptable. Once coursework tasks have been set, we urge you to send in the proposed tasks for vetting before the work is done by your learners. We forward the proposed tasks to coursework consultants who provide comments on them and, if necessary, give advice on how they could be improved.
We also offer online Coursework Training Programmes, which give you the opportunity to practice your skills within different aspects of the coursework marking process. These can be booked through the Events and training calendar on our public website.
However, we cannot guarantee that the level of marks awarded in any individual school will be exactly in line with the marks awarded in another school. Therefore, each year the coursework marks of some schools have to be adjusted, up or down, as a result of external moderation. If this happens, reasons are given by the moderator in a report sent to the school.
The Coursework Handbook explains this in more detail. All teachers should read the handbook carefully before starting on coursework.
Can I adapt the mark scheme for coursework?
No, the generic mark scheme must be used exactly as it is in the syllabus.
Guidance on how to use the generic mark scheme it and sample coursework assignments with annotations and marks is in the Coursework Handbook. All teachers should read the handbook carefully before starting coursework.
Most of my learners are not First Language English speakers, and their written English is not fluent. Does this disadvantage them?
No, learners are assessed on the content they produce, not on their English.
The majority of learners are not First Language English speakers, so examiners are very experienced in assessing the work of learners whose English is in some way deficient. They are instructed to be sensitive in the interpretation of what has been written, and to give the benefit of the doubt to the learner. No marks are given for spelling, grammar, expression or any other non-subject criterion. In fact, most learners have no trouble making themselves understood.
For a small minority, however, weaknesses in their English prevent them from being able to express their answers as effectively as possible. They may not understand the questions with the necessary precision. The answers they produce may be weakened by their inability to express what it is they have to say, and this may have an impact on their overall performance.
Where can I get a copy of the 0460/2 Ordnance Survey Map extracts?
Electronic copies of the survey maps used with past papers can be found on the IGCSE Geography page of the School Support Hub in the Past Exam Resources section. Each map will be listed as 'Insert 2'.
Please contact your School Support Coordinator if you do not currently have access to this website.
The November 2015 maps for 0460/22 have had their scales reduced to fit for printing onto A3. Please take this into account if using this map extract.
Students should contact the school or centre where you are taking your exams in order to obtain copies of these survey maps.
Can students use string and a magnifying glass in Paper 2?
String can be used to measure distances on map used on 0460 Paper 2 if this is the way this has been taught to candidates. Magnifying glasses are permitted for use with Paper 2 also.
Calculators can be used in all 0460 and 0976 examinations as per the instruction in the CIE Admin guide
For more information and materials on this syllabus, please visit our School Support Hub here.
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