The ability to draw and interpret graphs, analyse photographs, and read maps accurately are essential skills which will be asssessed through every component of the course. Section A of the first paper has a strong "skills" element to it.

The examination board states that candidates will be required to display an understanding of the limitations of the source materials, the understanding and application of geographical principles, the ability to make judgements and communicate conclusions with regard to the following:

Ordnance Survey maps at all scales (NB the map extract for Section A of Written Component One will be from either a 1:25,000 or 1:50,000 map):

• recognise symbols
• find locations by four and six figure grid references
• measure accurately straight line and winding distances
• recognise direction
• draw and annotate cross sections
• generalise about differences in height and degree of slope
• recognise simple contour patterns
• recognise and describe fluvial and glacial features
• describe drainage patterns and identify watersheds
• generalise on the location, extent and distribution of vegetation and land use
• describe and comment upon patterns of communication and settlement
• infer human activity from map evidence
• use maps in association with aerial/oblique photographs

Atlas maps:

• describe and relate in a simple way generalised distributions of physical and human patterns

Topological diagrams:

• read and understand inferences from simplified maps, including those based on time or cost

Photographs (aerial/oblique and satellite)

• examine photographs of urban and rural landscapes
• describe main features and identify relationships
• interpret satellite photographs and images

Graphical representation:

• understand limitations and interpret a variety of graphs and distribution maps
• construct and interpret line graphs
• construct and interpret bar graphs
• construct and interpret scatter graphs
• construct and interpret pie diagrams

Sketches:

• draw, understand and interpret sketch maps, diagrams and field sketches

Written evidence:

• to communicate information by means of the written word

Any of the above skills may be examined in Written Component One (first paper) and Written Component Two (second paper). All maps and charts used in Section A of Written Component One will be provided with a key. In the coursework component, candidates should employ skills appropriate to the enquiry being undertaken.