Edexcel GCSE Geography A - Scheme of Work - Component 1, Topic 1 - The changing landscapes of the UK

Sep 2, 2026

Edexcel GCSE Geography A introduces a thematic approach dividing physical and human geography, with guided learning totaling 120 hours across two years. The document provides an adaptable sample scheme of work for Component 1, Topic 1, aligned to the specification order and structured into lesson-by-lesson ideas with suggested resources. It estimates teaching time for Component 1 and each topic, outlines assessment weight and Paper 1 details, and includes health and safety expectations for practical work and fieldwork.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryPresentations

FormatDOCX

Pages24

Reading Time8 min

AccessFree to download

Overview of Component 1

Topic structure and teaching time

Assessment overview (Paper 1)

Health and safety

Scheme of Work for Component 1, Topic 1: The changing landscapes of the UK

Independent learning/homework

Edexcel GCSE Geography A Scheme of Work Component 1, Topic 1: The changing landscapes of the UK Introduction Edexcel GCSE Geography A Geographical Themes and Challenges offers a thematic approach to studying geography and the content is split by physical and human geography. As with all GCSEs, the guided learning is 120 hours over 2 years for the full course. This document provides a sample Scheme of Work for teaching Component 1, Topic 1 that can be adapted by centres to fit their timetabling and staffing arrangements. It is meant as an example approach only and is not intended to be prescriptive. This Scheme of Work follows the order of the content in the Geography A specification. This document can be edited and updated over time to develop a resource bank. The Scheme of Work contains suggestions for resources that you can use to support your teaching and has been divided into individual lesson ideas. These are only suggestions of material you may find useful and you are encouraged to use a wide range of resources that suit the needs of your students. Pearson is not responsible for the content of external websites. Overview of Component 1 Component 1 is worth 37.5% of the GCSE. All students are required to study 3 topics. Topic 1: The changing landscapes of the UK. Topic 2: Weather hazards and climate change. Topic 3: Ecosystems, biodiversity and management. You need to allow roughly 45 hours to teach Component 1 and roughly 15 hours to teach each topic. Component 1 will be assessed in Paper 1, which is worth 37.5% of the GCSE assessment and is 1 hour 30 minutes in duration. The paper is marked out of 90. The sample assessment materials can be used for question practice to enable students to build up the confidence and skills as part of their revision and exam practice. Health and safety The practical work and fieldwork suggested within the scheme of work are those which we believe are not banned or restricted in any way and are still currently used in most schools and colleges. We advise teachers and technicians to discuss the merits of the suggested practical work and fieldwork when deciding both which will be carried out and how they will be carried out. You may have ideas for practical work and fieldwork which we have not suggested but would work just as well. As with all practical work and fieldwork, a risk assessment is expected as part of good health and safety practice in all centres. Reference to health and safety in the field is made in the specification. Scheme of Work for Component 1, Topic 1: The changing landscapes of the UK Independent learning/homework

FAQs

What is the overall learning time and structure for Edexcel GCSE Geography A?

Guided learning totals 120 hours over two years, and the course content is split into physical and human geography. Students study three topics within Component 1.

How many topics are required for Component 1 and what is Topic 1?

All students study three topics. Topic 1 is “The changing landscapes of the UK.”

What health and safety steps does the scheme expect for practical work and fieldwork?

Teachers and technicians should discuss which practical work and fieldwork to run and how to run it. A risk assessment is expected as part of good health and safety practice, and field health and safety references are covered in the specification.

Sep 2, 2026

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