Cambridge O Level Geography (for centres in Brunei) 2230 syllabus for 2025, 2026 and 2027.

Details of the assessment

Section A: Mapwork skills

All answers to the mapwork question must be based on map evidence only. Candidates do not need any
place-specific knowledge to answer the question in this section.

Question 1 will be based on a large-scale topographical map. The map extract provided will be on a scale of
either 1:25 000 or 1:50 000 and will always contain a full key. This question will be worth 20 marks.

One third of the marks for Paper 2 are for the mapwork question. Candidates are asked to describe and
analyse a large-scale map. This means that candidates must be proficient in map-reading and interpretation
skills.

Candidates should be able to use a co-ordinate reference system and to give and read four-figure and six-figure
grid references to locate places.

In this example, the four-figure grid reference for the dot is 4665 and the six-figure grid reference for the dot is
463654:

46 47
66 66
9
8
7 2nd Reading
(NORTHINGS)
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
65 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
65
46 47
1st Reading (EASTINGS)

To give the six-figure grid reference, first identify the grid square, in this case 4665. The third figure is obtained
by dividing the space between grid lines 46 and 47 into ten equal parts. Similarly, the sixth figure is obtained by
a division of the gap between northings 65 and 66. This results in a grid reference of 463654 for the dot and
460650 for the star. Please note that the first tenth is 0 and the last tenth is 9 in the divided grid square.

Candidates should be able to give directions, both in terms of a 16-point compass (such as north, north-north-
east, north-east, etc.) and as a bearing from grid north of one place from another. For this reason candidates
must have protractors in the examination room.

Candidates should be able to measure horizontal distances. This is done most accurately by using a straight-
edged piece of paper and the scale line. If the line to be measured is curved, divide the curve into straight
sections and rotate the paper after each straight section to follow the next straight section. Finally, place
the completed straight-edged piece of paper along the linear scale line on the map extract and read off the
distance in kilometres/metres. This method avoids complicated mathematical calculations which can arise
when rulers are used.

Candidates should also be able to:

calculate differences in height by means of contour reading
interpret, construct or complete a cross-section
translate the scale of a feature by describing its size and shape in real terms
use the key to identify features on the map

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 Cambridge O Level Geography (for centres in Brunei) 2230 syllabus for 2025, 2026 and 2027. Details of the assessment

draw inferences about the physical and human landscape by interpreting map evidence (including patterns
of relief, drainage, settlement, communication and land use)
identify basic landscape features (such as river valleys and uplands)
give brief descriptions of basic landscape features using suitable geographical terms (such as ridge,
plateau, scarp, flood plain) and simple adjectives showing an appreciation of their nature (such as broad,
flat, steep-sided, deeply cut, gently sloping)
recognise essential differences in density of drainage, stream patterns, gradients or sizes of streams in
relation to the relief
describe the physical features of coastlines and the shape and form of river channels as they are shown on
large-scale maps
describe variations in land use
recognise and analyse patterns of settlement (dispersed, nucleated, linear)
draw sketch maps illustrating these patterns
interpret and describe features of urban morphology as they are shown on large-scale maps
give reasons for the site and growth of individual settlements
recognise communication networks in terms of their type and density in relation to physical and human
features.

Section B: Geographical skills

There are two questions in this section.

Question 2 will be based on the geography of Brunei involving interpretation of resources as well as requiring
place-specific knowledge. This question will be worth 10 marks.

Question 3 will be set on an international example and will involve interpretation of resources. The resources will
include all the information needed to answer the question. No place-specific knowledge will be required. This
question will be worth 10 marks.

Maps, diagrams, photographs, graphs, tables of data, written material

Questions will be set using some or all of these resources.

Candidates should be able to:

Extract specified geographical information from maps, diagrams, photographs, graphs, tables of data and
written material.
Recognise patterns and deduce relationships.
Describe variations and identify trends in information.

Maps, diagrams and photographs

Questions will be set using:
various types of maps and diagrams for example: maps based on global and other scales, maps using flow
lines, isoline maps, choropleth maps, and flow diagrams
field sketches of physical and human landscapes to stimulate geographical description and annotation
photographic and pictorial material (including field sketches). Some questions will include oblique
photographs.

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 Cambridge O Level Geography (for centres in Brunei) 2230 syllabus for 2025, 2026 and 2027. Details of the assessment

Candidates should be able to:

identify and describe significant features of the human and physical landscape on maps, for example,
natural vegetation, settlement layout, relief and drainage, transport networks, population distribution and
population movements
add specified detail on maps or other material provided to show that they can apply geographical
knowledge and understanding
use supporting material in conjunction with large-scale maps to identify, describe and analyse features and
show that they can recognise patterns and deduce trends.

Graphs and tables of data

Various types of graphs may be used, for example: line graphs, bar graphs, divided bar graphs, histograms,
scatter graphs, pie graphs and population pyramids.

Graphs may show, for example, temperature, birth rate, death rate, energy, rainfall distribution or river
discharge.

Data tables may provide various types of information on physical phenomena, economic activities, population,
settlement, agricultural and manufacturing output, etc.

Candidates should be able to:

describe the broad features of the data provided, for example, population structure and use the pyramid
to identify comparisons and contrasts between the male and female populations, the working and non-
working population and the young-, middle- and old-age groups
describe and analyse features and trends from the data provided
plot information on graphs when axes and scales are provided
suggest a suitable form of graphical representation for the data provided.

Written material
Questions may also use extracts from websites, books and newspapers, and candidates will need to show an
understanding of the material presented.

Section C: Geographical investigation

Question 4 will be worth 20 marks.

Candidates do not need any place-specific knowledge to answer the question. Questions that require
Knowledge with understanding (AO1) will be based on topics from 1.3, 2.2 or 3.3 (see section 3).

Candidates will be set a series of questions related to either Settlements and services, Rivers or Tourism.
Questions will involve different stages of geographical investigation appropriate to the topics.

Candidates should study the principles of geographical investigations and show understanding of geographical
enquiry. Some practical experience of fieldwork methodology, however limited, is desirable in preparation
for this section. One approach is to introduce the appropriate enquiry skills and techniques relevant to
geographical investigations during the teaching of a specific topic from the themes Settlements and services,
Rivers or Tourism. For example while studying topic 2.2.1 (River systems), time could be spent discussing
how key aspects of the form of rivers could be measured, the plotting of depth data and the calculation of
cross-sectional area and discharge. You could introduce the skills required for questionnaires, counts and
observations in either Settlements and services or Tourism wherever this is practical for the centre.

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 Cambridge O Level Geography (for centres in Brunei) 2230 syllabus for 2025, 2026 and 2027. Details of the assessment

Enquiry skills for geographical investigations

Candidates should know about the stages involved in geographical enquiry, such as identifying aims and
hypotheses/guiding questions, using enquiry skills to collect data, presentation techniques to display data,
making analyses of data and reaching conclusions.

1 Identifying aims and hypotheses/guiding questions

Candidates should be familiar with hypotheses as statements and guiding questions that form the basis of
geographical investigation. These investigate a geographical concept, for example, ‘The impact of tourism
on an attraction is more positive than negative’. Collecting relevant data, analysis, and drawing conclusions
using the evidence can test these.

2 Enquiry skills to collect data

Questions will test knowledge and application of the methodology used in the following range of enquiry
skills to collect data.

Pilot study
A pilot study is important to ensure the data collection methods will work.

Questionnaires
Questionnaires can be oral or written to gain information from an individual or a group of individuals.
Questionnaires can be used when studying either Settlements and services or Tourism.
Candidates should be aware of:
• factors influencing the successful design of questionnaires, for example:
– layout
– format of questions
– appropriate wording of questions
– number of questions
• the practical considerations involved in conducting a questionnaire, for example:
– sampling methods
– pilot survey
– location of survey.

Observation
Examples of using observations to collect data include the recording of land use in an urban area or
observations of river features. Candidates can use maps, recording sheets, field sketches and annotated
photographs to record their observations.

Counts
Examples of counts are pedestrian and traffic counts. Candidates should be aware of suitable methods
for recording counts, including the layout of recording sheets, instructions and the information required to
identify the sheet following the count (time, date, location and name of recorder).

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 Cambridge O Level Geography (for centres in Brunei) 2230 syllabus for 2025, 2026 and 2027. Details of the assessment

Measurement
Candidates should be aware that when they are recording measurements, it is important to plan the layout
of the recording sheet, the location of instruments and the sampling methods used to provide reliable data.
They should know what measurement equipment is required for the investigation. They should be familiar
with:
• river measurements of channel width, depth, velocity and the size and shape of bedload
• measurement techniques associated with human fieldwork such as survey strategies and
pedestrian/traffic counts.

3 Data-presentation techniques
Candidates need to know about the presentation techniques that can be used to present data. These
include various types of graphs, maps and diagrams, for example:
• line graphs • bar graphs
• divided bar graphs • histograms
• pie graphs • scatter graphs (with line of best fit)
• dispersion graphs • choropleth maps
• isoline maps • flow diagrams
• kite diagrams • photographs
• field sketches

4 Analysis
Candidates should be able to describe the patterns in data presented in graphs and tables of results.
Questions often require candidates to refer to relevant geographical knowledge and understanding when
they are interpreting data.

5 Making conclusions
Using the evidence from the data, candidates should be able to make judgements on the validity of the
original hypothesis or aims of the investigation. They must refer to the reliability of the data collected and
give a critical evaluation of the data collection methods chosen.

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 Cambridge O Level Geography (for centres in Brunei) 2230 syllabus for 2025, 2026 and 2027. Details of the assessment

Command words
Command words and their meanings help candidates know what is expected from them in the exam. The table
below includes command words used in the assessment for this syllabus. The use of the command word will
relate to the subject context.

Command word What it means

Calculate work out from given facts, figures or information

Compare identify/comment on similarities and/or differences

Define give precise meaning

Describe state the points of a topic / give characteristics and main features

Devise create a questionnaire or present other information according to specific requirements

Estimate use judgement to give a unit value to a distance or area

Explain set out purposes or reasons / make the relationships between things clear / say why
and/or how and support with relevant evidence

Give produce an answer from a given source or recall/memory

Identify name/select/recognise

Justify support a case with evidence/argument

Locate indicate the position of a place, feature or entity from/on a resource

Plan create a method to obtain or present certain information (such as a questionnaire)

according to specific requirements

Predict suggest what may happen based on available information

Sketch make a simple freehand drawing showing the key features, taking care over
proportions

State express in clear terms

Suggest apply knowledge and understanding to situations where there are a range of valid
responses to make proposals / put forward considerations

Phrases such as ‘How far do you agree …?’ and ‘To what extent …?’ may also be seen in the assessment for
this syllabus.

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 Cambridge O Level Geography (for centres in Brunei) 2230 syllabus for 2025, 2026 and 2027.

5 What else you need to know

This section is an overview of other information you need to know about this syllabus. It will help to share the
administrative information with your exams officer so they know when you will need their support.

Before you start

Previous study
We recommend that learners starting this course should have studied a Geography curriculum such as the
Cambridge Lower Secondary programme or equivalent national educational framework.

Guided learning hours

We design Cambridge O Level syllabuses to require about 130 guided learning hours for each subject. This is
for guidance only. The number of hours a learner needs to achieve the qualification may vary according to each
school and the learners’ previous experience of the subject.

Availability and timetables

You can enter candidates in the November exam series. It is available to centres in Brunei only.

Check you are using the syllabus for the year the candidate is taking the exam.

Private candidates can enter for this syllabus.

Combining with other syllabuses

Candidates can take this syllabus alongside other Cambridge International syllabuses in a single exam series.
The only exceptions are:
Cambridge IGCSE Geography (0460)
Cambridge IGCSE (9–1) Geography (0976)
Cambridge O Level Geography (2217)
syllabuses with the same title at the same level.

Cambridge O Level, Cambridge IGCSE™ and Cambridge IGCSE (9–1) syllabuses are at the same level.

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 Cambridge O Level Geography (for centres in Brunei) 2230 syllabus for 2025, 2026 and 2027. What else you need to know

Making entries
Exam administration
To keep our exams secure, we produce question papers for different areas of the world, known as
administrative zones. We allocate all Cambridge schools to an administrative zone determined by their location.
Each zone has a specific timetable. Some of our syllabuses offer candidates different assessment options. An
entry option code is used to identify the components the candidate will take relevant to the administrative zone
and the available assessment options.

Retakes
Candidates can retake the whole qualification as many times as they want to. This is a linear
qualification so candidates cannot re-sit individual components. Information on retake entries is at
www.cambridgeinternational.org/retakes

Language
This syllabus and the related assessment materials are available in English only.

Accessibility and equality

Syllabus and assessment design
Cambridge International works to avoid direct or indirect discrimination. We develop and design syllabuses and
assessment materials to maximise inclusivity for candidates of all national, cultural or social backgrounds and
candidates with protected characteristics; these protected characteristics include special educational needs
and disability, religion and belief, and characteristics related to gender and identity. In addition, the language
and layout used are designed to make our materials as accessible as possible. This gives all candidates the
fairest possible opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge, skills and understanding and helps to minimise the
requirement to make reasonable adjustments during the assessment process.

Access arrangements
Access arrangements (including modified papers) are the principal way in which Cambridge International
complies with our duty, as guided by the UK Equality Act (2010), to make ‘reasonable adjustments’ for
candidates with special educational needs (SEN), disability, illness or injury. Where a candidate would otherwise
be at a substantial disadvantage in comparison to a candidate with no SEN, disability, illness or injury, we
may be able to agree pre-examination access arrangements. These arrangements help a candidate by
minimising accessibility barriers and maximising their opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge, skills and
understanding in an assessment.

Important:
Requested access arrangements should be based on evidence of the candidate’s barrier to assessment
and should also reflect their normal way of working at school; this is in line with the Cambridge Handbook
www.cambridgeinternational.org/eoguide
For Cambridge International to approve an access arrangement, we will need to agree that it constitutes
a reasonable adjustment, involves reasonable cost and timeframe and does not affect the security and
integrity of the assessment.
Availability of access arrangements should be checked by centres at the start of the course. Details of our
standard access arrangements and modified question papers are available in the Cambridge Handbook
www.cambridgeinternational.org/eoguide

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 Cambridge O Level Geography (for centres in Brunei) 2230 syllabus for 2025, 2026 and 2027. What else you need to know

Please contact us at the start of the course to find out if we are able to approve an arrangement that is not
included in the list of standard access arrangements.
Candidates who cannot access parts of the assessment may be able to receive an award based on the
parts they have completed.

After the exam

Grading and reporting
Grades A*, A, B, C, D or E indicate the standard a candidate achieved at Cambridge O Level.

A* is the highest and E is the lowest. ‘Ungraded’ means that the candidate’s performance did not meet the
standard required for grade E. ‘Ungraded’ is reported on the statement of results but not on the certificate.

In specific circumstances your candidates may see one of the following letters on their statement of results:
Q (PENDING)
X (NO RESULT).
These letters do not appear on the certificate.

On the statement of results and certificates, Cambridge O Level is shown as GENERAL CERTIFICATE OF
EDUCATION (GCE O LEVEL).

How students and teachers can use the grades

Assessment at Cambridge O Level has two purposes:
1 to measure learning and achievement
The assessment confirms achievement and performance in relation to the knowledge, understanding and
skills specified in the syllabus, to the levels described in the grade descriptions.
2 to show likely future success
The outcomes help predict which students are well prepared for a particular course or career and/or which
students are more likely to be successful.
The outcomes help students choose the most suitable course or career

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 Cambridge O Level Geography (for centres in Brunei) 2230 syllabus for 2025, 2026 and 2027. What else you need to know

Changes to this syllabus for 2025, 2026 and 2027

The syllabus has been updated. This is version 1, published September 2022.

You must read the whole syllabus before planning your teaching programme.

Changes to availability This syllabus is no longer available for exams in the June series. This
syllabus is available for exams in the November series only

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