Syllabus: Cambridge O Level For Centres in Brunei Geography 2230
Syllabus: Cambridge O Level For Centres in Brunei Geography 2230
Cambridge O Level
For centres in Brunei
Geography 2230
For examination in June and November 2021.
Version 1
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especially for an international market and is sensitive to the needs
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Our programmes balance a thorough knowledge and understanding
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steps in education or employment.
responsible, and aware of the duty present and future generations have in creating sustainable solutions to global
issues
reflective, considering the similarities and differences between different environments, communities and
economies
innovative, by encouraging and being open to resourceful, technological solutions to geographical issues
engaged, with geographical issues, ideas and solutions that will have positive long-term impacts on the physical
and human environment.
‘Cambridge O Level has helped me develop thinking and analytical skills which will go a long way
in helping me with advanced studies.’
Kamal Khan Virk, former student at Beaconhouse Garden Town Secondary School, Pakistan, who went on to study Actuarial Science at
the London School of Economics
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Please see the syllabus materials DVD for more information.
2 Syllabus overview
Aims
The aims describe the purposes of a course based on this syllabus.
Geography by its nature is a practical subject. Wherever possible, students should pursue a fully integrated course
which allows them to develop their practical skills by carrying out fieldwork and geographical investigations within
the study of the subject content.
It may not always be possible to do fieldwork but some practical experience, however limited, is desirable in
preparation for further study of geography.
Content overview
The syllabus is divided into three themes:
Theme 1: Population and settlement
Theme 2: The natural environment
Theme 3: Economic development.
The themes are designed to develop an understanding of natural and human environments.
Topics in these themes are used as the basis for questions in both Paper 1 Geographical Themes and Paper 2
Geographical Skills.
We recommend that you integrate the teaching of geographical enquiry and skills into the teaching of the
appropriate themes.
Further information on the skills candidates should be able to demonstrate in the assessment are listed in section 4
Details of the assessment.
Assessment overview
All candidates take two components. Candidates will be eligible for grades A* to E.
Assessment objectives
The assessment objectives (AOs) are:
AO1 Knowledge with understanding
Total 100
Paper 1 Paper 2
3 Subject content
The content listed in this section is assessed in Paper 1 – Geographical Themes. The context of questions for Paper 2
– Geographical Skills will also be taken from these themes and where there is a specific skill associated with a topic
we have listed it in the Further guidance (for example ‘Compare population pyramids’).
Information on the geographical investigation of Settlements and services, Rivers and Tourism is listed as a topic
within the subject content to show how the enquiry skills relate to the specific topic for enquiry in each theme.
More information on the required skills for mapwork and skills of interpreting diagrams, graphs and other types of
geographical data is in the Details of the assessment for Paper 2 – Geographical Skills.
We recommend that you integrate the teaching of geographical enquiry and skills into the teaching of the
appropriate themes.
The Further guidance column provides information on what we expect you to cover in each topic. Where examples
are used we expect students to know about all the examples listed. This should not limit you, and where we have
used the words ‘including’ we encourage the addition of different examples where they are particularly relevant,
topical or you have a good example.
Resources
Some questions in all the written papers are based on resource material, such as photographs, map extracts,
satellite images, drawings, diagrams, graphs, text extracts, statistics and tables of data.
To meet the aims of an international syllabus and examination, resource materials come from various areas of the
world. Candidates may not be familiar with the world areas used in the resources. The questions do not require
specific regional knowledge. The resources are designed to prompt candidates to use the general principles they
have studied.
Case studies
These do not need to be additional content and can be delivered through the teaching of the content for topics.
Where a case study is specified in a topic, you should choose a suitable example to illustrate the subject content.
For example, Topic 1.3.2 requires a case study of an urban area. The case study can be from anywhere in the world
but it must illustrate the requirements detailed in the Further guidance column.
You can choose more than one case study for a topic. For example, for Topic 2.2.5 you could choose river X for a
case study on a flood and river Y for a case study on management strategies.
You can also use the same case study for more than one topic as long as it is suitable for the subject content.
Where possible, case studies should be dated no earlier than 1980. Case studies from within the lifetime of the
student are likely to be the most relevant and engaging.
1.1 Population
1.1.1 Growth of world population
Content: Further guidance
The rapid growth in the world’s population Birth rates and death rates affecting natural increase
The reasons for different birth rates and death rates Impacts of social, economic and other factors
(including HIV/AIDS) on birth rates and death rates
The strategies used to control the rate of population The effect of government policies (including ‘One-
growth and their effectiveness child policy’ in China and ‘Three or more policy’ in
Singapore)
Overpopulation, underpopulation and population Causes and consequences of overpopulation,
density underpopulation and density through the relationship
between population, resources and level of
technology used to exploit them
1.1.2 Migration
Content: Further guidance
Population migration Push and pull factors influencing internal migration
(including rural–urban) and international migration
(including voluntary and involuntary)
The impacts of migration Positive and negative impacts on the destination and
origin countries
1.2 Food
1.2.1 Food production in Brunei
Content: Further guidance
Agricultural production in Brunei Physical and human reasons for a shortage of home-
produced food and difficulties faced by farmers
The strategies used to increase agricultural Strategies (including Research and Development
production in Brunei and their effectiveness [R&D], high-tech, livestock breeding, commercial
farming, Agriculture and Agrifood Department)
The distribution of the main fishing areas in Brunei Inland and marine fishing areas
The factors affecting the location and development Physical factors and human factors affecting location
of the fishing industry in Brunei and development
The importance of the fishing industry in Brunei Contribution of fishing and fish farming (aquaculture)
to the economy and people of Brunei (including
commercial value, jobs, food)
The challenges facing the fishing industry in Brunei Challenges (including increasing production and
sustainability)
1.3 Settlement
1.3.1 Site and situation
Content: Further guidance
How site and situation may influence the growth of Influence of site factors (including relief, soil, water
settlements supply, building materials)
Influence of physical situation factors (including hills,
valleys and rivers) and economic factors (including
links to other settlements and communications)
2.1.2 Volcanoes
Content: Further guidance
The distribution of volcanoes Distribution and causes of volcanoes, plate
boundaries (including Pacific Ring of Fire)
The main types and features of volcanoes Types of volcanoes (including strato-volcanoes
[composite cone] and shield volcano)
Features of volcanoes (including crater, vent, magma
chamber)
The factors affecting the impact of volcanoes Factors affecting the impact of volcanoes on people
and the environment (including types of volcanic
eruption, types of volcanic products, geographical
location, prediction, evacuation plans)
Short-term impacts (including primary and secondary
impacts) and long-term impacts (including effects on
people and the economy)
How volcanic activity may have positive impacts Positive impacts (including soils, minerals,
geothermal power, domestic heating, tourism, health
spas)
2.1.3 Earthquakes
Content: Further guidance
The distribution of earthquakes Distribution and causes of earthquakes in relation to
plate boundaries and major fault lines
The main features of earthquakes and how their Features of earthquakes (including epicentre, focus,
magnitude and intensity can be measured shock waves, aftershocks, tremors, tsunami)
Measurement of earthquakes (Richter and Mercalli
scales)
The factors affecting the impact of earthquakes and Factors affecting the impact (including distance from
tsunami on people and the environment epicentre, depth of focus, type of soil, population
density and time of day)
Short-term impacts (including primary and secondary
impacts) and long-term impacts (including effects on
people and the economy)
The strategies used to reduce the impact of Strategies (including building and infrastructure
earthquakes and their effectiveness design, education, monitoring, warning systems,
drills)
Case study required for 2.1.3 Earthquakes
•• An earthquake and its impact on people and the Study of one major earthquake (including location,
environment causes, impacts on people and the environment,
management strategies used to mitigate effects)
2.2.5 Flooding
Content: Further guidance
The causes of river and coastal flooding Physical factors (including excessive/monsoon
rainfall, sedimentation, snowmelt, floodplain) and
human factors (including deforestation, urbanisation,
river modification) causing river flooding
Factors causing coastal flooding (including typhoons,
storm surges, severe storms, relief of coastal area)
The impact of flooding on people and the Impacts of flooding (including on human lives and
environment health, property, infrastructure, economy, food
supply)
The strategies used to reduce the impact of river Strategies (including modifying river channels,
flooding and their effectiveness modifying catchment area, flood preparedness)
2.3.3 Typhoons
Content: Further guidance
The causes of typhoons Factors leading to the formation of typhoons
(including latitudes 6–20° N and S of the Equator,
tropical seas and oceans, winds, low pressure areas,
high humidity)
The sequence of weather associated with typhoons Weather associated with typhoons (including heavy
rain, strong winds, dense clouds, thunder, lightning)
The impact of typhoons on people and the Impact of typhoons (including flooding, storm surges,
environment landslides, infrastructure) on human lives and health
3.1 Industry
3.1.1 Classification of industry
Content: Further guidance
The classification of industries into different sectors Primary, secondary, tertiary, quaternary
Different employment structures and why they Differences in employment structures between LICs/
change over time MICs (low and middle income countries) and HICs
(high income countries) and reasons for changes in
employment structures over time
The employment structure in Brunei Reasons for the employment structure in Brunei
3.2 Energy
3.2.1 Energy production and consumption
Content: Further guidance
World energy production and consumption Energy sources (including coal, oil, natural gas,
hydroelectric power [HEP], nuclear power, solar,
wind, biofuels)
Renewable and non-renewable energy sources
The reasons for the siting and development of Factors influencing the siting of thermal power,
different types of power stations HEP and nuclear power stations (including relief,
communications, raw materials, water, waste, safety,
access to electric grid/demand)
Advantages and disadvantages for the development
of different types of power station
The production of oil and natural gas in Brunei Distribution of oil and natural gas fields
Changes in oil and natural gas production over time
The importance of the oil and natural gas industry to Benefits for the social and economic development of
Brunei Brunei
Future prospects of the oil and natural gas industry in
Brunei in relation to diversification of the economy
3.3 Tourism
3.3.1 The growth of global tourism
Content: Further guidance
The reasons for the growth of global tourism Factors affecting the growth of global tourism
(including disposable income, leisure time,
education, development of attractions and facilities,
accessibility, package holidays, advertising)
The advantages and disadvantages of the growth in Advantages and disadvantages for people and the
global tourism for people and the environment environments of HICs (high income countries)
Advantages and disadvantages for people and the
environments of LICs/MICs (low and middle income
countries)
Questions are structured with short questions building to more open-ended questions requiring a longer
response. They consist of a combination of resource-based tasks and free-response writing requiring place-specific
information.
Candidates should be aware of the sub-marks for each part question. These are printed on the question paper.
Candidates should use them as a guide to the amount of detail and length of response expected and to help them
manage their time effectively.
For resource-based tasks, candidates should interpret and analyse the resource and use the data provided to
illustrate their understanding of the concept being assessed.
All the other information they need to answer a resource-based question is in the resource. No other knowledge is
needed of the content of the resource.
Resource materials are chosen from different world areas. This means that candidates may be dealing with world
areas they are not familiar with. You should make it clear to candidates that they do not need any regional
knowledge to answer a resource-based question. All the information candidates need is provided and it is the
application of their knowledge, understanding and skills which is being assessed. It is important that candidates are
not influenced in their choice of question by the nature or location of a resource.
Case studies
Candidates should refer to suitable case studies in their responses.
A case study may also be based on a geographical investigation undertaken as part of preparation for
Paper 2 – Geographical Skills.
The case studies should give candidates details which they can use to provide examples in their answers to
questions on Paper 1.
Specific named case studies are only included where the case study must come from Brunei. This is to give you
complete freedom in selecting examples which you feel are most suitable for your candidates.
Questions are structured with gradients of difficulty and combine resource-based tasks and free-response writing.
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.
•• 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.
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.
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.
Written material
Questions may also use extracts from websites, books and newspapers, and candidates will need to show an
understanding of the material presented.
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.
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).
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.
Command words
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.
Phrases such as ‘How far do you agree…..?’ and ‘To what extent…?’ may also be seen in the assessment for this
syllabus.
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.
Availability
You can enter candidates in the June and November exam series. It is available to centres in Brunei only.
Cambridge O Level, Cambridge IGCSE and Cambridge IGCSE (9–1) syllabuses are at the same level.
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 one 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.
The standard assessment arrangements may present unnecessary barriers for candidates with disabilities or learning
difficulties. We can put arrangements in place for these candidates to enable them to access the assessments and
receive recognition of their attainment. We do not agree access arrangements if they give candidates an unfair
advantage over others or if they compromise the standards being assessed.
Candidates who cannot access the assessment of any component may be able to receive an award based on the
parts of the assessment they have completed.
Language
This syllabus and the related assessment materials are available in English only.
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 (result pending)
•• X (no result)
•• Y (to be issued).
These letters do not appear on the certificate.
You are strongly advised to read the whole syllabus before planning your teaching programme.
Changes to syllabus content •• The syllabus content has been revised to bring it up to date and respond to
requests from teachers in Brunei.
•• The syllabus content has been reorganised. The content is now divided
into Content and Further guidance. The Further guidance contains some
information which was previously found in the ‘Notes for Guidance’
section of the syllabus.
•• The names of the themes have been changed to ensure that they have
titles which are more broadly applicable. We have also reorganised the
themes to ensure that teachers can take advantage of resources produced
for our other Geography qualifications at this level.
The themes are:
–– Population and settlement
–– The natural environment
–– Economic development.
Teachers can still decide the order in which they choose to teach the
subject content.
•• New guidance has been added on case studies for some topics. This
information was previously found in the ‘Notes for Guidance’ section of
the syllabus.
•• Terminology has been changed to reflect common international usage.
An example of this is the change from LEDC (less economically developed
country) and MEDC (more economically developed country) to LIC (low
income country), MIC (middle income country) and HIC (high income
country). An up-to-date map of which countries fall into each income
category can be found on the World Development Indicators map section
of the World Bank website.
•• The content in some areas of the syllabus has been reduced:
–– Theme 1 Population and settlement – Farming, food production and
consumption, to ensure the focus is more relevant to Brunei.
–– Theme 1 Population and settlement – Settlement.
–– Theme 2 The natural environment – Coastal processes.
–– Theme 3 Economic development – Industry, specifically the topic on
Industrial development in NICs.
•• A small section on Weathering has been added to Theme 2 – Weathering,
climate and natural vegetation, at the request of teachers. This will aid
progression from O Level to AS & A Level Geography (9696).
Paper 2
•• The duration has been increased by 15 minutes at the request of teachers.
•• The structure of the paper has changed. The paper will consist of three
sections.
–– Section A – Mapwork skills, Question 1 remains a mapwork question
worth 20 marks
–– Section B – Geographical skills will contain two questions each worth
10 marks
Question 2 will be a skills question with a Brunei focus
Question 3 will be a skills question with an international focus
–– Section C – Geographical investigation is a new section. Question 4
will be worth 20 marks.
This new question type is structured as a series of steps following
a geographical investigation. The question will be set on either
Settlements and services, Rivers or Tourism.
In addition to reading the syllabus, you should refer to the updated specimen assessment materials. The specimen
papers will help your students become familiar with exam requirements and command words in questions. The
specimen mark schemes explain how students should answer questions to meet the assessment objectives.