Letter to Parents and Carers: Year 11 GCSE Geography
Wed 25 Mar 2026
Dear Parents and Carers,
GCSE Geography: Release of Paper 3 Issue Evaluation & holiday support
I am writing to inform you that the AQA exam board has officially released the Issue Evaluation materials for this year’s Geography Paper 3. This is a critical milestone in the course. The Issue Evaluation makes up 15% of your child’s final Geography grade. Because the material is released in advance, it offers a brilliant opportunity for students to engage deeply with the content and refine their arguments. Mastering this resource now will significantly boost their confidence and performance potential when they sit the Paper 3 exam on 11th June 2026.
To ensure every student is fully prepared, we have structured a rigorous support program:
- 6 hours of dedicated teaching: We will spend six focused lessons deconstructing the pre-release resource booklet, analysing the data, and evaluating the geographical issues involved.
- Practice examination: As part of this preparation, students will complete a full practice paper under timed conditions. This will provide them with essential feedback on their technique and timing before the real assessment.
- Attendance is essential: Given the specific nature of these lessons, full attendance is vital. Missing these sessions will directly impact a student's ability to navigate the Paper 3 exam effectively.
To support their revision over the break, we are sending home a Paper 3 holiday pack. This includes:
- The official Issue Evaluation booklet (they were given this out in assembly)
- Comprehension questions
- Practice Issues Evaluation exam question
Digital copies of the issue evaluation and all supplementary teaching resources are available now via Google Classroom and geography.outwood.com (students will need to log on via their student gmail account). I would encourage you to ask your child to show you these materials so you can see the "issue" they will be investigating.
Thank you for your continued support in helping our students reach their full potential in Geography.
Yours faithfully
Jayne Cadman
Head of Humanities