2.1 Planning an Enquiry
Frame a valid fieldwork enquiry, locate it accurately and plan safe, ethical and feasible work.
How to study WJEC GCSE Geography
Move from place and process to mapped or numerical evidence, explain inter-relationships across scale, and finish with a supported geographical judgement.
Core concepts
Concept 1
2.1.1 The six-stage enquiry process and interdependence between stages
Exam cue: Confirm the current WJEC unit, numbered content area, geographical scale, named context and assessment form before selecting evidence.
Concept 2
2.1.2 Enquiry questions, justification, predicted outcomes and geographical reasoning
Exam cue: Make the enquiry question measurable at the selected location, justify a geographical prediction and connect every method to the question.
Concept 3
2.1.3 OS maps, four- and six-figure references, scale, north arrow, key, title and GIS
Exam cue: Use mapped, numerical, graphical, fieldwork or source evidence to explain process and inter-relationship, then make a scale- and context-aware judgement.
Concept 4
2.1.4 Safety risk reduction, human rights, diversity, environmental ethics and practical constraints
Risk pitfalls and guardrails
Choosing a broad question that cannot be answered with the available location, time, access, equipment or evidence.
Guardrail: Do not import legacy or Eduqas structures, invent an option split or make claims that exceed the named evidence and assessment controls.
Importing the legacy WJEC 3110 structure, an Eduqas option pattern or an England 9-1 grading convention.
Guardrail: Do not import legacy or Eduqas structures, invent an option split or make claims that exceed the named evidence and assessment controls.
Treating an annual Unit 2 theme, local example or Unit 4 Resource Pack as a separate qualification or a compulsory option for every learner.
Guardrail: Use one centre-selected theme valid for the submission year; do not split themes into separate qualifications or replace the live Assessment Pack with guidance examples.
Memory anchors
enquiry question
A focused, answerable geographical question that directs the investigation.
prediction
An expected outcome justified through prior geographical understanding.
six-figure grid reference
A precise OS map location giving easting then northing.
risk assessment
Identification of hazards, likelihood and measures that reduce risk.
sympathetic geographer
An investigator who respects people, rights, diversity and environment.
constraint
A practical or ethical limit affecting fieldwork design or evidence.
Checkpoint rule
Do the check-up only after you can summarize each concept in one sentence and identify one dangerous pitfall from memory.
Knowledge Check (after reading)
Short check-up to confirm understanding of this module.
Check-up Questions
Which enquiry question is most measurable?
Which prediction has geographical reasoning?
Answer all questions to submit.
Next step personalized recommendations
Continue learning
Move forward only after this module is stable.
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