AO1 (5 marks)/AO2 (15 marks)

Marking instructions

Markers must apply the descriptors in line with the general marking guidance and the qualities outlined in the levels-based mark scheme below.

Responses that demonstrate only AO1 without any AO2 should be awarded marks as follows:

Level 1 AO1 performance: 1 mark
Level 2 AO1 performance: 2 marks
Level 3 AO1 performance: 3 marks.
Level 4 AO1 performance: 4–5 marks.

Indicative content guidance

The indicative content below is not prescriptive and candidates are not required to include all of it. Other relevant material not suggested below must also be credited. Relevant points may include:

AO1

successful management can be assessed using a range of measures, both economic and social
different stakeholders will use different criteria to assess success as measures such as rates of infant mortality and/or life expectancy will give an indication of social progress whilst the assimilation of ethnic communities might be measured by using measures of voter turnout and the development of local community groups
reductions in inequalities will also reduce measures of deprivation
judgements will depend on the meaning of places and the impact of urban management on these places

AO2

management will involve local planning decisions with respect to urban land use, which inevitably changes those environments, some will involve the displacement of people
management strategies may not be coherent with contradictions, e.g. attempts to assimilate new migrants while also supporting diversity
local communities are likely to have different perceptions of the value of places and conflicting goals over change, especially in areas of cultural diversity
for some stakeholders, a reduction in deprivation levels will be counted as a success but this will impact on poorer communities who may well not be able to afford to stay if gentrification takes place
the management of an urban area may very well involve changes in services, which will also have a variable impact on communities, e.g. more or fewer retail outlets
management may increase the rate of in-migration into an area which will change the community in ways that will affect some positively but others negatively
increasing political engagement will change the political complexion of an area, which will in turn be counted as a ‘success’ by those who gain from it but not by others, e.g. changing political complexion of inner-city constituencies
areas might ‘improve’ economically but only by displacing people to other areas, which may be resisted by those groups

16-20 Marks Level Description:

Demonstrates accurate and relevant geographical knowledge and understanding throughout. (AO1)
Applies knowledge and understanding of geographical information/ideas to find fully logical and relevant connections/relationships. (AO2)
Applies knowledge and understanding of geographical information/ideas to produce a full and coherent interpretation that is supported by evidence. (AO2)
Applies knowledge and understanding of geographical information/ideas to come to a rational, substantiated conclusion, fully supported by a balanced argument that is drawn together coherently. (AO2)

Management & Stakeholders (Edexcel A Level Geography)

Topic Questions