OCR GCSE Geography
Explore your course, one topic at a time.
Course overview
The OCR GCSE Geography specification covers 38 topics with 447 learning objectives (J383). Use the topic browser below to explore subtopics, exam tips, common mistakes, and key terminology for each area of the course.
- 38 topics
- 1 study page
- 447 learning objectives
- 447
- practice questions
- 149
- teaching notes
- 40
- topics
- 1
- audio lessons
Your exams
- Living in the UK Today - Written paperTuesday, 18 May 2027, AM
- The World Around Us - Written paperWednesday, 26 May 2027, PM
- Geographical Skills - Written paperThursday, 10 June 2027, PM
Always confirm dates and times with your exam centre.
| Paper | Time | Marks | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Living in the UK Today | 60 min | 60 | 30% |
| The World Around Us | 60 min | 60 | 30% |
| Geographical Skills | 90 min | 80 | 40% |
Explore your topics
38 topics
Living in the UK Today16 topics
- The physical landscapes of the UK have distinctive characteristics.2 specification points covering Overview of the distribution of areas of upland, lowland and glaciated landscapes., Overview of the distinctive…6 objectives
- There are a number of geomorphic processes which create distinctive landscapes.Geomorphic processes shape landscapes through weathering, mass movement, erosion, transport and deposition.3 objectives
- Rivers create a range of landforms which change with distance from their source within a river basin.Rivers form landforms through erosion, transport and deposition, and each landform is linked to a particular part of the river's course.3 objectives
- There are a range of landforms within the coastal landscape.Coastal features reflect a sequence of erosion and deposition.3 objectives
- Landscapes are dynamic and differ depending on their geology, climate and human activity.4 specification points covering Two case studies, one UK river basin and one UK coastal landscape, to cover:, the geomorphic processes operating at…12 objectives
- The UK is connected to many other countries and places.This statement asks for an overview of the UK's current major trading partners, with the principal exports and imports for each.3 objectives
- The UK is a diverse and unequal society which has geographical patterns.This statement asks you to understand that the UK is geographically diverse and unequal, with patterns visible in employment, average income, life…3 objectives
- There are different causes and consequences of development within the UK.2 specification points covering The causes of uneven development within the UK, including geographical location, economic change, infrastructure and…6 objectives
- The UK’s population is changing.3 specification points covering Changes in the UK’s population structure from 1900 to the present day, including its changing position on the Demographic…9 objectives
- There are causes for and consequences of urban trends in the UK.2 specification points covering Overview of the causes for contrasting urban trends in the UK, including suburbanisation, counter-urbanisation and…6 objectives
- Cities have distinct challenges and ways of life, influenced by its people, culture and geography.6 specification points covering Case study of one major city in the UK including the influences of:, the city within its region, the country and the wider…18 objectives
- The UK has a unique climate for its latitude which can create extreme weather conditions.2 specification points covering How air masses, the North Atlantic Drift and continentality influence the weather in the UK., How air masses cause extreme…6 objectives
12 of 16 shown
The World Around Us17 topics
- Ecosystems consist of interdependent components.This statement defines an ecosystem by its abiotic components, which are non-living, and biotic components, which are living, and says these parts are…3 objectives
- Ecosystems have distinct distributions and characteristics.2 specification points covering Overview of the global distribution of polar regions, coral reefs, grasslands, temperate forests, tropical rainforests, and…6 objectives
- There are major tropical rainforests in the world.This statement asks you to locate six major tropical rainforests: the Amazon, Central American, Congo River Basin, Madagascan, South East Asian and…3 objectives
- There are major coral reefs in the world.This statement asks you to locate six warm water coral reefs: the Great Barrier Reef, Red Sea Coral Reef, New Caledonia Barrier Reef, Mesoamerican Barrier…3 objectives
- Bio-diverse ecosystems are under threat from human activity.6 specification points covering The processes that operate within tropical rainforests, including nutrient and water cycles., The process of nutrient…18 objectives
- The world is developing unevenly.4 specification points covering Social, economic and environmental definitions of development, including the concept of sustainable development., Different…12 objectives
- There are many causes of uneven development.2 specification points covering Outline the reasons for uneven development, including the impact of colonialism on trade and the exploitation of natural…6 objectives
- Many factors contribute to a country’s economic development.10 specification points covering Case study of one LIDC or EDC.30 objectives
- The majority of the world’s population now live in urban areas.3 specification points covering Definition of city, megacity and world city., The distribution of megacities and how this has changed over time., How urban…9 objectives
- There are causes and consequences of rapid urbanisation in LIDCs.2 specification points covering Overview of the causes of rapid urbanisation in LIDCs including push and pull migration factors, and natural growth.,…6 objectives
- Cities have distinct challenges and ways of life, influenced by its people and culture.6 specification points covering Case study of one major city in an LIDC or EDC including the influences of:, the city within its region, the country, and…18 objectives
- The climate has changed from the start of the Quaternary period.3 specification points covering Overview of how the climate has changed from the beginning of the Quaternary period to the present day, including ice ages.,…9 objectives
12 of 17 shown
Geographical Skills5 topics
Cartographic skills and maps to be studied
Geographical Skills - 3.1 With respect to cartographic skills, learners should be able to:6 specification points covering 1.18 objectives- Geographical Skills - Maps to be studied:11 specification points covering Atlas maps, OS maps (1:50 000 and 1:25 000 scales), Base maps and related ideas.33 objectives
Graphical skills and graphs and charts to be studied
Geographical Skills - 3.2 With respect to graphical skills, learners should be able to:3 specification points covering 1.9 objectives- Geographical Skills - Graphs and charts to be studied:13 specification points covering Bar graphs (horizontal, vertical and divided), Histograms (with equal class interval), Line graphs and related ideas.39 objectives
Numerical and statistical skills
Geographical Skills - 3.3 With respect to numerical and statistical skills, learners should be able to:13 specification points covering 1.39 objectivesVisual images, written articles and evaluating sources
Geographical Skills - 3.4 Learners should also be able to:3 specification points covering 1.9 objectives- Fieldwork skills6 specification points covering i.18 objectives
About this course
About OCR GCSE Geography
OCR GCSE Geography A (Geographical Themes) offers students the chance to explore the dynamic relationship between people and places at local, national, and global scales. The course is built around three key components: 'Living in the UK Today', which delves into the physical and human geography of the UK; 'The World Around Us', examining global geographical issues; and 'Geographical Skills', which equips students with practical fieldwork, map reading, and data interpretation abilities.
Throughout the specification, learners investigate a wide range of topics including UK landscapes, urban change, weather and climate, global development, ecosystems, and tectonic hazards. This balanced approach ensures that students gain a deep understanding of both physical processes and human interactions, fostering an appreciation of the challenges and opportunities facing the modern world.
The course also emphasises critical thinking and the application of knowledge to real-world contexts. Students undertake two fieldwork investigations—one human and one physical—which are assessed in the written exams, helping them to develop essential analytical and evaluative skills. By the end of the course, learners are well-prepared for further study in geography and related subjects, as well as for understanding pressing contemporary issues such as climate change and sustainable development.
Assessment Structure
The qualification is assessed through three written examination papers, with no coursework component. Paper 1: Living in the UK Today (60 marks, 1 hour) accounts for 30% of the GCSE and covers UK landscapes, people, and environmental challenges. Paper 2: The World Around Us (60 marks, 1 hour) also contributes 30%, focusing on global ecosystems, development, and hazards. Paper 3: Geographical Skills (80 marks, 1 hour 30 minutes) makes up the remaining 40% and includes questions on fieldwork, map skills, and data analysis, incorporating material from both physical and human geography. All papers feature a mix of multiple-choice, short-answer, and extended writing questions, with the total GCSE marks amounting to 200.
Why Choose OCR?
- OCR Geography A provides a clear and logical structure with a dedicated UK-focused paper, ideal for students who want an in-depth understanding of their home country’s geography before expanding to global themes in Paper 2.
- The course places a strong emphasis on practical fieldwork, which is examined through the synoptic Paper 3. This rewards students who enjoy hands-on learning and can apply their knowledge to real-world data, rather than relying solely on theoretical recall.
- The topics are highly relevant and engaging, covering contemporary issues such as flooding, urban regeneration, climate change, and resource management. This ensures that students remain motivated and see the direct application of their studies to current affairs and future careers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between OCR GCSE Geography A and B?
Is there any coursework in OCR GCSE Geography?
How much fieldwork is required for OCR GCSE Geography?
What grades are available for OCR GCSE Geography?
Can I use a calculator in OCR GCSE Geography exams?
Assessment and exam guidance
Assessment Objectives
Demonstrate knowledge of locations, places, processes, environments and different scales.
Demonstrate geographical understanding of: concepts and how they are used in relation to places, environments and processes; the inter-relationship between places, environments and processes.
Apply knowledge and understanding to interpret, analyse and evaluate geographical information and issues and to make judgements.
Select, adapt and use a variety of skills and techniques to investigate questions and issues and communicate findings.
Exam Structure
Living in the UK Today
1h
Duration
60
Marks
30%
Weighting
The World Around Us
1h
Duration
60
Marks
30%
Weighting
Geographical Skills
1h 30m
Duration
80
Marks
40%
Weighting
Tips and common mistakes
Common Exam Mistakes
Pitfalls to avoid in your exams
- •Assumes all glaciated landscapes lie in upland areas; correct this by remembering that glacial deposits also occur in some lowland areas such as East Anglia.
- •Treats lowland as meaning any low-lying area in the north; correct this by checking the regional pattern, since lowlands are mainly in the south and east.
- •Selects an answer based on one named place alone, such as Snowdonia, without checking the wider pattern; correct this by testing each option against the regional distribution.
- •Lists features without explaining the link to geology, climate or human activity; correct this by adding a reason for each characteristic.
- •Attributes upland farming mainly to arable crops; correct this by recognising that upland farming is largely pastoral, such as sheep, because of climate and terrain.
- •Assumes lowland areas are wetter and colder than upland areas; correct this by recalling that upland areas receive more rainfall and are colder.
- •Treats weathering and erosion as the same process; weathering breaks rock in place, whereas erosion removes the broken material.
- •Confuses sliding with slumping; sliding moves along a plane, while slumping rotates along a curved surface.
Top Examiner Tips
Expert advice for exam success
- •Read the stem and identify the landscape term before looking at the options.
- •Eliminate options that place a landscape type in the wrong part of the UK, using the north and west versus south and east pattern.
- •Check whether any named place supports the pattern, and only select it when the wider distribution also fits.
- •Work through geology, climate and human activity as separate categories so no characteristic is missed.
- •For each option, check whether it gives a characteristic and a reason, and prefer the option that links the two.
- •Use the regional examples in your reasoning, such as Dartmoor for granite or south-east England for drier, warmer conditions, to test each option.
- •Learn each process with one definition and one example so you can recognise it in an unfamiliar scenario.
- •Read every option in full and eliminate any that name the wrong process for the description given.
Ready for a little practice?
Create your account to start practising Geography.
A week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge