OCR GCSE Geography A specification (J383)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your OCR GCSE Geography A exam. It lays out exactly what you need to learn, how you'll be assessed, and what skills the examiners seek. Whether you're working through the course for the first time or revising for your final exams, the specification helps you stay focused and confident in your preparation.
We've included helpful revision tools to support you in putting the specification into practice. Wherever you're starting from, you'll find everything you need to feel prepared, from the official specification to high-quality resources designed to help you succeed.
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In the next section, you'll find a simplified summary of the official OCR GCSE Geography A specification, along with a breakdown of key topics, assessment structure, and useful study resources. We've also included links to topic-level guides and revision tools to help you put the specification into practice.
Contents
Disclaimer
This page includes a summary of the official OCR GCSE Geography A (J383) specification, provided to support your revision. While we've made every effort to ensure accuracy, Save My Exams is not affiliated with the awarding body.
For the most complete and up-to-date information, we strongly recommend consulting the official OCR specification PDF.
Specification overview
The OCR GCSE (9–1) in Geography A (Geographical Themes) encourages learners to think like geographers by exploring thematic content focused on the UK and wider world. It develops knowledge of locations, places, processes and environments, while fostering enquiry and critical thinking. The course enables students to understand interactions between people and environments, develop competence in fieldwork and geographical skills, and apply this understanding creatively in real-world and decision-making contexts. It aims to inspire a lifelong interest in geography and prepares learners for further education or employment:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}.
Subject content breakdown
Component 1: Living in the UK Today
Landscapes of the UK
- Distinctive upland/lowland/glaciated landscapes
- Geomorphic processes: weathering, mass movement, erosion, transport, deposition
- River landforms (e.g. waterfalls, meanders), coastal landforms (e.g. arches, spits)
- Case studies of UK river and coastal landscapes and their management
People of the UK
- UK trade and global connections
- Socio-economic patterns (employment, education, ethnicity)
- Causes and consequences of uneven development and population change
- Urban trends (e.g. re-urbanisation), challenges and sustainability in a UK city
UK Environmental Challenges
- UK climate and extreme weather
- Case study of a UK flood event
- Human modification of ecosystems (farming, energy, water)
- UK energy sources, supply and sustainability strategies
Component 2: The World Around Us
Ecosystems of the Planet
- Global distribution of biomes
- Characteristics of rainforests and coral reefs
- Case studies on threats and sustainable management
People of the Planet
- Definitions and indicators of development
- Causes of uneven development, role of aid and global trade
- Case study of one LIDC/EDC's development (e.g. economy, politics, technology)
- Urbanisation trends and challenges in an LIDC/EDC city
Environmental Threats to Our Planet
- Climate change causes, evidence, and impacts
- Global atmospheric circulation and its role in weather
- Tropical storms and drought, including El Niño/La Niña
- Case study of a drought event and adaptation
Component 3: Geographical Skills
- Cartographic skills: map interpretation, gradients, GIS
- Graphical skills: bar, pie, line, scatter, population pyramids
- Numerical/statistical skills: percentages, means, range, IQR, ratios
- Fieldwork: planning, data collection, analysis, evaluation
- Visual/analytical skills: interpreting images, recognising bias, critical evaluation
Assessment structure
Component 1: Living in the UK Today
- Written exam: 1 hour
- 30% of GCSE (60 marks including 3 SPaG)
- Assesses UK landscapes, people and environmental challenges
- All questions compulsory, with separate resource booklet
Component 2: The World Around Us
- Written exam: 1 hour
- 30% of GCSE (60 marks including 3 SPaG)
- Assesses global ecosystems, development and environmental threats
- All questions compulsory, with separate resource booklet
Component 3: Geographical Skills
- Written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes
- 40% of GCSE (80 marks including 3 SPaG)
- Section A: geographical and synoptic skills
- Section B: fieldwork assessment from learner experience and unfamiliar contexts
Assessment Objectives
- AO1: Knowledge – 15%
- AO2: Understanding – 25%
- AO3: Analyse/evaluate – 35% (10% fieldwork)
- AO4: Skills – 25% (5% fieldwork)
Exam structure
- All three components externally assessed
- Questions range from short answer to extended response (max 12 marks + SPaG)
- 10% of marks cover mathematical/statistical use
- No optionality; all content is assessed across papers:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Key tips for success
Doing well in your OCR GCSE Geography A isn't just about how much you study, but how you study. Here are a few proven tips to help you stay on track
- Start with a clear plan: Break the subject into topics and create a revision schedule that allows enough time for each. Start early to avoid last-minute stress.
- Focus on understanding, not memorising: Use our revision notes to build a strong foundation in each topic, making sure you actually understand the material.
- Practise regularly: Attempt past papers to familiarise yourself with the exam format and timing. Mark your answers to see how close you are to full marks.
- Be strategic with your revision: Use exam questions by topic to focus on weaker areas, and flashcards to reinforce important facts and terminology.
- Learn from mistakes: Whether it's from mock exams or practice questions, spend time reviewing what went wrong and why. This helps prevent repeat mistakes in the real exam.
- Stay balanced: Don't forget to take regular breaks, eat well, and get enough sleep, a healthy routine makes revision much more effective.
With the right approach and consistent practice, you'll build confidence and improve your chances of exam success.
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