If you’re taking Edexcel GCSE Geography, this guide will walk you through exactly what to expect, from how the exam is structured to how to prepare confidently and effectively.
One important thing to know from the start is that Edexcel offers two different Geography GCSE courses: Geography A and Geography B.
They’re assessed differently and cover different topics, so it’s essential to know which one you’re studying.
If you’re unsure, check with your teacher before you start revising. Revising the wrong course is an easy mistake to make and can mean wasting valuable revision time.
Whether you’re just starting revision or getting closer to exam day, understanding the exam format, assessment objectives, and key topics will help you feel calm, confident, and in control.
Key takeaways
- Edexcel GCSE Geography is assessed through three exams, all taken at the end of Year 11
- There are two different courses: Geography A and Geography B
- Both courses assess physical geography, human geography, fieldwork, and geographical skills, but through different themes
- There is no coursework, but fieldwork knowledge is examined
- Grade boundaries change each year, but past data can help you set realistic targets
- Regular practice with exam-style questions and case studies is one of the most effective ways to improve your marks
What’s the format for Edexcel Geography GCSE?
For both Geography A and Geography B, the exam structure is the same:
- Three written exam papers
- 1 hour 30 minutes per paper
- Each pathway consists of Papers 1 and 2 (94 marks each) and Paper 3 (64 marks), making a total of 252 marks
- Each paper is worth 37.5%, 37.5%, and 25% of your final grade
- All exams are sat at the end of Year 11
- There is no non-exam assessment (coursework); your final grade is based entirely on exam performance
While the structure is the same, the content within the papers differs depending on whether you’re taking Geography A or Geography B.
What’s the difference between Papers 1, 2 and 3 for Edexcel Geography GCSE?
All three papers are important, but each one tests different content and skills.
Paper 1: Physical Geography (Geography A) / Global Geographical Issues (Geography B)
Paper 1 assesses the big physical and global themes, but the focus depends on your course.
Geography A: Physical Geography
This paper focuses on natural environments and physical processes.
You’ll be asked to:
- Explain physical processes and landforms
- Use case studies accurately
- Interpret maps, diagrams, photographs, and data
- Apply knowledge to unfamiliar contexts
This paper rewards clear explanations, strong case study detail, and confident use of geographical terminology.
Geography B: Global Geographical Issues
This paper focuses on major global challenges affecting people and environments worldwide and on how they are managed.
You’ll be expected to:
- Understand the causes and impacts of global issues
- Use case studies from different parts of the world
- Analyse data, maps, and graphs
- Evaluate different responses or solutions, not just describe them
For Geography B, examiners place slightly more emphasis on evaluation and decision-making, especially in longer-mark questions.
Paper 2: Human Geography (Geography A) / UK Geographical Issues (Geography B)
Paper 2 focuses on people, places, and how human activity shapes environments, but again, the content differs by course.
Geography A: Human Geography
This paper focuses on how people shape places and how those places affect people’s lives.
You’ll be asked to:
- Compare places and strategies
- Use real-world examples
- Explain and evaluate human impacts
- Structure longer answers clearly
This paper rewards balanced arguments, clear structure, and the use of specific examples.
Geography B: UK Geographical Issues
This paper focuses on the UK in depth, combining physical and human geography.
You’ll be asked to:
- Analyse UK landscapes and settlements
- Apply geographical skills to UK contexts
- Use fieldwork-related understanding
- Evaluate challenges and management strategies
This paper blends knowledge, skills, and application, so confident use of data and evidence is especially important.
Paper 3: Geographical Investigations (Both Geography A and B)
Paper 3 is the same for both Geography A and Geography B and focuses on applying geographical skills, rather than recalling large amounts of content.
This paper assesses:
- Physical fieldwork
- Human fieldwork
- Data presentation, analysis, and conclusions
You’ll be asked to:
- Interpret unfamiliar resources
- Analyse data and evidence
- Justify conclusions clearly
There is no coursework, but you’re assessed on your understanding of fieldwork methods, not on completing an investigation yourself.
This paper rewards clear reasoning, confident data handling, and well-structured answers, rather than memorised case studies.
Knowing which course you’re studying and how each paper works allows you to focus your revision on the right topics and the right skills, so every revision session counts.
