2025 Pearson Edexcel GCSE Geography A Paper 3 and Mark Scheme Combined (1GA0/03: Geographical Investigations Fieldwork and UK Challenges)

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2025 Pearson Edexcel GCSE Geography A Paper 3 and Mark Scheme Combined (1GA0/03: Geographical Investigations Fieldwork and UK Challenges)

🧭 Paper 3: What it is & overall details

Paper code: 1GA0/03.
Title: Geographical Investigations: Fieldwork and UK Challenges.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes.
Total marks: 64 raw marks. Up to 4 of those marks are reserved for spelling, punctuation, grammar and use of specialist terminology (SPaG / specialist terms).
Weight: This paper contributes 25% of the overall Geography A GCSE qualification. revision.brinsworthacademy.org.uk+1
Content Covered:
- Topic 7: Geographical investigations — fieldwork (physical and human environments)Topic 8: Geographical investigations — UK Challenges (i.e. applying geographical knowledge to a contemporary UK issue)

🔧 Structure & Question Types

The exam paper is divided into three sections.

Section A — Physical Environments (Fieldwork)

Candidates choose one of two optional questions: either focusing on Rivers or Coasts.
This section tests understanding of physical geography fieldwork — data interpretation (maps, graphs, tables), investigation methods, analysis, conclusions, evaluation.
Section A carries 18 marks.

Section B — Human Environments (Fieldwork)

Candidates choose one of two optional questions: either on Urban (Central/Inner Urban Area) or Rural Settlements. Assesses human geography fieldwork: sampling methods, qualitative/quantitative data, data presentation and interpretation, evaluation of methodology, human-environment interactions etc.
Section B also carries 18 marks.

Section C — UK Challenges

This section examines a broader UK‑wide geographical issue (from Topic 8). Candidates answer all questions in this section.
Questions include a mix: multiple‑choice, short open‑response, data analysis / calculations, and extended writing tasks (8‑mark and 12‑mark answers).
Total marks for Section C: 28 marks (including up to 4 SPaG / specialist‑terminology marks on final extended question).

Overall, the paper uses a variety of question styles: multiple-choice, short answer, data‑response, calculations, and structured and extended writing.

🎯 What It Tests — Skills & Knowledge

Students are assessed on:

Understanding of fieldwork methods (both physical and human): data collection techniques, sampling, risk management, ethical considerations, reliability/validity of data.
Ability to interpret and analyse data from maps, graphs, tables — to draw conclusions and recognise patterns/trends.
Understanding of geographical processes and human–environment interactions — within UK context and more broadly.
Critical thinking and evaluation: assessing strengths/weaknesses of methods, judging sustainability or trade‑offs, considering multiple factors (economic, social, environmental) when discussing UK Challenges. Communication: structuring answers clearly, using appropriate geographical terminology, writing coherent extended responses, accurate spelling/punctuation/grammar (SPaG).

✅ What it Means for Students — What to Prepare

You need experience of at least two fieldwork investigations: one physical (river or coast) and one human (urban or rural). Understand the enquiry process: from question formulation → data collection → analysis → conclusion → evaluation.
Be ready to deal with unfamiliar data in the exam — maps, graphs, tables, charts — and be able to interpret and use them even if you didn’t collect them yourself.
Develop skills in geographical writing: concise answers for short questions; structured responses for longer ones (8‑mark, 12‑mark). Practice writing with clear argument, supporting evidence, evaluation and conclusions.
For the UK Challenges section: revise possible UK issues (e.g. population/resource pressures, settlement inequalities, environmental pressures, climate change) and understand their physical and human geography aspects.
Work on data handling and calculations (mean, trends, interpreting graphs/maps) as these often appear.
Practice time‑management: total 1h30 for whole paper — roughly split between (A) physical fieldwork question, (B) human fieldwork question, and (C) UK challenges section.

Specifications

Author	Proficient Academic Tutor
Published	09 Dec 2025
Included files	PDF
2025 Pearson Edexcel GCSE Geography A Paper 3 and Mark Scheme Pearson Edexcel GCSE Geography A 1GA0/03 Paper 3 Geographical Investigations Fieldwork UK Challenges 2025 exam