specification overview
OCR GCSE Geography B: Geography for Enquiring Minds (J384) is a single-tier linear qualification with three papers. Paper 1 (Our Natural World) is 35%; Paper 2 (People and Society) is 35%; Paper 3 (Geographical Exploration) is 30%. Fieldwork is embedded: Paper 1 Section B tests physical fieldwork; Paper 2 Section B tests human fieldwork. Paper 3 is a synoptic paper drawing on Papers 1 and 2.
subject content
1. Global hazards
Paper 1- Weather and climate: global atmospheric circulation, extreme weather
- Tectonic hazards: earthquakes and volcanoes case studies
2. Changing climate
Paper 1- Evidence for climate change, natural and human causes
- Impacts and responses
3. Distinctive landscapes
Paper 1- UK physical landscapes (rivers or coasts)
- Landscape case study
4. Sustaining ecosystems
Paper 1- Tropical rainforest and polar/tundra ecosystems
- Human impacts and sustainability
5. Physical fieldwork enquiry
Paper 1 Section B- One physical fieldwork enquiry (e.g. river, coast, or ecosystem investigation)
- Methods, data, analysis, evaluation
6. Urban futures
Paper 2- Urbanisation, megacities in LICs/NEEs
- UK city case study
7. Dynamic development
Paper 2- Development gap, factors affecting development
- LIC/NEE country case study
8. UK in the 21st century
Paper 2- UK's changing economy, population, culture
- UK's global role
9. Resource reliance
Paper 2- Food, water, energy resources
- Sustainable resource management
10. Human fieldwork enquiry
Paper 2 Section B- One human fieldwork enquiry (e.g. urban, tourism or economic investigation)
- Methods, data, analysis, evaluation
11. Geographical exploration (synoptic)
Paper 3- Synoptic assessment drawing on Papers 1 and 2
- Applied problem-solving on an unseen geographical issue
assessment structure
| Paper | What's assessed | Length | Marks | Weight | Question types |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 (Our Natural World) | Global hazards, changing climate, distinctive landscapes, sustaining ecosystems + Physical fieldwork enquiry (Section B) | 1h 30m | 70 | 35% | Section A: content questions (multiple-choice, short-answer, extended-response). Section B: physical fieldwork enquiry questions |
| Paper 2 (People and Society) | Urban futures, dynamic development, UK in 21st century, resource reliance + Human fieldwork enquiry (Section B) | 1h 30m | 70 | 35% | Section A: content questions (multiple-choice, short-answer, extended-response). Section B: human fieldwork enquiry questions |
| Paper 3 (Geographical Exploration) | Synoptic assessment drawing on Papers 1 and 2 content | 1h 30m | 60 | 30% | Synoptic questions on an unseen geographical issue, applying knowledge and skills from Papers 1 and 2 |
This is the 2025 rewritten J384 specification (first teaching September 2025). Fieldwork is embedded: Paper 1 Section B tests a physical fieldwork enquiry, Paper 2 Section B tests a human fieldwork enquiry. Paper 3 is a 60-mark synoptic paper drawing on content from Papers 1 and 2.
assessment objectives
| AO | What it means | Overall |
|---|---|---|
| AO1 | Demonstrate knowledge of locations, places, processes and environments at all geographical scales. | 15% |
| AO2 | Demonstrate geographical understanding of concepts and how they are used in relation to places, environments and processes. | 25% |
| AO3 | Apply knowledge and understanding to interpret, analyse and evaluate geographical information and issues, and make judgements. | 35% |
| AO4 | Select, adapt and use a variety of skills and techniques to investigate questions and communicate findings. | 25% |
key tips for success
Approach content as enquiry questions
OCR B organises content around enquiry questions. Learn the syllabus questions and structure your revision around answering them, not around traditional topic headings.
Prepare both fieldwork enquiries carefully
Fieldwork is tested in Section B of Papers 1 (physical) and 2 (human). Take detailed notes on both enquiries: methods, data, sampling, sketches, evaluation.
Practise the synoptic Paper 3
Paper 3 draws on Papers 1 and 2 to tackle an unseen geographical issue. Practise past papers and specimen material to build the habit of applying knowledge across topics.
Learn 6-8 case studies
Every extended answer rewards case studies. Prepare: 1 earthquake, 1 climate event, 1 UK landscape, 1 rainforest/polar, 1 megacity, 1 LIC development, 1 resource issue.
Master extended-response essays
OCR B extended-response questions reward: intro, developed points with evidence, considered judgement. Practise timed answers.
Practise past papers under time
OCR B specimen and past papers are available. Time yourself, especially on Paper 3's synoptic questions.
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