Update to AS and A Level Geography mark schemes
31 March 2025
To improve the clarity and consistency of our AS and A Level Geography mark schemes, we're amending the 16-mark question level descriptors for the following components:
- AS Level Geography H081/01: Landscape and Place
- A Level Geography H481/01: Physical Systems
- A Level Geography H481/02: Human Interactions
From the June 2025 series, we will be applying the same level descriptors used in 8-mark questions for the 16-mark questions. We're making this change to provide consistency to the marks given for AO1: Knowledge and Understanding and AO2: Application of Knowledge and understanding.
The mark scheme for the 16-mark essay questions, consists of 8 marks for AO1 and 8 marks for AO2 – this is not changing. We're amending 16-mark question level descriptors to ensure the level descriptors thorough, reasonable and basic are used consistently throughout the mark scheme for AO1 and AO2.
There are no fundamental changes to the approach to marking.
Updated sample mark schemes and support guidance
To reflect this change, we've updated the following sample mark schemes and guides to the sample assessment materials (SAMs):
AS Level Geography H081/01: Landscape and place
A Level Geography H481/01: Physical systems
A Level Geography H481/02: Human interactions
You can view and download these from the Assessment > Sample assessment materials section of the qualification page on our website and from the Assessment > Exams > Sample assessment materials section on Teach Cambridge.
If you have any queries about this update, please call our Customer Support Centre on 01223 553998 or email geography@ocr.org.uk.
Qualification