AQA GCSE Geography Paper 1 2025 Mark Scheme

Download the official AQA GCSE Geography Paper 1: Living with the Physical Environment mark scheme for the June 2025 exam series (8035/1) — Version 1.0 Final. This examiner-approved PDF provides full answers, level descriptors, and detailed marking guidance used during standardisation.

The mark scheme includes correct answers for Section A multiple-choice and calculation questions, such as earthquakes as tectonic hazards, mean temperature calculations (36.1°C), and greenhouse gas trends. It also provides detailed level-based marking for extended questions on topics like extreme weather impacts, tropical storms, tectonic hazards, ecosystems, desertification, coasts, rivers, and glaciation.

Students will see exactly how marks are awarded using AO1 (knowledge), AO2 (understanding), AO3 (application), and AO4 (skills), including “best fit” level marking and SPaG criteria for 9-mark questions (page 5). For example, the *table on page 7* confirms Section A answers, while extended-response guidance on *pages 8–16* explains how to reach top Level 3 marks with developed evaluation and use of case studies.

The mark scheme also highlights examiner expectations such as using figures, including named examples, and linking social, economic, and environmental impacts — all essential for achieving Grade 7–9.

Pair this with the AQA 8035/1 June 2025 question paper for complete exam practice. Fully updated for the 2025/2026 GCSE Geography specification.

This resource is designed for GCSE Geography students preparing for the 2026 exams, including Year 11 students, retake candidates, and independent learners aiming for top grades.

It is also essential for teachers and tutors who need accurate examiner-level marking criteria for grading practice essays, standardising marking, and improving student performance. Parents can use it to understand how Geography answers are assessed and what examiners expect in high-level responses.