AQA As Geography Paper 2 2025 Mark Scheme

Access the official AQA AS Geography Paper 2 mark scheme for the June 2025 exam (7036/2), version 1.0 Final. This is the examiner-approved document used during marking and standardisation to ensure consistent grading across all candidates.

The mark scheme outlines how examiners apply level-of-response marking, using a “best fit” approach where the overall quality of an answer determines its level before a mark is assigned (page 3). This is essential for understanding how high-mark answers are rewarded in extended-response questions.

Section A provides precise answers and indicative content for Changing Places. For example:
- Question 01.1 confirms that endogenous factors are internal characteristics shaping a place (page 4).
- Question 01.2 identifies external agencies such as advertising campaigns and tourism promotion as creators of place meaning.
- Question 01.3 highlights the value of quantitative data, including its objectivity and use in analysing change through census data and maps.

For the 6-mark data analysis question (01.4), the mark scheme emphasises identifying spatial patterns and supporting analysis with data. For instance, population growth varies regionally, with faster growth in southern and eastern England, while local authority data reveals greater variation such as Tower Hamlets (+22.1%) versus Kensington and Chelsea (−9.6%) (page 5).

Higher-mark questions (9 and 20 marks) include detailed level descriptors:
- Question 01.5 requires evaluation of place attachment, including factors such as lived experience, identity, and representation (pages 6–7).
- Question 01.6 assesses how economic or demographic change shapes a place, with Level 4 responses requiring detailed evaluation, strong case study use, and a justified conclusion (pages 8–10).

Section B focuses on fieldwork and geographical skills. The mark scheme provides clear guidance on:
- Coding techniques for analysing qualitative data (page 11)
- Sampling methods such as systematic, stratified, and random sampling (page 12)
- Evaluating fieldwork conclusions and planning effectiveness using AO1 and AO2 criteria (pages 12–15)

For fieldwork investigation questions (Questions 3 and 4), the mark scheme highlights how to:
- Improve sampling strategies (e.g. more transects, consistent intervals, repeated measurements)
- Use data presentation techniques such as GIS, scatter graphs, and Spearman’s Rank to interpret results (pages 17–18)
- Evaluate strengths and limitations of methods, including issues like small sample sizes or data reliability

For example, the evaluation of techniques (page 18) explains that scatter graphs help identify relationships, while Spearman’s Rank tests correlation strength but may be limited by small datasets.

This mark scheme is essential for understanding exactly how marks are awarded, what examiners expect at each level, and how to structure high-quality answers for the 2026 AQA AS Geography exams.

This document is designed for AS Geography students preparing for exams, particularly those aiming for high grades in the 2026 AQA assessment.

It is also highly valuable for teachers and tutors who need accurate marking guidance, level descriptors, and examiner insights for grading, feedback, and structured revision sessions.