Complete revision notes for GCSE Geology covering 26 topics across 6 strands. Aligned with the OCR J357 specification. Covers Earth's structure and processes, minerals and rocks, tectonics and geological structures, surface processes, geological time and Earth history, and applied geology and exam technique.
GCSE Geology develops students' understanding of Earth as a dynamic system. OCR J357 has two papers: Paper 1 (Geological Processes and Skills, 50%, 1hr 30min) covering Earth's structure, tectonics, rocks and minerals; and Paper 2 (Geological History and Applied Geology, 50%, 1hr 30min) covering geological time, fossils, surface processes and applied geology. Both papers assess mathematical skills and fieldwork. Students must also complete a fieldwork task, making geological observations and recording data in the field.
| Paper | Content | Weighting | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | Geological Processes and Skills | 50% | 1hr 30min |
| Paper 2 | Geological History and Applied Geology | 50% | 1hr 30min |
| AO | Description | AQA Weight | Edexcel Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| AO1 | Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of geological ideas, methods and techniques | 35% | |
| AO2 | Apply knowledge and understanding of geology to familiar and unfamiliar contexts | 35% | |
| AO3 | Analyse, interpret and evaluate geological information, data and methods | 30% |
All 26 topics are aligned with the OCR J357 specification. OCR is currently the only exam board offering GCSE Geology. Each topic page indicates the relevant specification content. Both papers test knowledge of Earth processes, rock identification, geological structures, fieldwork skills, and the application of geological understanding to real-world contexts including engineering and environmental geology.
🌍 Earth's Structure & Processes: Earth's structure, plate tectonics, earthquakes, volcanoes, and rock deformation
💎 Minerals & Rocks: Mineral properties, igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks, and the rock cycle
🌋 Tectonics & Geological Structures: Geological maps, folding and faulting, stratigraphy, and fossil palaeontology
🌊 Surface Processes & Environments: Weathering, erosion, transport, deposition, sedimentary environments and geological hazards
⏳ Geological Time & Earth History: Precambrian Earth, Palaeozoic and Mesozoic eras, Cenozoic ice ages, and the geology of Britain
⛏ Applied Geology & Exam Technique: Economic geology, engineering geology, environmental geology, and exam technique
Access official past papers and mark schemes:
| Exam Board | Past Papers & Mark Schemes |
|---|---|
| OCR | OCR GCSE Past Papers ↗ |
Find essential resources for teaching Geology at home.