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AQA Geography Paper 3 Predictions 2026
GEOGRAPHY REVISION VIDEOS - GCSE & A'Level
Overview
This video provides predictions for the AQA Geography Paper 3 exam in 2026, focusing on two main sections: Issue Evaluation and Fieldwork. For fieldwork, it emphasizes understanding geographical theory, risk assessment, data collection methods (primary vs. secondary, sampling), data analysis, drawing conclusions, and identifying limitations. It also covers essential map and graphical skills. The Issue Evaluation section, based on a provided resource booklet about reservoir development, delves into water supply, demand, pollution, sustainability, and the decision-making process for new reservoir projects, highlighting the need for balanced arguments.
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Chapters
- Paper 3 consists of two sections: Issue Evaluation and Fieldwork.
- Fieldwork questions focus on both unfamiliar locations and your own school-based investigations.
- Understanding the geographical theory or concept behind your investigation is crucial.
This section sets the stage for the exam structure and introduces the core components of the fieldwork assessment, helping you prioritize your revision.
If investigating coastal groynes, the underlying theory is longshore drift and sediment movement.
- Be aware of potential risks associated with fieldwork locations and the actions taken to mitigate them.
- Differentiate between primary data (collected yourself) and secondary data (collected by others).
- Understand various sampling methods (e.g., systematic, random) and their benefits/drawbacks.
- Justify the chosen data collection methods (e.g., questionnaires, measurements) and explain what they reveal.
- Analyze data by describing trends, explaining reasons, and identifying links between different datasets.
Mastering these elements is essential for demonstrating a thorough understanding of the research process, from planning to interpreting findings.
When investigating urban regeneration, a justification for pedestrian counts might be to assess the impact on footfall and local business activity.
- Draw conclusions that directly link back to the original investigation's aim.
- Critically evaluate the problems and limitations of your data collection methods and their impact on conclusions.
- Assess the reliability of your results and conclusions, acknowledging both strengths and weaknesses.
- Develop proficiency in cartographic skills, including interpreting maps at various scales and using grid references (4 and 6-figure).
- Be prepared to complete graphical representations (bar charts, pie charts) and statistical calculations (mean, mode, range).
This section focuses on higher-order thinking skills, requiring you to synthesize information, evaluate evidence, and demonstrate practical geographical competencies.
A limitation of fieldwork data might be its narrow scope due to limited time spent collecting it, affecting the overall picture of water depth in a river.
- Analyze maps showing rainfall distribution across the UK, identifying areas of high and low precipitation.
- Understand 'effective rainfall' as water available for use, distinct from total rainfall.
- Explain the seasonal patterns of water demand, noting peak usage times and reasons (e.g., gardening in summer evenings).
- Identify key drivers of increased water demand, such as population growth, agriculture, and industry.
- Recognize the potential negative impacts of climate change on water supply.
Understanding the complexities of water supply and demand is crucial for evaluating the challenges and solutions related to water management in the UK.
The southeast of the UK receives under 800mm of annual rainfall, while the northwest receives between 1,500-2,000mm.
- Recognize that water quality (pollution) is as significant as quantity for usability.
- Identify strategies for sustainable water use within households and at a national level.
- Interpret OS maps related to reservoir development, focusing on keys, scales, and grid references.
- Formulate a balanced argument for or against a proposed reservoir development, considering economic, social, and environmental factors.
- Conclude by summarizing the main points of your evaluation.
This section prepares you for the high-stakes issue evaluation question, requiring you to synthesize information from a resource booklet and present a well-reasoned, balanced argument.
A balanced argument for a new reservoir might include economic benefits like job creation but also environmental drawbacks such as habitat loss.
Key takeaways
- Thoroughly understand the geographical theory underpinning your fieldwork investigations.
- Be prepared to justify your choice of data collection methods and sampling techniques.
- Critically assess the limitations of your fieldwork data and how they affect your conclusions.
- Develop strong map interpretation and graphical skills, including the use of grid references.
- Connect water supply and demand issues to broader factors like climate change and population growth.
- Evaluate proposed developments like reservoirs by considering multiple perspectives (economic, social, environmental).
- Practice constructing balanced arguments, acknowledging both the advantages and disadvantages of a proposal.
Key terms
Issue EvaluationFieldworkPrimary DataSecondary DataSampling MethodsLongshore DriftUrban DeclineRegenerationRisk AssessmentEffective RainfallWater DemandWater PollutionSustainabilityReservoir DevelopmentOrdnance Survey MapsGrid Reference
Test your understanding
- What is the difference between primary and secondary data in the context of fieldwork?
- Why is it important to justify the data collection methods used in a geographical investigation?
- How can climate change impact water supply in the UK?
- What are the key factors to consider when evaluating a proposal for a new reservoir development?
- How do you calculate a four-figure grid reference on an Ordnance Survey map?