DO NOT DELETE OR EDIT THIS ROW OR ITS CONTENTS
Geology is the study of the planet at a scale that you will have never worked before. Years are insignificant, a thousand years is the blink of an eye, we must look at millions and billions of years to understand the Earth. With this frame of mind in place, we look to how geology will help us develop as a society as we collect resources, manage natural disasters and look to the future of humankind.
What will I study in Geology A-level?
Geology brings science and physical geography together to help us understand both past and present physical processes which occur on Planet Earth. We will cover a huge range of processes which include:
1 Fundamentals of Geology
F1 Elements, minerals and rocks
F2 Surface and internal processes
F3 Time and change
F4 Earth structure and global tectonics
2 Interpreting the geological Record
G1 Rock forming processes
G2 Rock deformation
G3 Past life and past climates
G4 Earth materials and natural resources
3 Geological Themes
T1 Geohazards
T2 Geological map applications
T3 Quaternary geology*
Entry Requirements
5+ GCSEs at Grade 4 or above, all from the core subjects, including English Language and Grade 5 in Maths plus an Average GCSE score of Grade 5.
How will I learn?
You will begin by learning the fundamentals of geology from the structure of the Earth, geological processes, eventually identification of rocks and minerals. These are the basic skills needed to progress through the course. At this point the classic geological skills are explored in a way that allows students to develop their scientific process as they apply what the learnt from one rock type to the next.
The theory portion of the course continues to build up this knowledge using cross curricular links such as the classic sciences, maths and geography to gain a deeper understanding of earth processes which include climate change, evolutions and deep Earth processes. You will build on your previous GCSE knowledge and will continue to develop independent and collaborative research skills.
Intergraded into the course alongside the theory is the practical endorsement, where you will put your learning into practice. You will develop the skills to identify hand samples and geological features both in and out of the classroom. These new talents are first developed in the classroom using model answers with the aim of developing your own independent strategies throughout the course. In the lab we will undertake scientific research in order to explore geological processes. Finally, you will take part in 7 days of fieldwork where you will experience field geology first hand, this is a fundamental habit for students to adopt in order to truly appreciate how geology works.
By the end of the course, we will work independently, applying what you have learnt to a whole range of examples and case studies that you have never been exposed to before. The ultimate is when you will be given a geological problem to solve and are excited to do so and enjoy the process of finding the solution.
How will I be assessed?
You will be assessed by three end of second year exams.
The practical endorsement will be completed throughout the first year during the lab time and field trips.
Any trips?
The course involves 7 days of compulsory field trips which will be in the local area and kept to a minimal cost.
International trip: Tenerife
Are there any costs involved?
The costs of approx £30 per year for the local trips which are compulsory.
If you choose to take the overseas trip there will also be costs involved with this.
FAQs
Do I need to have studied Geology at GCSE?
No, as long as you either have a good grounding in the sciences or have studied geography at GCSE. The first few terms are an introduction to Geology and what it involves.
What other subjects go well with this course?
This course goes very well with Geography. Other good choices are Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Maths
Awarding Body
WJEC EDUQAS
Available As
A Level
[56 UCAS pts. available]
[56 UCAS pts. available]
Add to Application
What can I do after I have taken this course?
Available As
A Level
[56 UCAS pts. available]
[56 UCAS pts. available]
Add to Application
DO NOT DELETE OR EDIT THIS ROW OR ITS CONTENTS
What the students say
”Geology is a really interesting subject that covers a vast majority of topics from major tectonics to identifying small rock samples. It provides an insight into the mechanics of the earth and how the shapes and structures you see came to be.
Anabella
”In Geology, I like the fact that it is expanding on knowledge that will all link together later on in the course. I have learned to recognise geological structures and processes.
Ash
