Geology

Geology is an accessible science at A-Level for people who love finding out about the world around them and have an enquiring mind. Geology students are highly regarded by universities. Geology is a shortage subject: There are currently not enough Geologists being trained so they are in short supply and huge demand. Not many schools offer A-Level Geology either. If you want to stand out from other scientists, and maybe have a very well-paid career in oil or mining or large engineering projects, or have an interest in fossils and dinosaurs, then this course is for you. A background interest in Science and Geography is usual but not necessary

1) Global Tectonics: How the earth formed and how it has changed since the ‘big bang’. The science behind continental drift, earthquakes and volcanoes.

2) Rocks: The rock cycle and the origins and characteristics of igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks

3) Environmental Geology: How humans acquire water, coal, gas and oil, metals and diamonds and how huge engineering projects like dams, tunnels, landfills and nuclear waste sites are constructed.

4) Evolution of life earth and climate: Fossils, dinosaurs, methods of dating fossils, climate change

5) Practical skills: Develop your analytical thinking, measuring and recording through a series of lab experiments and fieldwork visits to geological sites.

Two final exam papers comprise 88% of the final grade.

Practical assessments in the lab or in the field comprise 22% of the final grade.

5 Grade 4's and above including English, Maths and Science.

This course is for post-16 learners who want to continue their education and who aim to progress to higher education. The course enables the learners to develop the transferable and higher order skills which are valued by higher education providers and employers.