KS4

GCSE Geology

Why Choose GCSE

Geology is the study of the Earth, its processes, its materials, its history, and its effect on humans and life in general. Rocks, minerals, fossils, mountains, earthquakes, volcanoes, rivers, glaciers, landslides, climate change and many other subjects fall into this broad field of Science.

 Geologists perform a wide range of important services for our modern society. They:

determine the stability of building sites in civil engineering projects. find supplies of clean water.
search and exploit valuable natural resources such as iron, coal, and oil.
minimise the threat to communities at risk from Geologic hazards, such as earthquakes.
are intrinsically involved in environmental projects to protect the Earth.

Geologists are highly sought after given their rarity, multidisciplinary knowledge, and wide range of transferable skills. Hence, Geologists can be found in a variety of unexpected careers such as Law, Journalism, Finance and Engineering. That the country needs Geologists is evidenced by the fact the UK government has described Geology as a ‘Shortage Occupation’. Their report details 10 Geoscience-related shortage jobs a similar number to Engineering, Computing and Medicine. A recent study by the Sunday Times Good University Guide has shown that Geology graduates at Imperial College were the top earners in a league of graduate salaries, exceeding those of medics and engineers, for example.

Is Geology for you? Geology appeals to many different types of student. However, the norm is for students is to have a liking of Science – Geology is of course a multidisciplinary Science using Biology, Chemistry and Physics to explain Geological processes. Geology students usually are interested in physical geography (coastlines, glaciations, plate tectonics etc.) and have a liking for the outdoors. Fieldwork forms a compulsory part of the course, and a trip to the Peak District is run at the start of Year 11. 

Geology students consistently obtain some of the best results in the school. The importance of a student’s GCSE results cannot be overemphasised given that universities will no longer have AS results to guide them to make offers for university places. Additionally, the retention from GCSE to A level is excellent - once students find out what Geology is, they become hooked!

Earth from Space

Mountain Range

Geology is special in that it is a highly field-oriented Science. Geologist's quite frequently work outdoors, often in out-of-the way places such as deserts or sparsely populated mountain ranges. Some of the most geologically interesting places in the world are also the most scenic. Students of Geology can expect to find themselves working in areas that they have often wanted to travel to. Once you have an introduction to Geology, you will see the world around you in a completely different light.

Sir David Attenborough

"We know If you know anything about geology, and anything about palaeontology, you recognise that we are living in extraordinary times. We need to be aware of that and aware of the responsibility we have. And that’s why geology is so important".

Sir David Attenborough.
Narrator on numerous BBC series.
MA Natural Sciences, Cambridge.
Geology and Zoology.

In conclusion, Geology will appeal to students who have an interest in both Science and Physical Geography.

Key Stage Four Curriculum Overview

YEAR	HALF TERM	TOPIC
Year 10	1	Key Idea 1.1 Minerals
	1	Key Idea 1.2 Igneous Rocks and Processes
	2	Key Idea 1.2 Igneous Rocks and Processes
	2	Key Idea 1.3 Sedimentary Rocks and Processes
	3	Key Idea 1.3 Sedimentary Rocks and Processes
	3	Key Idea 1.4 Metamorphism
	4	Key Idea 1.4 Metamorphism
	4	Key Idea 1.5 Deformation
	5	Key Idea 1.5 Deformation
		Key Idea 2.3 Dating
		FIELD TRIP
	6	Key Idea 2.3 Dating
		Mapping and C2 Practise
		C2 MOCK
Year 11	1	Key Idea 2.1 The Rock Cycle
		Key Idea 2.3 Plate Tectonics
		Key Idea 4.1 - Hazards and Mitigation
	2	Key Idea 4.1 - Hazards and Mitigation
	2	Key Idea 2.4 Global Climate and Sea Level Change
	3	Key Idea 2.5 Origin and Development of Life
	3	Key Idea 4.2 Resources and Engineering
	4	Key Idea 4.2 Resources and Engineering
	4	Key Idea 3 Planetary Geology
	5	REVISION

Assessment

Pupils will sit two examinations at the end of Year 11, each worth 50%. There is no coursework. Details on the specification being followed can be accessed by clicking here:

Recommended Revision Guides for GCSE

Geology students have access to various revision materials which are produced in-house and available through the students' shared area.

Support available for GCSE Students

Support materials are available in the students' shared area. Support is also available to students through pre-bookable, lunchtime, 10-minute-long, one-to-one meetings with Mr Parker/Mr Giffen. Alternatively, intervention sessions with sixth form Geology prefects take place on a weekly basis.