Shelley College: Geology

Head of Department: Miss A Payne

Geology is the branch of science concerned with the structure, evolution and dynamics of the Earth and with the exploitation of the mineral and energy resources that it contains. Geology is ideally suited to fulfil the educational purpose of demonstrating the relevance of science to society. Geology crosses traditional subject boundaries and forms part of more than one of the separate science disciplines.

These specifications are designed to cover a wide range of geological topics, incorporating up-to-date information The specification introduces candidates to events past and present at the surface of the Earth and the processes which create the present pattern of continents and oceans and the formation of economic deposits of metals and energy resources.

The study of earthquakes, volcanoes and plate margins, together with the rock cycle and its processes, follow on from work in the National Curriculum: Science. The use of geological theories to interpret geological events in the world today is included.

Recommended prior learning:
The Advanced Subsidiary specification builds from grade C in GCSE Science: Single Award, or equivalent. Laboratory/field skills build directly from GCSE. Recommended prior learning for the A2 course would be a successful performance in AS Geology.

Course Entry Requirements:
Grade C or above in the following subjects is preferred: Maths, Science, Geography and English. However each student will be considered on an individual basis.

Scheme of Assessment:
The Advanced Subsidiary forms 50% of the assessment weighting of the full Advanced GCE. Advanced Subsidiary is assessed at a standard between GCSE and Advanced GCE and can be taken as a stand-alone qualification or as the first half of the full Advanced GCE course. Assessment is by means of 3 units for Advanced Subsidiary (Units 1, 2 and 3), plus a further 3 units for A Level Units (4, 5 and 6).

Unit 1 Foundation Geology:
Matter
Energy
Time and change

Unit 2 Investigative Geology:
Techniques and skills
Fieldwork
Map work

Unit 3 Geology and the Human Environment:
Natural Hazards
Human Hazards
Engineering Geology

Unit 4 Interpreting the Geological Record:
Rock forming processes
Rock deformation
Past life and past climates
Geological Map Interpretation

Unit 5 Geological Themes:
Natural Resources
Lithosphere

Unit 6 Geological Investigations:
Internal assessment through fieldwork and laboratory work. Assessment of candidates’ Laboratory / Field Skills work is made by the teacher (as coursework) and moderated externally by WJEC.

Fieldwork
As part of Unit GL2 students will spend three separate days studying in the field at localities in the Yorkshire dales and Lake District.

As part of Unit GL6 students will spend a five day period on a residential field course on the Isle of Arran.

Past Students:
Geology has been taught as an A level subject since 1994 at Shelley High School. The subject has proved to be very popular with not only those going on to study Geology but also those following degree courses in Mining Engineering, Civil Engineering, Oceanography, Physics and Geophysics, Chemistry and Geochemistry.

Destinations of past students include:
Aston University
Bradford University
Durham University
Exeter University (CSM)
Keele University
Leeds University
Oxford University
Southampton University
University of Wales

Students who have studied Geology at Shelley High School have been successful in gaining industrial sponsorships for their courses and won prizes at university for academic high standard.

A number of students have taken their studies further to MSc and PhD level.