Geology
Why Study This Subject?
Geology investigates the processes that happen on and within the Earth’s surface, and considers how the Earth has evolved and how it may evolve in the future.
Geologists use science to explore and exploit our water, mineral and energy resources, predict volcanic and earthquake hazards, prevent landslides, and protect our natural environment.
Here at Greenhead College, you will develop an awareness of the wider environment and an appreciation of the need for sustainable development, while also developing a practical, problem-solving approach.
Geology can support a variety of progression routes into relevant higher education and apprenticeship courses. It also provides practical and employability skills that can be applied to careers both within and beyond geology.
The course reflects the practical nature of geology as a science. There will be a variety of lesson styles, ranging from theoretical to practical, conducted both inside and outside the classroom. Practical skills will be developed alongside the more formal aspects of the course, allowing you to develop your observational, analytical, numerical and evaluative skills, enabling you to investigate and interpret features in rock specimens, cliff faces and geological maps.
Overall, by studying this course, you will begin to appreciate how our planet has been shaped through the interaction of short-term catastrophic events and long-term natural cycles. You will develop a greater awareness of the wider environment and an appreciation of the need for sustainable development. Through studying an applied science, you will also develop a pragmatic and practical approach to solving problems.
This course follows the Eduqas specification and includes four days of fieldwork.
You will study how the Earth’s internal structure formed and how it influences geological processes and products. You will also explore how tectonic activity can influence long-term climatic change, geohazards and evolution.
In addition, you will learn how the Earth’s internal physical and chemical processes form igneous and metamorphic rocks, and how surface processes lead to the formation of sedimentary rocks. You will discover how fossil groups can be used to interpret ancient environments and learn about the formation and exploration of Earth’s natural resources, such as water and metal ores.
There are three examinations. All questions are data-response based and may be either short structured or extended-response questions. Two of the examinations assess geological skills, including geological map work, specimen identification and the drawing of cross-sections.
Grades in GCSE Science OR Grade 5 in GCSE Chemistry or GCSE Physics.
