Geology A Level

Applications Open - 21st November 2025

Closing Date for applications is Friday 13th February 2026.

Applications are still welcomed after the February closing date, and we will still try to ensure that each person's subject options are possible.

Entry Requirements - Please see our prospectus for grades needed

How to Apply -

ALL applications are to be made via KentChoices - if you do not have log in details, please speak to your school. If you are applying from outside of our area or an Independent school please email ccvioffice@ccgrammarschool.co.uk

**** IMPORTANT ****

Closing Date for applications is Friday 14th February 2025.

Any applications received after this date will be treated as a late application.

What is the course about?

Students will develop essential knowledge and understanding of different areas of geology and how they relate to each other, to include civil engineering, engineering geology, hydrogeology, mining and petroleum geology. They will understand how society makes decisions about geological issues and how it contributes to the success of the economy and society. Through critical practice, students will develop the skills, knowledge and understanding of scientific methods as applied in geology via the Practical Endorsement.

For whom is the course suitable?

The course is aimed at students who have achieved at least a grade 6 in any individual GCSE science or 6,6 in

GCSE Combined science (Trilogy) or 6 in GCSE Geography.

Choose Geology if:

You intend to follow a career in which Geology is highly relevant (e.g. Geologist, Petrologist)

You intend to study some aspect of Geology at university, in conjunction with other areas (e.g. Geography, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Earth Sciences etc.).

You have enjoyed studying Science or Geography but wish to provide balance with Arts or Humanities subjects

Teaching Methods and Homework commitment:

A wide range of teaching methods are used, including formal delivery with note-taking, presentations, group discussions or presentations and practical activities, including fieldwork. Students are expected to complete exercises and assignments to deadlines. Students will also be expected to carry out research on current events and present to the class. Students are required to record practical work in a folder retained at school which is subject to examination by OCR. There will be at least 4 field trip days which will incur travelling costs and potentially accommodation costs which the student must pay for.

What could I go on to do at the end of the course?

Most careers in Geology are in specialist areas and should be taken in various combinations with A Level Biology/Chemistry/Physics/and or Mathematics

Example careers: Volcanologist, Geological Engineer, Hydrogeologist, Seismologist, palaeontologist, Planetary Research Scientist, Geochemist, Sedimentologist, Petrologist, Geophysicist, Mineralogist, Museum Curator

Method of Study and Assessment:

Subject Content:

Year 1 Modules 1-4 — 1. Development of practical skills in Geology 2. Foundations in Geology 3. Global tectonics 4. Interpreting the past

Year 2 Modules 5-7— 5. Petrology and economic geology 6. Geohazards 7. Basin analysis

A Level Course

Paper 1 – Fundamentals in Geology

Written exam –2 hr 15 mins 110 marks 41% of A Level

Paper 2– Scientific Literacy in Geology

Written exam – 2 hr 15 mins 100 marks 37% of A Level

Paper 3– Practical Skills in Geology

Written exam –1 hr 30 mins 60 marks 22% of A Level

Practical Assessment

Students will complete a series of 12 practical activities. Each learner will keep an accurate record of their practical work, including their assessed practical activities. written in the expectation that students have carried out at least six required practical activities. These skills are also assessed in the exams and will contribute a minimum of 15% towards exams.

Mathematical requirements

In order to develop their skills, knowledge and understanding in Geology, students need to show competence in appropriate areas of mathematics. Overall a minimum of 10% of marks in Geology assessments will require the use of mathematical skills. These skills will be applied in Geological context and will be at least the standard of GCSE Higher Tier Mathematics.

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Please see prospectus on school website