Geology GCSE Level 1/2

Applications Open: 12th December 2025

Applications Close: 30th January 2026

Entry Requirements: Grade requirements: A minimum of 48 points from your best 8 GCSE grades with no less than a Grade 5 in all subjects taken. Certain subjects have additional specific entry requirements. Information on these can be found in the online prospectus.

How to apply: Applications should be made directly to the School via Applicaa which will be available from the Sixth Form area of the School's website.

https://twgsb.org.uk/sixth-form/sixth-form-admissions/applying-to-twgsb6

Please DO NOT apply via Kent Choices.

This is a two year GCSE course which builds upon the Programmes of Study for Science and Geography in Key Stages 1-3, developing topics about the Earth from both areas.

The study of natural phenomena, such as earthquakes and volcanoes, and of scenery evolving under the influence of geological forces, encourages a deep appreciation of the natural world together with an awareness of individual and societal attitudes, values and actions in response to natural environmental issues.

The study of Geology provides an essential contribution to an understanding and appreciation of the Earth. It examines the form and structure of the Earth and the development of life on Earth.

Uniquely, it introduces the concept of the vastness of geological time which, together with the study of the rock record and fossils, leads to a deeper understanding of the origin of the planet and the significance of life on Earth. A study of natural hazards can lead to reasoned and responsible judgements on the value of human life.

COURSE CONTENT

This course in GCSE GEOLOGY should encourage students to:

1. Develop interest in, and enthusiasm for, geology.
2. Develop a critical approach to geological evidence and methods.
3. Acquire and apply skills, knowledge and understanding of how geological science works and its essential role in society.
4. Appreciate the contribution of geology to the objective understanding of the material world.
5. Acquire geological skills, knowledge.

The course content comprises of six key ideas:

 Key Idea 1: Rock exposures contain evidence of how the rocks were formed and subsequently deformed.
 Key Idea 2: The character of the landscape contains evidence of the relationship between past and present processes and the underlying geology.
 Key Idea 3: Some major concepts underpin our current understanding of the Earth.
 Key Idea 4: Major geological events fit into a timeline, beginning with the formation of the Earth
 Key Idea 5: Earth events occur frequently and are commonly reported in the media
 Key Idea 6: Professional geoscientists use a variety of investigational skills in their work

ASSESSMENT
Assessment for GCSE Geology is untiered, i.e. all components/units cater for the full
range of ability and allow access to grades A*-G for the subject award.

The assessment of this GCSE course consists of two components:

Scheme of Assessment - Written Examination Paper: 75%
This is a non-tiered written paper provided as an on-screen test. It consists of
compulsory structured data and stimulus response questions. The paper comprises
75% of the overall assessment, carries 100 raw marks and is 1½ hr in duration.

Controlled Internal Assessment: 25%
The controlled internal assessment complements the theory paper by assessing the
geological practical skills of candidates.

As part of this work field trips will form an important part and will be in the form of a residential course, as well as including more local studies.


GCSE Geology provides a firm foundation for further study in Advanced Science and Geography.



Enrichment: As part of this work field trips will form an important part and will be in the form of a residential course, as well as including more local studies.

GCSE Geology provides a firm foundation for further study in Advanced Science and Geography.