A Level
Course Overview
A Level Geology explores the Earth’s structure, processes, materials, and history. On the OCR course, you’ll study topics from tectonic plates and rock formation to Earth’s resources, hazards, and climate – all vital in tackling today’s environmental challenges.
The subject builds analytical, practical, and problem-solving skills valued by universities and employers, leading to careers in renewable energy, environmental consultancy, water management, engineering, and climate science. Geology complements subjects like Geography, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, and Maths. At the Sixth Form College, it’s taught by passionate specialists with both academic and industry experience, dedicated to helping students succeed.
ASSESSMENT
- Exams: 100% + practical endorsement
- Awarding Body: OCR
Course Topics
- Earth Structure & Plate Tectonics: Discover how the Earth is built and how tectonic forces cause earthquakes, volcanoes, and mountain building.
- Rocks & the Rock Cycle: Learn how igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks form, change, and reveal clues about Earth’s history.
- Fossils & Evolution: Explore the evolution of life on Earth and how fossils are used to interpret past environments and extinction events.
- Resources & Sustainability: Examine how we use Earth’s materials – from metals to groundwater – and how geologists contribute to a more sustainable future.
- Geohazards & Mapping: Understand natural hazards like landslides and earthquakes, and learn how to read and interpret geological maps.
- Fieldwork & Practical Skills: Get hands-on experience with lab investigations and field trips to develop real scientific and observational skills.
BEGIN – IS THIS COURSE RIGHT FOR ME?
If you’re curious about how the Earth works, fascinated by natural phenomena like earthquakes, volcanoes or fossils, and interested in the future of the planet, then Geology is for you! You should enjoy problem-solving, fieldwork, and working with scientific data. Successful Geology students are observant, enthusiastic, and eager to apply science to real-world challenges. You don’t need to have studied Geology before, but a strong interest in science and the natural world is important, along with a willingness to get stuck in – sometimes quite literally – during fieldwork!
BELONG – WHY STUDY THIS WITH US?
At Sixth Form College, A-Level Geology is an engaging and hands-on subject, where no two lessons are ever quite the same. The course is taught by experienced and enthusiastic staff who bring topics to life through dynamic teaching and real-world examples. You’ll study earthquakes and plate tectonics, the rock cycle, natural resources, palaeontology, and the geologic past of Britain and beyond.
Fieldwork is at the heart of Geology. You’ll take part in multiple trips, including residential fieldwork, where you’ll gain first-hand experience of geological mapping, rock identification, and interpreting the landscape. These experiences are not only enriching but essential preparation for university and careers in the geosciences.
Geology students benefit from excellent support in preparing for their futures. We offer career workshops, one-to-one guidance, and access to university taster events and employer-led talks. Students aiming for university, apprenticeships, or competitive courses like Earth Sciences at Oxford or Cambridge receive bespoke support with UCAS applications, personal statements, and interview preparation.
BEYOND - WHERE CAN THIS COURSE TAKE ME?
Geology opens doors to a wide range of exciting and sustainable careers. Many of our students go on to study Geology, Earth Sciences, or Environmental Science at university, while others pursue related degrees in Geography, Engineering, Natural Sciences, or Marine Science.
A growing number of students are also securing degree apprenticeships in fields such as environmental monitoring, energy management, geotechnical engineering, and water resources. With sustainability at the heart of global agendas, demand is increasing for geoscientists who can help address climate change, manage natural resources responsibly, and mitigate natural hazards.
Geology graduates are highly sought after in industries such as renewable energy, environmental consultancy, mining, civil engineering, conservation, education, and policy-making.
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