Geology involves the scientific study of the history and development of the Earth, its resources and the biodiversity that has existed throughout its lifetime. It is a broad-based and highly practical science subject, which combines well with Geography, Environmental Studies, Maths, Physics or Chemistry.
| Assessment: |
100% Exam + Separate Practical Endorsement |
| Duration: | 2 years |
| Entry requirements: |
Standard entry requirements to include grade 5 in GCSE Mathematics and 4 in GCSE English, plus grade 5 in GCSE Biology, Physics or Chemistry, or 55 in Core Science and Additional Science. |
| Exam board: | OCR |
| Costs: |
£29.60 for textbooks plus expenses for four days of mandatory field trips. |
| Programme leader: |
You may be required to complete an activity before you start in order to help introduce you to the subject. Check back in the summer term for more details.
Geology is a multi-disciplinary science that involves the study
of the formation and development of the Earth, its mineral
resources and the biodiversity that has existed throughout
its lifetime. It is multi-disciplinary science subject that applies
Physical Geography, Environmental Science, Maths, Physics,
Chemistry and Biology and therefore combines well with
such subjects. This course presents many opportunities to undertake fieldwork and lab investigations, with recent trips to locations including Dorset’s Jurassic coastline and an Oxfordshire quarry. You will examine rock, fossil and mineral samples to build a picture of the Earth’s development, and develop a strong understanding of plate tectonics, the production of rocks, environmental geology, the fossil record
and evolution. Areas of study will also include earthquakes, volcanoes, climate change and a critical evaluation of our planet’s resources.
A key subject for students planning to continue on to university to study subjects including geography, geology, environmental science as well as other mainstream science and engineering subjects.
Alternatively, students may consider direct entry into related employment. Employability in Geology is high and diverse, including: Oil and Gas Industry, Mining Industry, Geotechnical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Palaeontology and Geohazards.
| Name: | Tom Hubbard |
| Course: | Geology |
I joined the Henley College in September 2016. I had looked at various local sixth forms and had initially been very drawn by their updated facilities. What made Henley my unequivocal first choice was the obvious quality, expertise and passion of the teaching staff and the breadth of A levels on offer. I alone of my close school friends chose Henley and I have never looked back.
The environment at Henley is friendly and, importantly, encourages independence. I soon had a great working relationship with my lecturers, who took an interest in both my academic progress and my well-being generally. Henley may be a large college, but to my lecturers I was one of just a handful of students. You are trusted to manage your own workload and are treated as an adult; it is a fantastic preparation for university and adult life in general.
"I am now at Imperial College studying Geology. Imperial College is amongst the top ten universities in the world, and its earth science degrees are ranked second in the UK, so the application process is highly competitive. I put getting to Imperial entirely down to my decision to study at Henley. Henley is the only State-funded institution in Oxfordshire to offer Geology A level; the course and my lecturer were amazing and changed my life. I am sure that it was this unique course and the confidence Henley has given me which made me stand out, and impressed Imperial College enough to make an offer; it was my lecturers, and many hours of hard work, which enabled me to beat predictions and to get the grades to secure the place."
