Torquay Girls Grammar School

KS4 Overview

Geology is taught as a GCSE subject in twilight sessions at key stage 4. It is an exciting and stimulating subject that studies the science of not only the planet we live on, but the geology of other planets as well. Study the subject and embark on a "Journey of Discovery" into the world around you.

The lessons are delivered in twilight sessions, with the course divided into 16 individual topics. These are supported with a study book and accompanying resources. The theory lessons are accompanied by a wide variety of practical tasks, to help reinforce the learning of the practical and the theory components.

The programme of study at Key Stage 4 is designed to support students in becoming effective Geoscientists. Like all forms of science, we study geology to make new discoveries. But we also study it in order to look at some of the most important issues in society today including energy sources and sustainability, climate change, the impacts of developments on the environment, water management, mineral resources and natural hazards. The course provides students with an up-to-date view of what Geology is all about, both in an academic sense and in relation to employment. It underpins the provision of resources to the UK’s population and industry, delivers a wide range of essential services, and helps us understand how we can live more sustainably on our planet

Throughout the course the emphasis is very much on practical learning in a group context, though there are ample opportunities for students to display their own individual skills and learning. Learning in a personalised way will be at the core of the subject, with the teacher taking the role of a guide rather than the font of all knowledge. The subject lends itself perfectly to this type of learning, given that good observation is the key to things geological. Students will learn how to think differently – they will start thinking like a Geoscientist!

Building on KS3 and preparing for KS5…

GCSE Geology builds on a number of subjects from KS3. Students who have enjoyed Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Mathematics and Physics at KS3 will find that the GCSE Geology course helps them apply their knowledge to real world situations and allows them to see the relevance of the science to the real world.

KS4 Assessment

A mixture of both formative and summative assessment is used to assess the subject.

A range of Formative Assessment Techniques are used which include:

Retrieval practice;
Show me;
Active observation.

At KS4, Geology is assessed on work produced at GCSE level graded from 1-9, with 9 being the highest grade. This is done through 16 Assessed tests, after each topic, linked to the examination texts and skills developed through the course. Verbal feedback is given during lessons and written feedback is given after each assessment. Students are given time develop their knowledge and skills in response to this feedback.

Summative assessments use past-paper examination questions that are linked to the units of work that the students’ study in the individually designed Geological Themes as detailed in the content.

KS4 Content

Y10 Content Autumn	Things Geological - an introduction to geological ideas A Jewel in Space - planetary geology The Magic of Minerals - minerals and mining
Y10 Content Spring	4. Dynamic Deposition - sedimentary rocks, water & oil Magma on the Move - igneous rocks & volcanoes
Y10 Content Summer	6. Squashed and Heated - metamorphic rocks A. A Fieldwork Report - Constructing an Academic Poster The Geological Machine - plate tectonic
Y11 Content Autumn	B. What Lies Beneath - An introduction to geological mapwork and cross-sections 8. A Dangerous Place to Live - geological hazards Magic in the Rocks - fossils, evolution & extinction Hot & Cold - climate change
Y11 Content Spring	11.Rocks under Stress - folding, faulting & engineering geology Good Timing - dating rocks The Geologists’ Puzzle Box - interpreting geological maps
Y11 Content Summer	14.A Journey through Time - Britain’s geological history