Geology is studied at GCSE, AS and A2 Level and provides the pupils with a wide range of practical activities linked to the earth’s surface and structures.

At GCSE level, the course helps pupils to understand and appreciate the earth’s diverse structure and composition.  There is an opportunity to study the exploration and extraction of the natural resources and to observe the effects of geological processes and human impact on the earth. 

Geology is one of the most interdisciplinary and integrated of the Sciences.  It provides an opportunity to study natural phenomena such as volcanoes and earthquakes.  Environmental issues and geological hazards form an important part of the A-level course.

STAFF

• Mrs K M Parks: Teacher in Charge of Geology

FACILITIES AND RESOURCES

The Geology GCSE and A Level pupils have excellent opportunities to use a wide range of ICT.  The Internet is used for research for coursework, Earthquakes and Volcanoes.  The pupils make PowerPoint presentations as part of their study of Resources and Plate Tectonics.  

The availability of rock and fossil samples gives pupils opportunity to complete a wide range of practical activities in the classroom. A Digital microscope is used in class to help coursework.  Pupils can make their own slides of some of the sedimentary rocks and sand samples. 

CURRICULUM

At GCSE level the Welsh Joint Education Committee Geology syllabus is used. At AS and A2 Level the syllabus used in Northern Ireland is from OCR –The Oxford and Cambridge and RSA Examinations board. 

At AS level,modules include: Global Tectonics and Geological Structures; The Rock Cycle, and Economic Geology/Coursework - Sand Sieving Analysis. At A2 level modules include:  Palaeontology; Igneous, Sedimentary and Metamorphic Processes; Geological skills/Coursework - Shalwy Bay, South Donegal.

Geology coursework at GCSE and A Level makes up 20% of the examination, There are 4 main parts to the assessment which include: Planning, Implementing, i.e. Collection of data, Analysis and Evaluation.  The Planning section requires the students to research a range of secondary sources. 

EDUCATIONAL TRIPS AND EXCHANGES

Northern Ireland and Donegal provide an excellent range of fieldwork localities for the Geology coursework. North Star Dyke at Colliery Bay - east of Ballycastle - is the main area of study at GCSE.

AS students complete their fieldwork in the first term and look at a range of sand samples and identify the different environments of formation. A2 students complete an investigation of the geology of Shalwy Bay in South Donegal.

All Geology classes study the use of resources in Northern Ireland, and this year four Lower Sixth pupils visited Craigantlet Quarry as part of their research for a debate on the exploitation of resources in an environmentally friendly way. 

EXTRA-CURRICULAR

The Geology Society meets every Tuesday, and the members have taken part in a wide range of activities during the year.  These are open to all geology students, and any other pupils who attend are made very welcome. Please see the Geology Society section of College Activities.