Geology
Geology is one of the most widely-ranging sciences dealing with many aspects of the evolution of this planet and it has proved very popular with Sedbergh sixth form students in recent years.
The Geology Department was established in September 2000 and has one full-time
teacher. The dedicated classroom is home to a collection of fascinating rocks,
minerals and fossils and Geology is proving to be a very popular and successful
A-level choice, which requires no previous geological training.
Curriculum
AS comprises three modules and a piece of coursework:
- Global Tectonics and Geological Structures deals with
Earth's internal structure, earthquakes and plate tectonics and deformation
of rocks by faulting and folding
- Rock Cycle - how to read rocks; using a full range of
specimens we examine the links and differences between igneous, sedimentary
and metamorphic rocks and the processes associated with each.
- Economic and Environmental Geology looks at the concentration
of oil, natural gas, coal and metal deposits. Techniques for their exploration
and extraction and studied and problems of water supply and engineering geology
explored.
Coursework involves teacher-guided fieldwork on the interpretation of rocks
and rock exposures.
A2 level continues with:
- Paleontology - understanding the formation and usefulness
of fossils; using real fossils to look at the form, lifestyle and environment
of the ten main fossil groups and an exploration of evolution and the causes
of mass extinction and other techniques for dating rocks.
- Petrology - This is where we take a more in-depth look
at rock-forming processes and products, constituent minerals and how to classify
rocks.
- Geological Skills - an interesting and challenging synoptic
paper that brings together multiple skills learnt throughout the course.
Higher Education
Geology is a highly-respected academic discipline and a fascinating A-level
choice. So far, a large proportion of our pupils have chosen to go on to study
Earth Sciences at university.