WJEC INSET Pete Loader – Chief Examiner AS/A2 Geology Principal Examiner GL3 and GL4 Ian Kenyon – Principal Examiner GL5 - Resources Principal Moderator GL6

A levels are changing….!

Assessment objectives Weighting AS level A2 level A level AO1 Knowledge and understanding 30–40%20–30%25–35% AO2 Application of knowledge and understanding30–40%40–50%35–45% AO3 How science works 20–40%20–40%20–40%

AO1: Knowledge and understanding of science and of How science works Candidates should be able to: recognise, recall and show understanding of recognise, recall and show understanding of scientific knowledge scientific knowledge select, organise and communicate relevant select, organise and communicate relevant information in a variety of forms. information in a variety of forms.

AO2: Application of knowledge and understanding of science and of How science works Candidates should be able to: analyse and evaluate scientific knowledge and processes analyse and evaluate scientific knowledge and processes apply scientific knowledge and processes to unfamiliar situations including those related to issues apply scientific knowledge and processes to unfamiliar situations including those related to issues assess the validity, reliability and credibility of scientific information. assess the validity, reliability and credibility of scientific information.

AO3: How science works Candidates should be able to: demonstrate and describe ethical, safe and skilful practical techniques and processes, selecting appropriate qualitative and quantitative methods. demonstrate and describe ethical, safe and skilful practical techniques and processes, selecting appropriate qualitative and quantitative methods. make, record and communicate reliable and valid observations and measurements with appropriate precision and accuracy. make, record and communicate reliable and valid observations and measurements with appropriate precision and accuracy. analyse, interpret, explain and evaluate the methodology, results and impact of their own and others’ experimental and investigative activities in a variety of ways. analyse, interpret, explain and evaluate the methodology, results and impact of their own and others’ experimental and investigative activities in a variety of ways.

Scheme of assessment Number of assessment units = 6 Number of assessment units = 6 One of the assessment units at AS and one of the assessment units at A2 must be internally assessed. One of the assessment units at AS and one of the assessment units at A2 must be internally assessed. Each of the internally assessed units at AS and A2 must include the assessment of practical skills 20 – 30% of AS and A2. Each of the internally assessed units at AS and A2 must include the assessment of practical skills 20 – 30% of AS and A2. There is a requirement for synoptic assessment at A2 There is a requirement for synoptic assessment at A2 AS and A2 level specifications must assess the candidates’ quality of written communication AS and A2 level specifications must assess the candidates’ quality of written communication

Geology – knowledge and understanding The AS ~60% knowledge and understanding The AS ~60% knowledge and understanding The AS and A2 combined ~60 % knowledge and understanding. The AS and A2 combined ~60 % knowledge and understanding. All specifications must require students to develop: a broad understanding of geological processes operating at a range of scales in space and time a broad understanding of geological processes operating at a range of scales in space and time geological investigation skills and knowledge, and an understanding of how these are applied in practical and/or field geology geological investigation skills and knowledge, and an understanding of how these are applied in practical and/or field geology a scientific understanding of the Earth, its evolution and its sustainable development. a scientific understanding of the Earth, its evolution and its sustainable development.

AS Global tectonics Evidence for the structure and composition of the Earth Earthquakes Geomagnetism Continental drift, seafloor spreading Plate tectonics

AS Surface processes and sedimentary rocks Weathering, erosion and transport Weathering, erosion and transport Depositional processes Depositional processes Lithification Lithification

AS Internal processes, igneous and metamorphic rocks Magma generation Igneous processes (intrusive/extrusive) Metamorphism Rock deformation, folds and faults

AS Geological time Principles of dating Principles of dating

A2 Geological data Collection and interpretation of geological data including maps and photos, logs and other data.

A2 Life on Earth The nature, distribution, analysis and interpretation of fossils.

A2 Earth materials and resources Sustainability and environmental issues related to resources, including water and energy.

A2 Climate change Evidence and impacts over varying timescales, past climates and their interpretation in the rock record.

Mathematical content for science subjects There is some specified for geology There is some specified for geology

Main features of WJEC Minimal changes from current specifications. Option of no “coursework” at AS Assessed Practical paper Assessments based on; data response questions geological specimens (provided) geological maps (problem solving/BGS) No book but Annual INSET/online support.

WJEC criteria Evolution NOT revolution As few changes as possible – but up-to-date. Keep GL2a (at all costs) Continue with GL3 – student uptake. Specify compulsory fieldwork Possible reduction in content at AS. Maintain rigour!

(AS) ADVANCED SUBSIDIARY (AS) UnitTitle External or Internal assessment Time Raw mark Weighting/ % of A-level GL 1 Foundation Geology Ex 1 hr GL 2a or GL 2b Investigative Geology In 1hr 30 min or N/A GL 3 Geology and the Human Environment Ex 1hr 15min

GL1 FOUNDATION GEOLOGY Written Paper - 1 hour (17.5% of A level) Written Paper - 1 hour (17.5% of A level) Short answer data response questions. Short answer data response questions. Matter, Energy, Time and Change. Matter, Energy, Time and Change. Changes : Reorganise and clarify geological knowledge Remove - the generic fieldwork question to GL2a Polar wandering

INVESTIGATIVE GEOLOGY GL2a Internal Controlled Practical Assessment 1½ hours (15% of A level) 1½ hours (15% of A level) Integrated problem solving paper based on a geological problem map, photographs, specimens and other data. Integrated problem solving paper based on a geological problem map, photographs, specimens and other data. Field, laboratory and simple geological map skills. Mineral Data Sheet available. Field, laboratory and simple geological map skills. Mineral Data Sheet available.

GL2a Internal Controlled Practical Assessment Changes Set and moderated by WJEC Administered and marked by centre Direct assessment of centre based fieldwork (from GL2a - including field notes) Reduction in weighting

OR GL2(b) Internal Field Assessment OR GL2(b) Internal Field Assessment 15% of A level one field-based geological investigation. marked by centre, moderated by WJEC No changes

GL3 GEOLOGY AND THE HUMAN ENVIRONMENT Written Paper 1¼ hour (17.5% of A level) Compulsory data response, and one structured essay. Natural Hazards. Human Hazards. Engineering Geology. Changes – remove “geological site investigation techniques”

ADVANCED LEVEL (A2) UnitTitle External or Internal assessment Time Raw mark Weighting/ % of A-level GL 4 Interpreting the Geological Record Ex 2 hr GL 5 Geological Themes Ex 2 hr GL 6 Geological Investigations InN/A6015

GL4: INTERPRETING THE GEOLOGICAL RECORD Written Paper - 2 hours (17.5% of A Level ) Integrated short answer paper interpreting a variety of data including geological maps. Rock forming processes. Rock deformation. Past Life and Past Climates (Renamed E3 formerly The Fossil Record ). Geological map interpretation.*

GL4: INTERPRETING THE GEOLOGICAL RECORD Changes Minor clarification changes to original content New Key Idea 2 – “Fossils provide evidence of increasing diversity of life through geological time”. Knowledge has been clarified to highlight stages in the development of life and mass extinctions. e.g. Ediacaran fauna, Cambrian explosion, migration to life on land, causes of extinction events.

GL4: INTERPRETING THE GEOLOGICAL RECORD New Key Idea 3 “ A combination of global factors contributes to climate change through geological time.” Continent and montain belt distribution Milankovitch cycles Greenhouse gas changes and natural processes Rates of past and present climate change.

Key Idea 3: A combination of global factors contributes to climate change through geological time (a) The distribution of continents and mountain belts controls oceanic and atmospheric circulation and influences global climate; (b) Milankovitch cycles as a contributory cause of ice ages. (c) Atmospheric composition: the concentration of CO2 and methane, and natural and man-made contributions ….; (d) Rates of past and present changes.

GL4: INTERPRETING THE GEOLOGICAL RECORD New Key Idea 4 – “ Evidence of climate change is obtained from the fossil record, sedimentary rocks and ocean sediments” Includes : faunal evidence from land plants and corals a comparison of Carboniferous (icehouse) and Cretaceous (greenhouse). 18 O/ 16 O isotopes “Snowball Earth”

Key Idea 4: Evidence of global climate change is obtained from the fossil record, sedimentary rocks and ocean sediments. (a) Fossil record provides evidence for different climatic zones: land plants and corals (a) Fossil record provides evidence for different climatic zones: land plants and corals (b) Sedimentary rocks provide evidence of depositional environments related to particular climatic zones (eg, icehouse v greenhouse); (b) Sedimentary rocks provide evidence of depositional environments related to particular climatic zones (eg, icehouse v greenhouse); (c) Oxygen isotope ratios ( 18 O/ 16 O) in fossil shells are indicative of the temperature of ancient ocean waters (c) Oxygen isotope ratios ( 18 O/ 16 O) in fossil shells are indicative of the temperature of ancient ocean waters

GL4: INTERPRETING THE GEOLOGICAL RECORD Geological map interpretation. Changes Reorganisation and clarification of applications of geological maps related to: Construction projects Geological hazards Resources including underground water and energy supplies Environmental issues related to extraction Sustainability of waste disposal sites

GL5: GEOLOGICAL THEMES Written Paper - 2 hours (17.5% of A level ) Written Paper - 2 hours (17.5% of A level ) 2 of 4 Themes 2 of 4 Themes Compulsory data response, and choice of one essay for each theme. Compulsory data response, and choice of one essay for each theme. 1. Quaternary Geology 1. Quaternary Geology 2. Natural Resources. 2. Natural Resources. 3. Evolution of Britain. 3. Evolution of Britain. 4. Lithosphere. 4. Lithosphere.

GL5: GEOLOGICAL THEMES Changes Reduction in content – to GL4. Reduction in content – to GL4. Reduction in weighting Reduction in weighting ONE compulsory data response question (not two) ONE compulsory data response question (not two) Some new content e.g. Some new content e.g. Quaternary -Ice Core evidence Natural Resources - CO 2 repositories Evolution – Clarification of Key Idea 3 Lithosphere – already ahead of its time!

GL6: GEOLOGICAL INVESTIGATIONS 15% of A level marked by centre, moderated by WJEC Two visits to each of the four criteria Plan, Implement, Analyse, Evaluate Minimum 50% field evidence. Max 50% (optional) from the laboratory. (compulsory Laboratory element removed)

Availability of Assessment Units UnitJanuary2009June2009January2010onwardsJune2010onwards GL 1  GL 2  GL 3  GL 4  GL 5  GL 6 

Main features of WJEC Minimal changes from current specifications. Option of no “coursework” at AS Assessed Practical paper Assessments based on; data response questions geological specimens (provided) geological maps (problem solving/BGS) No book but Annual INSET/online support.