United Kingdom · National Curriculum Attainment Targets
Year 11 Geology.
This GCSE Geology programme of study for Year 11 explores the dynamic processes that have shaped our planet over billions of years. Pupils will investigate Earth's structure, the evolution of life through the fossil record, and the critical interplay between geological hazards and human society.
01Earth Structure and Global Tectonics
An exploration of the Earth's internal structure and the tectonic forces that drive continental movement, earthquakes, and volcanic activity.
Pupils will analyse how seismic waves provide evidence for the layered structure of the Earth. They will explore the physical properties of the crust, mantle, and core.
This topic examines the mechanisms driving plate tectonics, including mantle convection and slab pull. Pupils will investigate the geological features associated with divergent, convergent, and conservative boundaries.
Pupils will explore the distribution and causes of earthquakes and volcanoes in relation to plate boundaries. They will evaluate the magnitude and impact of these tectonic events.
02Rock-Forming Processes
A detailed study of the rock cycle, focusing on the formation, characteristics, and classification of igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks.
Pupils will investigate the formation of intrusive and extrusive igneous rocks. They will learn to identify key minerals and relate crystal size to cooling rates.
This topic covers the weathering, erosion, transport, and deposition of sediments. Pupils will interpret sedimentary structures to reconstruct past environments.
Pupils will explore how heat and pressure alter existing rocks through regional and contact metamorphism. They will also examine geological structures such as folds and faults.
03Earth History and the Fossil Record
An investigation into geological time, the principles of stratigraphy, and the evolution and extinction of life on Earth.
Pupils will apply the principles of superposition, cross-cutting relationships, and unconformities to determine relative geological ages. They will also learn about absolute dating methods.
This topic examines the fossilisation process and the morphology of major fossil groups such as trilobites, ammonites, and graptolites. Pupils will use fossils as zone fossils for correlation.
Pupils will investigate the causes and evidence of major mass extinction events, such as the K-Pg boundary. They will also explore how geological evidence records past climate changes.
04Earth Hazards and Resources
An analysis of how geological processes impact human society through natural hazards, resource extraction, and engineering challenges.
Pupils will evaluate the risks associated with geohazards such as landslides, tsunamis, and sinkholes. They will explore methods for predicting and mitigating these events to protect human populations.
This topic covers the formation and extraction of economic resources, including metal ores, fossil fuels, and construction materials. Pupils will consider the environmental impacts of mining and quarrying.
Pupils will apply geological principles to civil engineering projects, such as dams, tunnels, and waste disposal sites. They will assess how rock properties influence construction and site selection.