The Practical Endorsement for OCR A Level Geology requires a minimum of 12 practical activities.

In our packed 3-day course, students will complete a range of PAGs and cover course content from the seven modules of the OCR Geology specification. Students will be required to “think geologically” about unfamiliar locations and use a variety of IT software and spatial systems to collect, analyse, and present data.

Example Timetable

Day 1

Arrive Midday

Students will be greeted by staff, with a welcome talk followed by a brief tour of the centre and the local area.

  • Outline of the course
  • Allocation of walking boots/waterproofs, and geology field kits.

Afternoon

Introduction to the Geology of the Local Area
  • Students will visit a local field site and immerse themselves into the local geology through observations and interpretations to build up their knowledge of the geological history of the area.
  • PAGs may include: PAG 1.2, PAG 1.3

Evening

Skills Workshop and Follow Up
  • Workshops may include one or a combination of the following: Quantitative analysis (e.g. statistics) / Data Presentation / Geographical Information Systems (GIS) / Using secondary research sets.

Day 2

Morning and Afternoon

Investigating Crystalline and Orogenic Processes
  • Students will investigate metamorphism around an igneous intrusion, identify minerals and record a geological map of the structures and orientations.
  • PAGs may include: PAG 1.2, PAG 3.3, PAG 7.3, PAG 11.3

OR

Investigating Geological Sequences
  • Students will use the fieldwork; investigation skills and sampling strategies developed throughout the week to complete a mini-investigation and produce a graphic log of a geological exposure. Students will use their geological observations, structures and field sketches to interpret the geological history of the location.
  • PAGs may include: PAG 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 11.2

Evening

Skills Workshop and Follow Up
  • Workshops may include one or a combination of the following: Quantitative analysis (e.g. statistics) / Data Presentation / Geographical Information Systems (GIS) / Using secondary research sets.

Day 3

Morning

Sedimentary Processes
  • Students will identify sedimentary rocks and structures in the field and record orientation to interpret paleocurrent direction.
  • PAGs may include: PAG 4.3

OR

Fossils in the field
  • Students will identify fossils and record observations and measurements in the field.
  • PAGs may include: PAG 5.3

Depart at Midday

A final farewell from our staff as the students depart at midday

Please note: to ensure safe and quality learning experiences for students, the timetable may alter depending on weather conditions and local factors at centres.

How this course fulfills the specification

Our 3-day courses will cover a selection of the following practical activities, dependent on your chosen centre and sites available.

PAG 1.2: Describing rocks

PAG 1.3: Geology on the street

PAG 3.3: Contact zone

PAG 4.1: Grain size

PAG 4.3: Sedimentary structures

PAG 5.3: Fossils in the field

PAG 6.1: Geochronology

PAG 6.2: Structural Geology

PAG 6.3: Logging a sequence

PAG 7.3: Mineralisation and metamorphism

PAG 11.2: Investigating sediments

PAG 11.3: Investigating crystalline rocks

Added value of this course

Develop skills

  • Communication | Resilience | Independent thinking | Leadership
  • Numeracy | Literacy | Investigative skills | Observation

Enhance Knowledge

  • Ask questions.
  • Apply knowledge in the real world and make links.
  • Make sense of new places and understand our place and role within this.

Enjoy

  • Have fun | Make friendships | Connect with nature

Why Choose Field Studies Council?

  • Expert tuition by fully trained staff

  • Stunning locations across the UK

  • Outstanding curriculum knowledge

  • Rigorous health and safety procedures

  • Support before and after your visit

  • Free places for visiting staff