WJEC INSET

WJEC INSET WJEC INSET

Pete Loader – Pete Loader – Chief Examiner AS/A2 GeologyChief Examiner AS/A2 GeologyPrincipal Examiner GL3 and GL4Principal Examiner GL3 and GL4

Ian Kenyon – Ian Kenyon – Principal Examiner GL5 - ResourcesPrincipal Examiner GL5 - ResourcesPrincipal Moderator GL6Principal Moderator GL6

A levels are A levels are changing….!changing….!

Assessment objectivesAssessment objectives

WeightingWeighting

AS levelAS level A2 levelA2 level A levelA level

AO1AO1 Knowledge and Knowledge and understanding understanding

30–40% 30–40% 20–30% 20–30% 25–35%25–35%

AO2AO2 Application of Application of knowledge andknowledge and

understanding understanding 30–40% 30–40% 40–50% 40–50% 35–45%35–45%

AO3AO3 How science How science works works

20–40% 20–40% 20–40% 20–40% 20–40%20–40%

AO1: Knowledge and understanding of AO1: Knowledge and understanding of science and of science and of

How science worksHow science works

Candidates should be able to:Candidates should be able to: recognise, recall and show understanding ofrecognise, recall and show understanding of

scientific knowledgescientific knowledge select, organise and communicate relevantselect, organise and communicate relevant

information in a variety of forms.information in a variety of forms.

AO2: Application of knowledge and AO2: Application of knowledge and understanding of science and of understanding of science and of

How science worksHow science works

Candidates should be able to:Candidates should be able to: analyse and evaluate scientific knowledge and analyse and evaluate scientific knowledge and

processesprocesses apply scientific knowledge and processes to apply scientific knowledge and processes to

unfamiliar situations including those related to issuesunfamiliar situations including those related to issues assess the validity, reliability and credibility of assess the validity, reliability and credibility of

scientific information.scientific information.

AO3: How science works AO3: How science works

Candidates should be able to:Candidates should be able to: demonstrate and describe ethical, safe and skilful demonstrate and describe ethical, safe and skilful

practical techniques and processes, selecting practical techniques and processes, selecting appropriate qualitative and quantitative methods.appropriate qualitative and quantitative methods.

make, record and communicate reliable and valid make, record and communicate reliable and valid observations and measurements with appropriate observations and measurements with appropriate precision and accuracy.precision and accuracy.

analyse, interpret, explain and evaluate the analyse, interpret, explain and evaluate the methodology, results and impact of their own and methodology, results and impact of their own and others’ experimental and investigative activities in others’ experimental and investigative activities in a variety of ways.a variety of ways.

Scheme of assessmentScheme of assessment

Number of assessment units = 6Number of assessment units = 6 One of the assessment units at AS and one of the One of the assessment units at AS and one of the

assessment units at A2 must be internally assessed. assessment units at A2 must be internally assessed. Each of the internally assessed units at AS and A2 Each of the internally assessed units at AS and A2

must include the assessment of practical skills 20 – must include the assessment of practical skills 20 – 30% of AS and A2.30% of AS and A2.

There is a requirement for synoptic assessment at A2There is a requirement for synoptic assessment at A2 AS and A2 level specifications must assess the AS and A2 level specifications must assess the

candidates’ quality of written communicationcandidates’ quality of written communication

Geology – knowledge andGeology – knowledge andunderstandingunderstanding

The AS ~60% knowledge and understanding The AS ~60% knowledge and understanding The AS and A2 combined ~60 % knowledge and The AS and A2 combined ~60 % knowledge and

understanding. understanding. All specifications must require students to develop:All specifications must require students to develop: a broad understanding of geological processes operating a broad understanding of geological processes operating

at a range of scales in space and timeat a range of scales in space and time geological investigation skills and knowledge, and an geological investigation skills and knowledge, and an

understanding of how these are applied in practical understanding of how these are applied in practical andand/or field geology/or field geology

a scientific understanding of the Earth, its evolution and a scientific understanding of the Earth, its evolution and its sustainable development.its sustainable development.

AS Global tectonicsAS Global tectonics

Evidence for the structure and composition of the Earth

Earthquakes Geomagnetism Continental drift, seafloor spreading Plate tectonics

AS Surface processes and AS Surface processes and sedimentary rockssedimentary rocks

Weathering, erosion and transportWeathering, erosion and transport Depositional processesDepositional processes LithificationLithification

AS Internal processes, igneous and AS Internal processes, igneous and metamorphic rocksmetamorphic rocks

Magma generation Igneous processes (intrusive/extrusive) Metamorphism Rock deformation, folds and faults

AS Geological timeAS Geological time

Principles of datingPrinciples of dating

A2 Geological dataA2 Geological data

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

A2 Life on EarthA2 Life on Earth

The nature, distribution, analysis and interpretation of fossils.

A2 Earth materials and resourcesA2 Earth materials and resources

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

A2 Climate changeA2 Climate change

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

Mathematical content forMathematical content forscience subjectsscience subjects

There is some specified for geologyThere is some specified for geology

Main features of WJECMain features of WJEC

Minimal changes from current specifications. Option of no “coursework” at AS Assessed Practical paper Assessments based on;

data response questionsgeological specimens (provided)geological maps (problem solving/BGS)

No book but Annual INSET/online support.

WJEC criteriaWJEC 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!

ADVANCED SUBSIDIARY (AS) (AS)

UnitUnit TitleTitle External External or or

Internal Internal assessmenassessmen

tt

TimeTime Raw Raw markmark

Weighting/ % Weighting/ % of of

A-levelA-level

GL 1GL 1 Foundation Foundation GeologyGeology

ExEx 1 hr1 hr 6060 17.517.5

GL 2a GL 2a oror

GL 2b GL 2b

Investigative Investigative GeologyGeology

InIn 1hr 30 min 1hr 30 min or N/Aor N/A

6060 1515

GL 3GL 3 Geology and Geology and the Human the Human EnvironmentEnvironment

ExEx 1hr 15min1hr 15min 5050 17.517.5

GL1 FOUNDATION GEOLOGYGL1 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 :Changes :

Reorganise and clarify geological knowledge Reorganise and clarify geological knowledge

Remove - Remove - the generic fieldwork question the generic fieldwork question to GL2ato GL2a

Polar wanderingPolar wandering

INVESTIGATIVE GEOLOGYINVESTIGATIVE GEOLOGY   GL2a Internal Controlled Practical GL2a Internal Controlled Practical

AssessmentAssessment

1½ hours (15% of A level)1½ hours (15% of A level)   Integrated problem solving paper based on a Integrated problem solving paper based on a

geological problem map, photographs, specimens geological problem map, photographs, specimens and other data. and other data.

Field, laboratory and simple geological map skills. Field, laboratory and simple geological map skills. Mineral Data Sheet available. Mineral Data Sheet available.

GL2a Internal Controlled Practical GL2a Internal Controlled Practical AssessmentAssessment

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

    OROR GL2(b) Internal Field GL2(b) Internal Field

AssessmentAssessment

15% of A level one field-based geological investigation. marked by centre, moderated by WJEC

No changes

GL3GL3GEOLOGY AND THE HUMANGEOLOGY AND THE HUMAN

ENVIRONMENTENVIRONMENT 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)ADVANCED LEVEL (A2)

UnitUnit TitleTitle

External External or or

Internal Internal assessmenassessmen

t t

TimeTime Raw Raw markmark

Weighting/ Weighting/ % of A-level% of A-level

GL 4GL 4 Interpreting Interpreting the the Geological Geological RecordRecord

ExEx 2 hr2 hr 100100 17.517.5

GL 5GL 5 Geological Geological ThemesThemes

ExEx 2 hr2 hr 8080 17.517.5

GL 6GL 6 Geological Geological InvestigationsInvestigations

InIn N/AN/A 6060 1515

GL4: INTERPRETING THE GL4: INTERPRETING THE GEOLOGICAL RECORDGEOLOGICAL 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 GL4: INTERPRETING THE GEOLOGICAL RECORDGEOLOGICAL 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 GL4: INTERPRETING THE GEOLOGICAL RECORDGEOLOGICAL 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 Key Idea 3: A combination of global factors contributes to climate change factors contributes to climate change

through geological timethrough 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 GL4: INTERPRETING THE GEOLOGICAL RECORDGEOLOGICAL 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 coralsa comparison of Carboniferous (icehouse) and Cretaceous (greenhouse). 18O/16O isotopes“Snowball Earth”

Key Idea 4: Evidence of global climate Key Idea 4: Evidence of global climate change is obtained from the fossil record, change is obtained from the fossil record, sedimentary rocks and ocean sediments.sedimentary rocks and ocean sediments.

(a) (a) Fossil record provides evidence for different Fossil record provides evidence for different climatic zonesclimatic zones: land plants and corals: land plants and corals

(b) Sedimentary rocks provide evidence of (b) Sedimentary rocks provide evidence of depositional environments related to particular depositional environments related to particular climatic zones (eg, icehouse v greenhouse);climatic zones (eg, icehouse v greenhouse);

(c) Oxygen isotope ratios ((c) Oxygen isotope ratios (1818O/O/1616O) in fossil shells are O) in fossil shells are indicative of the temperature of ancient ocean waters indicative of the temperature of ancient ocean waters

GL4: INTERPRETING THE GL4: INTERPRETING THE GEOLOGICAL RECORDGEOLOGICAL RECORD

Geological map interpretation. Changes

Reorganisation and clarification of applications of geological maps related to:

1. Construction projects2. Geological hazards3. Resources including underground water and energy

supplies4. Environmental issues related to extraction5. Sustainability of waste disposal sites

GL5: GEOLOGICAL THEMESGL5: GEOLOGICAL THEMES

Written Paper - 2 hoursWritten Paper - 2 hours (17.5% of A level ) (17.5% of A level ) 2 of 4 Themes2 of 4 Themes Compulsory data response, and choice of one Compulsory data response, and choice of one

essay for each theme.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 THEMESGL5: GEOLOGICAL THEMES

ChangesChanges Reduction in content – to GL4. Reduction in content – to GL4. Reduction in weightingReduction 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 Quaternary -Ice Core evidence

Natural Resources - CONatural Resources - CO2 2 repositoriesrepositories

Evolution – Clarification of Key Idea 3Evolution – Clarification of Key Idea 3Lithosphere – already ahead of its time!Lithosphere – already ahead of its time!

GL6: GEOLOGICAL GL6: GEOLOGICAL INVESTIGATIONSINVESTIGATIONS

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 UnitsAvailability of Assessment Units

UnitUnit JanuaryJanuary

20092009 JuneJune

20092009 JanuaryJanuary

20102010

onwardsonwards

JuneJune

2010 2010

onwardsonwards

GL 1GL 1

GL 2GL 2

GL 3GL 3 GL 4GL 4 GL 5GL 5 GL 6GL 6

Main features of WJECMain features of WJEC

Minimal changes from current specifications. Option of no “coursework” at AS Assessed Practical paper Assessments based on;

data response questionsgeological specimens (provided)geological maps (problem solving/BGS)

No book but Annual INSET/online support.