Geology

Geology is only available as a GCSE from Eduqas. While technically it is open to private candidates it is very difficult to arrange as has the twin aspects of an online assessment and fieldwork.
== GCSE Geology ==
Eduqas offer GCSE Geology - the specification can be read here. 
While technically available to private candidates it has two major difficulties:
# Fieldwork - 2 days of fieldwork must me carried out and the exam centre has to submit an assignment that says what fieldwork has been done. Eduqas say - "Learners are required to undertake a minimum of two days of work in the field in order to develop their field observation and practical skills. Furthermore, to develop learners' problem solving skills, it is expected that during at least one of these days they should have at least one opportunity to carry out a directed investigation to answer a geological problem. ... Each centre must provide a fieldwork statement to WJEC that details the fieldwork carried out by learners from the centre in each assessment cycle."
# Screen based assessment - 50% of the assessment is a 1hr 15 min onscreen assessment. You will need to find a centre which can facilitate onscreen papers. Eduqas were contacted in summer 22 to query whether it would be possible to take the onscreen assessment as a written paper and this was the response from their subject support officer: "Unfortunately, the on screen assessment for the Eduqas GCSE Geology qualification is mandatory. Although there is a paper version alternative, this is only produced/used in extreme circumstances whereby centres experience problems with their IT systems/electricity on the day of the examination or even halfway through the assessment." 
If you come across a centre able to facilitate do please update this page or share on the HE Exams Facebook group.
== Alternatives ==
There are paths you could take to show/develop an interest in this field.
# Alternative GCSEs/IGCSEs
#Crest Awards
# Online courses to display interest
# Study/read for interest
=== Alternative GCSEs/IGCSEs ===
Alternative GCSEs/IGCSEs you might consider instead of Geology to help prepare for future study are:
Sciences
Geography
Environmental Management
Natural History (not currently available)
=== Crest Awards ===
Crest awards are science awards that are shaped around an investigation. They could be done on a geology theme.
=== Online courses ===
These courses don't have qualifications but can be used to show commitment and interest as well as advancing knowledge
FutureLearn
Openlearn - explore both Nature and the Environment and Science, Maths and Technology. This is a good introductory course.
Geosupplies - offers courses for adults might be worth enquiring
Coursera
=== Resources ===
Geology Toolkit from the OU
The British Geology Survey have some resources on the website. They also have a shop in Keyworth near Nottingham and occasionally they run events.
Eduqas resources for their GCSE
Natural History Museum resources
Many local museums have resources related to local geology. 
The Eches Collection in Kimmeridge, Dorset has been mentioned as a particularly good museum to visit.
Lapworth Museum of Geology at Birmingham University
Stone Science Museum - Anglesey
Rockwatch - Geology club for children
The Geologist's Association - resources for A level
Category:Subjects