Secondary Education

Helping with option choices

Advertising AS and A2 courses to students

Ben Church has produced a Powerpoint presentation to help to advertise AS and A2 courses to GCSE students making their advanced level choices. The first four frames can be downloaded from here(1MB). The full presentation is available on the Geotrex website for ESTA members. Membership information can be obtained from here.

Secondary Committee  Report 2006-7

New A-Level Geology Criteria

Following publication of the new GCE Science Criteria for A-level, including the new A-level Geology criteria, much work was necessary by both the OCR and WJEC examination committees to meet the new criteria. This has now been carried out, and the new specifications approved by the Qualification and Curriculum Agency for first teaching in 2008.

ESTA A-Level Working Group meetings,

May 2007 Meeting

·           A key focus of the meeting was to work on materials for the new aspects of the new A-level specifications, to appear shortly. Work was begun on developing teaching PowerPoints for the following topics: Milankovitch cycles, sea level changes, oxygen isotopes, geothermal energy, and non-conventional hydrocarbons. The plan is that these will appear on GeoTRex to support the new specifications, when they appear.

·           The document ‘So you’re starting a GCSE Geology course’ prepared by Maggie Williams and Gordon Neighbour is now up on the GeoTRex part of the ESTA website. This has already been an important support to those beginning a GCSE course from scratch and contains much useful information. See it at http://www.esta-uk.org/geotrex/index.html – GCSE Handbook – NEW.

·           As a result of the meeting, Mike Tuke’s work on practical geology activities for A-level was reviewed by Elizabeth Devon and the results will appear shortly.

·           The PowerPoint and leaflet used by Ben Church to advertise A-level Geology to potential students is now available to be adapted for all to use – from the GeoTRex website – see the section on Advertising AS and A2 courses.

Again, Pete Loader did a splendid job of organising the day and leading the activities and everybody not only worked hard but enjoyed the day as well. Many thanks to all of you – Leanne Blair, Peter Copley, Nikki Edwards, Tony Grindrod, Ian Kenyon, Chris King, Jane Ladson, Pete Loader, Frank Mugglestone, Gordon Neighbour, Ruth Richards, Maggie Williams and Dawn Windley.

ESTA Conferences

Bristol University, September 2006

The post-16 day at Bristol had a wide range of inputs, including:

·         Lifting the lid on volcanism - Jeremy Phillips, University of Bristol      

·         Mining is your future business - Toby White, University of Leeds                     

·         Getting more out of fossils - Joe Botting, Natural History Museum                   

·         Discussion between A-level teachers and Higher Education staff involved with school liaison - Chair: Annette Thomas

These provided excellent variety and interest and were well received and discussed by an enthusiastic audience!

The ‘Bring and share’ session was again very popular. The presentations included:

·      Mike Tuke - Cambridge: Sycamore seeds and graptolite feeding*

·      Ben Church – Monmouth School: Monmouth Promotion PowerPoint (as now on GeoTRex website)

·      Maggie Williams – Liverpool University and Dawn Windley - Thomas Rotherham College: Careers in Geology “Geology in the world of work”

·      Pete Loader – St Bedes College: Seeing in Geology in 3D* and Normal faulting is FUN*

·      Peter Williams – Liverpool University: Using Google Sketchup to visualise structures in 3D and also to appreciate the effects of deformation on an original sphere

·      Ros Smith – Bridgwater College: Ordering a small pack of cards with an Earth history theme

·      Chris Bedford – Radley College: wacky ways with the world-wide web - geo top-trumps*

·      Chris King – Keele University: Earth science through the window*

Many thanks to everybody who was willing to ‘bring and share’ in this way. Some of the presentations were computer-based and so could not be reproduced for ‘Teaching Earth Sciences’ – but those ‘starred’ above (*) were written up and appeared in TES 32.2.

The day for secondary science teachers presented by Earth Science Education Unit facilitators was enjoyed by all those involved – a particular thanks to Mick de Pomerai, Paul Baggley and Elizabeth Devon for running the workshops.

·         Belfast University, September 2007

The post-16 session at Belfast has been organised largely by Karen Parks – to whom, many thanks. As ever it includes a ‘Bring and share’ session – that is causing much anticipation (particularly by the organiser – who never knows what is likely to happen!)

Association for Science Education Annual Conferences

·         Birmingham Conference – January 2007

The ‘Earth’ theme at the Birmingham Conference was successful again this year, although attendance at some of the workshops was rather patchy. Particular highlights were Sir Crispin Tickell’s presentation on ‘Earth System Science: Gaia and the Human Impact’ and Professor Aubrey Manning’s presentation on ‘Life and the Earth: interlocking histories'.

Liverpool Conference – January 2008

Following the Birmingham success, a similar Earth theme is planned for ASE Liverpool with Professor Chris Rapley (until recently, Head of the British Antarctic Survey, now the new Head of the Science Museum) following up Sir Crispin’s presentation with more about Gaia and the future for the Earth. Another highlight will be the presentation by the well known TV presenter, Dr. Iain Stewart, ‘Un-natural Hazards: the cultural geology of risk’. The full programme will be:

Earth Science Education Unit Activities

The ESEU annual report for 2006 was combined with the report on the five years from 2001 to 2006, the ESEU roll out phase. The following highlights are taken from the report:

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Statistical details of ESEU coverage are:

Note: All figures relate to academic years, September to August.

Each workshop participant was asked to complete an evaluation form for each workshop, requesting a range of feedback and asking them to rate their workshop experience on a 1 (high) to 5 (low) scale for ‘effectiveness’, ‘interest’, ‘relevance’ and ‘value’. The mean score for these workshops has been:

The figures in the tables above include the figures for 2006 (academic year 2005/6) below:

These figures show that over the seven years of ESEU operations, more than 9800 practising and trainee teachers have experienced an ESEU workshop (more than 8500 in the last five years) and have, in general, rated the workshops very highly on the 1 – 5 scales used. These high ratings are borne out by the majority of the written comments, which show that teachers have gained in confidence, competence and enthusiasm through their involvement.

Meanwhile, all the schools in England and Wales in which workshops were presented in 2005 were contacted to discover if any changes to teaching had been made as a result of the workshops. 47 schools were contacted, of which 15 responded (a 33% return). Every school that responded indicated that they had increased the use of practical activities in Earth science as a result of the workshops. Some increases were very significant, with increased staff motivation and enthusiasm being reported. All schools which had a Scheme of Work reported that they had, or planned to, change their Scheme of Work as a result of the workshops – so that all teachers would have more Earth science activities in their teaching. This is an excellent response to this piece of research, indicating a much greater impact than might be expected from published evidence on the effectiveness of workshops of this type.

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Ecton Hill Field Studies Association

The Ecton Hill Mine and Field Studies Centre (in the Peak District) was re-opened in Spring 2007 and is now ready for business. If you would like to visit, please contact Ms Anita Horton, The Institute of Materials, Minerals & Mining, Danum House, South Parade, Doncaster, DN1 2DY: e-mail: anita.horton@iom3.org ; fax: 01302 380900 for more details.

Earthlearningidea

The year of 2008 is the International Year of Planet Earth and a major focus of the year is intended to be outreach and education. Unfortunately, the funding that was supposed to come available to support these activities has not appeared. As a result, three ESTA members, Elizabeth Devon, Peter Kennett and Chris King have decided to work together to publish a new activity on the internet every week during 2008 (and one per month from September to December 2007). Each activity is designed to be used in classrooms with minimal resources and to encourage interactive teaching and the development of investigational and thinking skills in pupils. This is being done with no funding, using voluntary effort.

A key aspect of Earthlearningidea is to encourage internet discussion across the globe around each activity using a blog. To be successful, Earthlearningidea needs to reach as many people across the world as possible, so the Earthlearningidea Team is seeking the contact details of those involved in Earth science, science and geography teaching across the world (*Country  *Name  *Email address  *Institution name) to alert them to Earthlearningidea. It is also seeking the moral support and active blogging support of all ESTA members. More details, a sample activity and the September 2007 activity can be found on the website at: http://www.earthlearningidea.com/. Comments through the blog on these activities and the whole Earthlearningidea are welcome, now and in the future.

Chris King, August 2007

How GCSE Geology works

The update note below summarises the progress of a small working group set up to review the future of the WJEC GCSE Geology specification.

The future of GCSE Geology, offered only in England, Wales and Northern Ireland by the Welsh Joint Education Committee (WJEC), is under discussion. It currently has around 600 entries per year and appears to be running at a loss. For its future to be safeguarded, WJEC have said that:

• it should be more attractive, encouraging more entries;
• costs should be cut.

Making GCSE geology more attractive

• This will involve an exploration of possibilities with a group of stakeholders, primarily Earth Science Teacher’s Association (ESTA) members.

• A more attractive title might encourage new groups and teachers to consider GCSE Geology, without losing the support of current teachers. Several options were discussed by the working group:
• Geology – a term no longer understood by many people; often has connotations of ‘rocks and fossils’.
• Earth science – probably a better understood term today, but would involved broadening the field of study to include meteorology, oceanography and soil science. Expertise in examining these areas is not readily available.
• Geoscience -  a term containing ‘science’ – off-putting to some people
• How the Earth works (a different take on the ‘How science works’ of the new science criteria) – a useful working title. This would signal an approach based on processes and evidence.
• The working title of ‘How the Earth works’ was adopted – the possibility of using this title will be explored with QCA.

• The new GCSE will not be aimed primarily at providing a preparation for A-level Geology or for degree-level Geology, but should be:
• An interesting study in its own right, providing understanding of Earth processes and their effects from local to global scale, including natural hazards, environmental and resource issues.
• An opportunity to fire up candidates for geology.

However, progression from GCSE to A-level will be taken into account.

• To meet these two aims, it should be: up to date; relevant; include less jargon than the current specification.

• Suitable content to meet the two aims above will be explored, but might include:

• Rock cycle
• Plate tectonics
• Earth systems (including global warming)
• An understanding of geological time
• Highlights of life on Earth
• Hazards
• Resources and environment
• Involvement of geological investigation and the use of evidence throughout

• There should be two papers, a theory paper and an investigation paper. Initial thoughts on the investigation paper include;

• It should be worth 40% of the examination
• It should be an internal assessment – since the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) requires at least 25% internal assessment (QCA have been asked if an examination can be classed as an internal assessment if it is: externally set; run in centres with wide ranging resources available and with teacher feedback provided; externally marked – and they have given outline approval to this approach)
• It should be a data-based investigative paper and will include open-ended questions based on fieldwork or data provided in a fieldwork-like form.

• The investigative paper should include:

• Entrée questions accessible to students of all abilities based on the data provided (photographs, maps, specimens, other data, etc);
• Final questions based on an interpretation of their own field data.
• For those students unable to visit the field, a virtual field experience will be provided.
• Some externally provided resources might be provided on line, e.g.. photographs, maps.
• The investigation exam will begin on the same day at the same time in all centres, but the ending time might be flexible.

Cutting costs
QCA have been asked about these proposals – and have given outline approval.

• The paper will no longer be tiered, cutting the number of WJEC-produced papers from four to two. Instead the theory paper (60%) would include individual questions that grade in difficulty and the investigation paper (40%) would grade in difficulty from beginning to end.
• There will be only two assessments (a theory paper and an investigation paper) cutting the current number of assessments from three (two papers and coursework) to two. Coursework will be removed (instead some elements of the current coursework/fieldwork will be included in the investigation paper).
• Options for running the theory paper as an on-line assessment will be explored.
• Sponsorship will be sought for the developmental costs of the new specification including provision of INSET.

Concluding comment

• The group saw the possibility of a new GCSE much more as an opportunity than a challenge and the overall discussions were most fruitful.

Latest Information

New GCSE Geology Specification sent to QCA for approval

The new WJEC Geology GCSE specification has recently been submitted to the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority for approval. The content has been completely re-written with a series of new emphases, but retaining much of the detail of the previous specification. Meanwhile the assessment contains some innovative approaches, including elements of on-line assessment. More can be revealed when QCA approval has been secured - but meanwhile, GCSE Geology is safe and well, but has evolved and will continue into the future.
 

WJEC Geology GCSE Working Group:

• John Pritchard, WJEC Subject Officer for A-level and GCSE Geology
• Alan Seago, Chief Examiner for WJEC GCSE Geology
• Pete Loader, Chief Examiner for WJEC A-level Geology
• Chris King, Chair, WJEC A-level Examination Committee

Association for Science Education Annual Conference

·         Liverpool Conference – January 2008

The outline plan for the Liverpool Conference, as sent to ASE, is below:

Draft Programme – ASE Annual Meeting, 3^rd – 5^th January 2008

·         ESTA primary group input

·         ‘Outdoor’ day

ESTA Working Saturday – Saturday 12^th May

The working day, run by Pete Loader, was very successful – with the involvement of the following:

1.         Earth materials and resources - sustainability and environmental issues related to resources, including water and energy.

       Dawn Windley, Tony Grindrod, Nikki Edwards, Ian Kenyon, Jane Ladson

2.         Climate change - evidence and impacts over varying timescales, past climates and their interpretation in the rock record.

       Frank Mugglestone, Leanne Blair, Peter Copley, Pete Loader, Ruth Richards

3.         A  “sister/brother” publication to “'So you want to start a new A-level Geology course'’ for GCSE.

       Maggie Williams, Gordon Neighbour, Chris King

4.         Publicising Geology CD

       This was not taken forward, due to copyright issues with the images in the example prepared previously by Ben Church. Should an A-level day be run next year, preparation of a CD ROM with copyright free images will be a priority.

In the light of the discussion about copyright, a copyright note on all future PowerPoints prepared by ESTA members for inclusion on GeoTrex was proposed, as follows:

Earth Science Education Unit Activities

·         The new ESEU Manager will be Bernadette Callan, appointed from 1^st July

·         ESEU plans to develop a primary strategy and a primary workshop development workshop will be run on 13^th/14^th July.

International activities

·         The bid for International Year of Planet Earth funding to run pilot ESEU-style training for practising teachers in the Philippines, South Africa and Trinidad between 2007 and 2009 was submitted. This is a joint bid between the International Geoscience Education Organisation (IGEO) and the International Union of Geological Science Commission on Geoscience Education (COGE). It is understood that there is little chance that this bid will be funded.

·         A scheme is being developed to post an Earth science educational activity on a website every week during the International Year of Planet Earth (2008), focussed primarily on teacher trainers in science and geography across the world, but also aimed at teachers who have internet access. Each activity will require minimal resources (so that it can be taught in classrooms where there are few or no resources) and will encourage discussion amongst those involved through a blog. The website and blog can be seen at www.earthlearningidea.com and sample activities will be posted shortly. This initiative, being taken forward by Chris King, Elizabeth Devon and Peter Kennett, is being run without funding. Its success will depend upon obtaining the email addresses of those involved in Earth science education across the globe – so please find and submit the addresses of suitable people.

 Chris King, May 2007.