There are three substrands which relate to the secondary programmes of study:
This substrand builds an understanding of natural processes in the environment that keep it sustainable, such as recycling of key elements (oxygen, carbon and nitrogen), and how these can be disturbed by natural occurrences such as volcanoes and earthquakes.
It develops an understanding of the positive and negative impact of human activity on the environment and how the use of resources can affect the balance in the biosphere and the sustainability of life on Earth.
This substrand provides curricular opportunities for the interrogation of secondary data and can help pupils develop as responsible citizens by encouraging them to demonstrate a strong commitment to caring for the environment.
This substrand consists of two major aspects: formation of rocks and using the theory of plate tectonics to explain related geological behaviour. Progression for pupils reflects the ways earth scientists work. Understanding of how rocks are formed is developed, rather than describing the features of rocks. This is to make it more engaging and accessible for pupils, and to help them understand the processes involved in the formation of the changing Earth. Pupils can then go on to interpret rocks and their characteristics.
Sedimentary rocks are used as the starting point for rock formation, as the process of their formation is relatively simple and easily observed. The more complex processes of the formation of igneous and metamorphic rocks enable pupils to understand the cyclical nature of rock formation.
Plate tectonics is introduced in Year 10 or later as a predictive model to indicate where earthquakes and violent eruptions are likely to have catastrophic effects. Using it as a predictive model is likely to be more engaging for pupils and this effectively demonstrates aspects of How science works.
This substrand explains how the relative movement of Sun, Earth and Moon has detectable effects on the Earth, and increases our understanding of the relative position of the Earth in Space. It develops the use of explanation and evaluation of the theories and models of the expanding universe based on evidence from the solar system and beyond.
The substrand provides good opportunities for the development of the skills of critical analysis and evaluation.
