Geology Comes to Life: Sixth Form at Truro School

Year 13 Geology students brought their classroom learning to life on a field trip to North Somerset and the Bristol Channel, combining industrial geology, geological history and practical fieldwork.

The trip began at the Somerset Earth Science Centre with an introduction to the geology of the Mendips and a talk on geological resources and their extraction. At Moons Hill Quarry, students met the quarry manager and learned about the geotechnical challenges of extracting andesite from a working quarry, before visiting Whatley Quarry, a super quarry extracting limestone over roughly 2km. In the afternoon, a lecturer from the University of Derby explained the significance of the De la Beche Unconformity, which provides evidence of major gaps in the geological record.

Day two began at Blue Anchor, where students investigated coastal defences and examined faults and folds in the Jurassic rocks. Strong winds and heavy rain on the final morning did not stop them from completing geological mapping at Crooklets Beach and collecting data for a graphic log, both of which support the A Level Geology specified practicals. The trip ended in sunshine at Millook Haven, home to some of the most spectacular folding in the region. Throughout, the group were excellent ambassadors for the school, engaging thoughtfully with visiting experts and showing perseverance when conditions became difficult.

Experiences like this are a hallmark of Sixth Form at Truro School, where Geology is among the strongest subjects. The department has held an ALPS score of 1 for three consecutive years, placing it in the top 5% of providers nationally, and half of all Geology entries achieved an A* in 2025. Being based in the South West, a region rich in geological interest, gives students unrivalled access to the subject beyond the classroom, supported by a programme of trips and visiting speakers.

Geology alumni mentor and support current students and recent leavers, and many former students have gone on to study Geology at prestigious universities including Durham University, Imperial College London, University of Oxford, University of St Andrews, Leeds University, Keele University, Exeter Camborne School of Mines and Cardiff University.

Small class sizes and tailored support mean students receive individual attention while still benefiting from the opportunities of a school big enough to offer a world-class education.

If you are considering Sixth Form at Truro School, or want to see what Geology at Truro School could offer you, our Sixth Form Course Guide contains lots of helpful information on this subject and more, or contact [email protected] for further support.