Lower Sixth Geologists Visit Rinsey Cove

Twenty Five Lower Sixth geology students spent a fieldwork day in West Cornwall, visiting Rinsey Cove and Kennack Sands. This forms a key part of their A-Level qualification and is an excellent opportunity to apply their classroom learning in the field.

At Rinsey Cove they were tasked with mapping the distribution of rocks from the Mylor slate formation and Tregonning granite. Using their observations of the contacts between the rocks and the igneous and metamorphic textures they were able to develop an understanding of how the granite was intruded into the slates approximately 280 million years ago.

The afternoon led the group to Kennack Sands on the Lizard Peninsula. Here they encountered an enigmatic and geologically complex set of rocks which continue to divide and intrigue experts to this day. The group embraced the challenge of unravelling the relationships between a wide range of different rock types including serpentinite, gabbro, basalt, and the Kennack gneiss.

Miss Hope and Mr Blackie commended the pupils for their enthusiastic engagement and collaborative approach throughout the day. The fieldwork not only reinforced their theoretical knowledge but also fostered a deeper appreciation for the Earth’s dynamic systems.