Geology: grade descriptors for GCSEs graded 9 to 1
Updated 6 September 2017
Applies to England
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1. Grade 8
To achieve grade 8, candidates will be able to:
- demonstrate relevant and comprehensive knowledge and understanding of geological ideas, skills and techniques and apply these to perceptively analyse geological evidence adeptly in both familiar and unfamiliar contexts
- effectively interpret and evaluate geological ideas, information and evidence, both quantitatively and qualitatively, to make reasoned, substantiated judgements and conclusions
2. Grade 5
To achieve grade 5, candidates will be able to:
- demonstrate mostly accurate and appropriate knowledge and understanding of geological ideas, skills and techniques and apply these to analyse and sequence geological evidence, mostly accurately, in familiar and some unfamiliar contexts
- interpret and evaluate geological ideas, information and evidence, both quantitatively and qualitatively to draw plausible judgements and conclusions, supported by some evidence
3. Grade 2
To achieve grade 2, candidates will be able to:
- demonstrate basic knowledge and understanding of geological ideas, skills and techniques and attempt to use these to complete basic sequencing of geological evidence in familiar, straightforward contexts
- make simple judgements based on geological information and evidence