HSDC Havant is proud to celebrate the continuing success of its A Level Geology department, one of the most distinctive and high-performing science programmes in the region. As the only A Level Geology course locally available, the department has built a true reputation for excellence, consistently delivering exceptional outcomes for students year after year.
The department’s most recent results confirm the strength of the course, with Geology recording a flawless 100% pass rate. This is made all the more impressive by 61% of students securing A*-B, making it one of the highest performing science departments at the College!
At the heart of Geology’s success at Havant is a supportive, inclusive and community-focused atmosphere, coupled with excellent teaching from Ryan Lawson, course lead. Speaking about the ever-increasing importance of studying Geology at A Level, Ryan said:
“Geologists are currently experiencing a national skills shortage, making this course all the more important in preparing young people for the future. Geology at Havant is also the only A Level subject that teaches students elements of civil engineering, providing them with further transferable and technical skills for the workplace!”
At the heart of the department’s success is a supportive and inclusive atmosphere. Students consistently praise the sense of community within the course, where they feel encouraged to ask questions, try new things and challenge themselves to grow with confidence. This nurturing environment allows learners from all backgrounds to flourish, supporting them not just academically, but personally as well, ensuring that the College maintains a commitment to outstanding student outcomes.
Becky Skinner recently returned to Havant to shadow a Geology A Level lesson.
Becky Skinner studied Geology alongside A Levels in Geography and French, achieving these qualifications in 2023. Recently, Becky returned to Havant to shadow a Geology lesson as she works towards becoming a qualified teacher in the future, reflecting HSDC’s commitment to students even after they leave the College. Speaking about her time on the Geology A Level, Becky said:
“Taking Geology A Level solidified my love for the natural world, and I still use the skills I learnt at Havant in my degree in Physical Geography & Geology. There’s a really lovely atmosphere at HSDC, especially given the amount of opportunities that students are given to go above and beyond, such as careers fairs and extracurricular trips!”
Joseph Metcalfe’s time doing A Level Geology at Havant inspired him to pursue a PhD at the British Antarctic Survey in Cambridge. Speaking fondly about his HSDC experience, Joseph said:
“My time doing Geology at HSDC is what inspired me to continue that journey at university. The basic principles I was taught at Havant provided a great foundation for me in higher education, and continue to do so. The opportunity to study such a rare course at A Level is one that I can’t recommend strongly enough, especially because of all the extracurricular trips to visit unique geological field areas, such as the Jurassic Coast and Iceland! The passion from the teachers is also incredible, and is without a doubt one of the main reasons why I loved my time at HSDC so much.”
The A Level in Geology at the College is just one example of how Havant enriches student learning through academic excellence alongside immersive and practical experiences. The department is just one of HSDC’s many high-performance environments where students can leave college feeling confident, capable and future-ready.