OCR Geology for A Level and AS

Modern textbooks have to serve at least three masters, each wanting something different but the authors of the new “Geology for A level & AS” have done a remarkable job; updating their 2008 textbook for a new publisher, presenting complex ideas in an accessible way and presenting geology as a modern science.Teachers are given clear summaries of current theories (many of which have only reached consensus in the last decade) in a book that supports their teaching rather than undermining it with an overly simplistic gloss of the specification. Students are given an accessible reference book, that gives coverage of the OCR A level, but in a way that allows students to explore the content, appreciate wider applications and consider areas for stretch and challenge. For those just interested in teaching themselves geology, or undergraduates looking for an all-in-one geoscience primer this book does the job; bang up-to-date, comprehensive coverage and an arresting visual presentation.Of course the double page spread format can be limiting, and for some a continuous prose style may be their preferred layout, however Illuminate Publishing have managed to balance the fashion for chunking up content on the page with a colour coding system that helps the reader to get the most out of the double page spread format. The glossary/index is a particularly pleasing addition over the previous Heinemann edition, and the forward looking and backward referencing within the main text allow the reader to follow big ideas, like a wiki in print copy. While the Heinemann 2008 textbook was very clearly linked to the previous OCR specification, this edition is a complete revision that makes it usable as an introductory text for any geology student, and for other specifications including Eduqas/WJEC.It is particularly pleasing to find diagrams and summaries from contemporary review papers and university textbooks. Whereas the previous edition could at times feel dated in its approach, and some visual material seemed little more than fillers, the authors have completely revised visual material too; they have done an excellent job in trimming away the fat to replace it with prime content. There is a lot in these 320 pages and it certainly rewards re-readers and I would recommend students to cast their eye back to enrich their understanding as they progress in their learning.Of course as with any A-level textbook there will be areas of specialist knowledge that I could take issue with – mostly in me wanting more detail. On a first reading I could find no howlers, and it didn’t offend my scientific bent by using inappropriate simplifications. As a former teacher I would be very happy to use this book, and of course I would be adding in the detail I thought appropriate, just as I did with the McLeish and Geoscience textbooks in the past.[I received no monetary reward for this review but I was provided with a review copy of the book by the publisher. I am an employee of OCR but the views expressed in this review are my own. October 2017]

I purchased the book for my grand daughter. She is studying Geology and finds the book brilliant.

It's the same text book that my son uses in school and so is good that he can use at home (school don't let the take home!!).

Perfect product as advertised

Useful, priced well and free speedy delivery.

It is far more detailed than I expected. Fantastic book. One comment for the publisher, the lake on page 116 is a photo of Lake Morraine in the Canadian Rockies, not of the Matterhorn

Really happy with my 2nd hand textbook. I imagine it to be pristine condition as it said very good. The bottom of the book is quiet worn but idm as it will more than likely get worse in my bag. No writing or any marks. Good price for what I got

Okay