Environmental Studies AS/A Level

Level

Environmental Studies AS/A Level

St brendan's sixth form college
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Description

Curriculum Area: Science

Environmental Studies AS/A Level

Who is the course for?

This course involves the scientific study of how the environment supports humans, how humans threaten these support systems, and strategies for a more sustainable lifestyle. The subject draws on many study areas including geology, geography, biology, economics, politics and sociology.

Units of study

Advanced Subsidiary (AS)

Unit 1 The living environment Unit 2 The physical environment

Advanced Level (A2)

Unit 3 Energy resources and environmental pollution Unit 4 Biological resources and sustainability

Methods of Teaching and Learning

The course provides the knowledge necessary to understand the basics of how th…

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Curriculum Area: Science

Environmental Studies AS/A Level

Who is the course for?

This course involves the scientific study of how the environment supports humans, how humans threaten these support systems, and strategies for a more sustainable lifestyle. The subject draws on many study areas including geology, geography, biology, economics, politics and sociology.

Units of study

Advanced Subsidiary (AS)

Unit 1 The living environment Unit 2 The physical environment

Advanced Level (A2)

Unit 3 Energy resources and environmental pollution Unit 4 Biological resources and sustainability

Methods of Teaching and Learning

The course provides the knowledge necessary to understand the basics of how the various systems of planet Earth function, how human activities affect the planet and what we can do to reduce our impact. The underlying theme is ‘How can increasing numbers of people have a good quality of life without damaging the life-support systems of the planet?’

The two AS units provide a general introduction to the subject and cover wildlife conservation, ecology, land-use, geological resources, soils, water, and atmospheric processes. Topical issues such as global climate change, tropical rainforest conservation and water supplies are covered.

The second year has two units which cover energy resources, pollution, agriculture, forestry, fisheries and sustainability.

The applied nature of the subject means there are many opportunities to relate topics to everyday issues and current affairs. You will learn through discussions, practical activities, videos, group projects and also develop your study skills. Private study includes expanding topic summaries, background reading (sources recommended) and internet research (website addresses provided). A range of field trips is offered to support class-based studies.

Enrichment

The college grounds offers a chance to undertake practical field work throughout the course, including soil analysis, air pollution monitoring and measuring diversity of a woodland. There are also opportunities to visit areas of environmental and ecological importance such as Bristol Zoo, Didcot Power Station, and Wessex Water Treatment Works

Methods of Assessment

The two AS units are assessed with one exam in January and another in May.

Unit 1 1 hour 40 % of total AS Unit 2 1 ½ hours 60% of total AS

The two A2 units have exams at the end of the year in June.

Unit 3 1 ½ hours 25% of total A level Unit 4 2 hours 25% of total A level

Resources

There is one specialist Environmental Studies laboratory stocked with a wide variety of equipment to undertake practical skills. The Library and Information Centre provides access to the Internet and is well stocked with the latest issues of Environmental books, journals, and newspapers. Each student with be given an up to date course Textbook.

Links with employers

Through the various site visits students will be able to make links with various job opportunities within the field of environment studies as well as talks from relevant speakers such as Environmental Consultants.

Progression

Environmental Studies is a very broad subject and can lead, with appropriate other subjects, to a wide range of careers including: wildlife conservation, water industry, energy industry, environmental health, agriculture, forestry, fisheries, teaching, journalism, environmental law, tourism, landscape architecture, uniformed services.

Entry Requirements

Five GCSEs at Grade C or above or the equivalent from four subject areas including GCSE English. Your results must also include GCSE Core and Additional Science at CC or above or GCSE Biology or Chemistry or Physics at grade C or above plus Mathematics at grade C or above. The GCSE Applied Science is not an acceptable entry qualification for this course

Additional Costs

Day-trips form a valuable part of the course which all students are expected to attend. These should cost no more than £20 per trip. The College has a Student Support Fund for those students who have difficulty meeting these costs.

What Students Say

“Environmental Studies is a relevant subject, giving the science behind modern day issues.”

“A wide ranging subject that provides good links and support to lots of other subjects”

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