Environmental Science A Level [Y1]

Are you interested in finding out more about the impact of human activity on our planet? Perhaps you are interested in discovering ways in which environmental damage can be halted or even reversed. If this sounds like you, then come and join with likeminded people by choosing A Level Environmental Science. As a student you will have the opportunity to gain insights and understanding of how geographical and biological components are interrelated in terms of the environment. This scientific subject will lead you to both answers and more questions, and sits particularly well alongside subjects like Biology, Chemistry, Geography and Geology.

Lessons are a mixture of whole class teaching, group work and independent research that will lead to you presenting your findings to the class. You will also learn through lab work, discussions and fieldtrips. During your studies you will become more confident in kick sampling, microclimate analysis, and ecological sampling in grassland and woodland habitats. You will use apps from NASA to examine how environmental monitoring data is collected using satellites. Study the physical environment by looking closely at energy resources and pollution issues. Analyse contemporary environmental issues, systems thinking and sustainability. Understand the living planet index and the impact of our use of resources. Appreciate the importance of basing decisions on reliable data in order to guarantee evidence based analysis. Gain important knowledge about how society makes decisions about environmental issues and how these contribute to the success of the economy and society

You will be assessed by your teacher at regular intervals during the two years using a combination of homework assignments, short tests, and longer tests. There are 2 exams at the end of year 2 - Paper 1 / Paper 2

Our general entry criteria to study 3 A-Levels is: Minimum five GCSEs grade 4-9 with English Language or Maths at grade 5. For a mixed Level 3 programme the criteria are: Minimum five GCSEs grade 4-9 with English Language or Maths at grade 4. Subject specific entry criteria apply:A GCSE grade 5 in Maths and grade 5 in a Science subject.

Your interest in the environment could take you along a number of career paths, including: ecology, wildlife conservation, environmental impact assessment, aquaculture, local government, town planning and transport design. If you choose to progress into higher education you will have opportunities to enter new fields such as ecotoxicology, climatology, geobiology or marine biology.