About the course
This A Level is included within the following A Level pathways as a RECOMMENDED CORE subject: Environment, Geography and Earth Science. It is included in the following pathways as a RECOMMENDED ADDITIONAL SUBJECT: Business and Entrepreneurship; Engineering; STEM and Healthcare. However, you can choose Environmental Science with any A Level/equivalent combination – there is plenty of choice and flexibility.
You will study the impact of human activity on the environment and explore ways in which we can create a sustainable future. At the end of the course you should be able to use a scientific approach to study the environment, the impacts on our environment, understand ways humans manage the environment, and know about sustainability issues that are important to us today.
Topics in Year One include: The Living Environment and The Physical Environment.
Topics in Year Two include: Energy Resources and Environment Pollution; Biological Resources Sustainability.
Classes involve presentations, debate and discussions, and you are encouraged to carry out research and keep up to date with environmental issues.
You will study the course for 4.5 -5 (first year is 4.5 hours and second year is 5) hours per week and should expect to spend an additional 4.5 hours per on homework and private study. Mock exams are held during the first year (in February/March), but do not count towards the final A Level. Exams for the whole A level are held in May or June of the second year.
Entry requirements
Five GCSEs at grade 4/C or above, including Biology or Combined/Additional Science, and grade 4/C in English and Maths. You must also achieve grade 5 in at least one of these subjects, preferably in GCSE Sciences. A GCSE in Geography would be helpful, but not essential.
Where next?
Society and industry need people who understand the challenges presented by sustainable development, and Environmental Science and Sustainable Development can be studied at university.
Work experience and employability
This course does not contain a work experience component, but has other activities to help you develop employability skills. If you would like to undertake a work placement alongside your studies, our Employability Team can help.
What additional resources will I need?
You may want to buy an A Level textbook. We may ask for a contribution from you to help with the costs of the field trips and visits.
Fees information
This course is free to students aged 16-18 years.
Students aged 19+ will usually be charged a tuition fee, unless they meet certain eligibility criteria for fee remission. For those paying, an Advanced Learner Loan may be available. For further advice on fees, waivers and loans, please contact the Fees Co-Ordinator at Queens Drive.
Contact
If you would like any further information, please do not hesitate to contact us by emailing enrolment@newcollege.ac.uk