Environmental Studies A Level

Exam Board: AQA Fast Track: N/A Daytime: RFD Evening: No Exams: AS Unit 1 ENVS 1 The Living Environment 1 hour 20% Unit 2 ENVS 2 The Physical Environment 1½ hours 30% A2 Unit 3 ENVS 3 Energy Resources and Environmental Pollution 1½ hours 25% Unit 4 ENVS 4 Biological Resources and Sustainability 2 hours 25% Where will this qualification take me? Environmental Studies provides an ideal base for employment, a range of vocational qualifications and a very wide variety of higher education courses, including degrees in areas related to the environment, geography, geology, science, climate, planning and teaching. What will I be doing on the course? The Environmental Studies specification will enable you to gain a deep and well-informed insight into the environment, and the scientific processes that control and affect it. The central theme is the development of an understanding of how different events and cycles within the environment interrelate, how they influence subsequent environmental events, the human impacts on these events and cycles, and the strategies that can be used to minimise the problems caused. Key aspects within the specification include areas such as ‘Wildlife Conservation’, ‘Pollution’, ‘Global Climate Change’ and ‘Sustainability’. You will carry out extensive, appropriate practical work, both within the laboratory and, wherever possible, out in the environment. Integral to each unit is the development and use of practical skills relevant to the study of the environment. Included in these assessments will be the planning and carrying out of investigations and the interpretation of data. STUDENT QUOTES ‘Environmental Studies is an intriguing and exciting subject which challenges your knowledge about your environment and the world itself. The support from staff is great’ AS Environmental Studies 2013 ‘A very interesting and enjoyable subject that covers a wide range of important environmental issues that really make you think about the wider picture. A great opportunity!’ AS Environmental Studies 2013 ‘Environmental Studies is a great subject that is incredibly relevant to the world at the moment. My favourite topic was learning about coral reefs and rainforests. No matter what career you go into it gives you a brilliant understanding of life around you’ AS Environmental Studies 2013. ‘I would really recommend Environmental Studies to anyone. There is something for everyone. It really opens your eyes to things going on in the environment that you may not otherwise be aware of’ A2 Environmental Studies 2013 ‘Environmental Studies is a very rewarding subject if you have an interest in it and determination. Practically every other subject ties in with Environmental Studies in today’s society and I have learnt so much in the time that I have been at college. I would recommend this subject to anyone who has an interest in it.’ A2 Environmental Studies, 2013

For full time students the course will form part of a larger programme of study which consists of timetabled sessions, enrichment activities, work experience and private study time. To achieve this a student will normally be asked to select from columns of the 6th Form matrix in each year of study. If a student falls below this programme requirement they may be classed as part time by some external agencies and may be required to pay fees for their tuition and/or exams. Please check with the tutor at interview that the subjects you have selected form a full-time programme. Every full time 6th Form student will have a personal tutor and will study a tutorial programme. The tutor will be responsible for the pastoral care of the student and for the tracking and monitoring of their progress on the course. This subject can be selected on its own for part time study for which tuition fees may be payable (please consult Student Services for fee concessions). Part time students may also be required to pay exam fees. You may have the opportunity to go on trips during the year. A small charge will be payable for these visits.

AS - 5 x GCSEs at Grade A* to C in different subjects to include English Language, maths and any science A2 - successful completion of AS Environmental Studies at Grade A to C plus a good reference

Progression from GCSEs will normally be to AS Level (or equivalent vocational course) or to employment. Progression from AS Level will normally be to A2, and then on to employment or Higher Education

97.1% pass rate A* - E at A2 in June 2012, with 100% pass in 18 subjects

David A Levels: Sociology, Psychology, Philosophy & Ethics, Environmental Studies David spent time in the College’s RFD sixth form when he took part in the European Exchange programme as part of the college’s involvement with the EU Comenius programme. “Gloucestershire College is a great place to study because the teachers, besides being very well trained, are also open to help you or just talk to you if you have any problems. For me as an exchange student I must admit that the students in the College were very friendly and open with me from the beginning. I found friends very quickly and could not wish for it to have gone any better. I am now back in my school in Austria completing my last two years of study. After this I want to go to university and study something like Global Development or even before that go to a ‘less developed country’ for a year and teach basic needs.” Rebecca A Levels: English Literature and Language, Biology and Environmental Studies Rebecca is currently completing her A Levels in English Literature and Language, Biology and Environmental Studies. “Studying A Levels is both interesting and exciting. I love going to each lesson working with a range of people and great teachers. The diversity of my subjects really interests me and the independence I have gained from studying A Levels has been invaluable in preparation for university. After I complete my A Levels, I hope to continue to university and then after that get a full time job in publishing.”

Please contact the College on 0845 155 2020 for further details