AS/A Level Environmental Studies

AS/A LEVEL ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES
We are the biggest provider of Earth Sciences in the Tees valley area and the only Sixth Form College to offerGeography, Geology and Environmental Studiesas separate subjects at AS and A Level award.

Many of our students do a combination of two different Earth Sciences! This serves to ease the burden of the work load and support other science and humanities studies. All three subjects are:-

• Taught in designated classrooms and well equipped teaching laboratory
• Taught from scratch - no prior knowledge is assumed
• Free from coursework in the 1st year
• Include optional fieldwork locally and internationally

WHAT IS ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES?
The subject looks at natural processes, especially chemical and biological and the impact of human activities upon them. Environmental Studies provides an opportunity to study a range of issues of environmental importance and the scientific principles and concepts which underpin them. You will study global warming, ozone depletion, smog, waste management and pollution. The emphasis of the specification is on a scientific approach to the study of the environment, to provide the knowledge and understanding to enable an informed judgement to be made on matters of actual or potential environmental conflict. This means that you assess the effectiveness of recycling of waste e.g. bottle banks or why wind farms are falling out of favour with some environmental groups.

WHY SHOULD I STUDY ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES?
Environmental Studies is considered by most universities as a science. This is a new field of science that combines the issues based strands of Biology, Geography, Geology and Chemistry. The interest and appreciation of the environment has grown hugely in the last decade and now pervades in all aspects of human activity and development. The increasing threats of pollution, climate change, resource shortages and spiralling costs of energy supplies makes this a very relevant subject.

The course combines well with Biology, Geography and Geology and is arguably the most accessible science offered at Prior.

COURSE STRUCTURE & CONTENT
The AS is made up of two modules:

MODULE 1 The Living Environment ecosystems, biodiversity, conservation

MODULE 2 - The Physical Environment lithosphere, atmosphere and the land
Upon successful completion of the AS level you will have the option to progress to the second year of the course where you will study a further two modules:

MODULE 3 Pollution and Energy Sources

MODULE 4 - Biological Resources and Sustainability.

HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?
In both years there are two modules all assessed by written examination at the end of the year in May / June. There is no coursework.

COURSE COMMITMENT
You will be expected to attend some local field visits as part of the skills section of the course. You should aim for 100% lesson attendance and homework completion to deadlines set.

COURSE COSTS
Local field visits have a 5 contribution in total for the year.

No prior knowledge is expected or assumed. You need to have GCSE grade C in English. If in doubt, please consult with us.

PROGRESSION ROUTES
The specification lays an appropriate foundation for further study of Environmental Science or related subjects in higher education. Equally, material studied would be useful for candidates intending to pursue a wide range of careers, for example in business, industry or town planning, as well as careers involved more directly in the environment. Past students have become teachers, National Park Rangers, outdoor pursuit instructors and environmental health inspectors.