Environmental Studies A Level Course

As the 'green' movement continues to increase in importance and momentum, now is the perfect time to learn more about the environment. This home learning A-Level Enivronmental Studies course will help you to learn more about the fascinating issues involved in the preservation of our planet.

Based on the AQA Environmental Studies A-Level specification, this course covers key relevant topics such as: the living environment; the physical environment; energy resources and environmental pollution; and biological resources and sustainability. 

This course has been designed to:

• develop an understanding of how different events and cycles within the environment interrelate
• draw on experiences of human impacts on environmental events and cycles, and the strategies that can be used to minimise the problems caused
• enable students to gain a deep and well-informed insight into the environment, and the scientific processes involved
• prepare students for a wide variety of higher education courses, and be an ideal base for employment

This course is aimed at those wishing to gain an A Level in Environmental Studies in preparation for studying Environmental Studies at a higher level, or for those seeking careers in ecology, conservation or marine biology. It is also relevant to those studying for general interest.

Syllabus

This course consists of four units:

AS Level

At AS, this specification develops a foundation of scientific knowledge and skills associated with the environment and how it works. Candidates study the biodiversity of life on Planet Earth and physical resources which are essential for life on Earth:

Unit 1: ENVS1 The Living Environment

• An introduction to the biodiversity of life on Planet Earth.

Written examination: 1 hour

Unit 2: ENVS2 The Physical Environment

• Physical resources such as atmospheric gases, water and mineral nutrients are essential for life on Earth.
• Humans exploit and manage physical resources to provide higher material living standards.
• The use of many of these resources is unsustainable.

Written examination: 1 hour 30 minutes

A2 Level

At A2, the specification enables candidates to further develop their skills and understanding of How Science Works. Candidates examine Energy Resources and Environmental Pollution, and Biological Resources and Sustainability:

Unit 3: ENVS3  Energy Resources and Environmental Pollution

• Future problems of energy supply and how these may be resolved are investigated through the study of the energy resources which are available for use.

Written examination: 1 hour 30 minutes

Unit 4: ENVS4 Biological Resources and Sustainability

• The factors controlling human population growth are considered in relation to the demands placed upon the planets resources and life-support systems.

How Science Works

An understanding of How Science Works is a requirement.  How Science Works is an underpinning set of concepts and is the means whereby students come to understand how scientists investigate scientific phenomena in their attempts to explain the world about us. Moreover, How Science Works recognises the contribution scientists have made to their own disciplines and to the wider world.

Recommended reading

AQA A Level Environmental Studies Student Book, Richard Genn, 2008,
Nelson Thornes ISBN-10: 1408513900 ISBN-13: 978-1408513903

Environmental Science: A Global Concern (Ninth Edition), William P.
Cunningham, Mary Ann Cunningham and Barbara Woodworth Saigo, 2007,
McGraw Hill Higher Education Publisher: ISBN-10: 0071105964
ISBN13: 978-0071105965

Exams

Exams are taken at an AQA centre and we can provide an extensive list of centres for you.

Study Hours

This is only an approximate figure and is dependant upon how much time you can dedicate to your studies and how well you grasp the learning concepts in the course material. Furthermore, at the end of each lesson there is a question paper that needs to be completed and returned to your tutor. You should allow at least 1 - 2 hours of study to complete each question paper.

The approximate amount of time required to complete the course is: 300 hrs.

The Access to Higher Education (A2HE) Consortium is a group of organisations who work together to promote and deliver excellence within the A2HE experience. By working in partnership the A2HE Education Consortium is able to call upon the significant expertise of each partner organisation to deliver the best possible learning journey and experience for our A2HE learners.

Access to Higher Education courses are ideal for learners wanting to start a university course but that have no formal qualifications. By working in partnership the A2HE Consortium is able to:

• Recruit, signpost and navigate learners through their decision to register on an A2HE programme of study.
• Provide learners with the most comprehensive Information, Advice and Guidance prior to registration.
• Provide learners with a range of funding options including; payment in full, payment using consumer credit and payment using a government backed Advanced Learning Loan.
• Give learners access to cutting edge technology to support the delivery of their A2HE programme.
• Allow learners to customise their A2HE programme so that it is bespoke to their own learning needs, challenges them throughout and delivers additional learning in areas such as Maths, English and Soft Skills (Confidence, Resilience, Team working etc.).
• Learners access high quality learning materials that are rich and engaging supported by a team of committed and talented tutors and assessors.
• Course accreditation and certification from Open College Network West Midlands, a QAA (Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education) licenced Access Validating Agency (AVA).

Who are the partners?

The Stonebridge Group (SAC) The Stonebridge Group of Training Companies is a conglomerate of 6 separate independent training providers established in 1997 and continually growing. Currently the group trains more than 70,000 learners per annum in a wide range of subjects areas from A-Levels to Web Design and IT with everything in-between. The Group currently employs almost 200 staff who work in all areas including learner recruitment, course development, course delivery, admin, finance and tutorial support Stonebridge Associated Colleges are currently a Gold Trusted Merchant with an average Service Rating of over 98% from 854 Independent Feefo Reviews. The Group specialises in training, digital marketing and learner recruitment including advice and guidance to ensure the right learners are placed on the right programme of study. Please click here for more information
Pearltech UK Ltd (PEARL) PEARL (Personalised e-Assisted Responsive Learning) is uniquely innovative Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) that delivers customised and responsive learning based on individual learner’s needs. The system is available entirely online which means that learners can access all aspects of their learning, assessment and eportfolio 24/7 and from any location in the World using a variety of devices. Pearl encourages learner development beyond academic skills and includes proprietary responsive algorithms which present different learning exercises or challenges unique to each learner. This means that every learner has the ability to customise their course and to enrich their learning experience.
Enabling Development Opportunities Ltd (EDO) EDO has been working with businesses and learners since 2007. The team of directors and staff have decades of experience in skills training. All learners are supported throughout their studies by a talented group of tutors and assessors who are responsible for ensuring that all learners on the A2HE programmes are supported in a way that makes them feel “special” and gives them the best possible chance of succeeding. As part of the A2HE Consortium, EDO are responsible for delivering the training and accessing Advanced Learning Loan (if required) funding for learners. EDO also quality assure the programmes and claim the final certificate for learners from Open College Network West Midlands on successful completion of the A2HE programme. Please click here for more information

The Advanced Learning Loan (ALL) Consortium is a group of organisations who work together to promote and deliver excellence within the ALL experience. By working in partnership the ALL Education Consortium is able to call upon the significant expertise of each partner organisation to deliver the best possible learning journey and experience for our Advanced Learning Loan learners.

Advanced Learner Loan funding is ideal for learners who are not able to fund their own learning and are seeking a government backed loan in order to do so. By working in partnership the ALL Consortium is able to:

• Recruit, signpost and navigate learners through their decision to register on a programme of study using an Advanced Learning Loan.
• Provide learners with the most comprehensive Information, Advice and Guidance prior to registration.
• Provide learners with a range of funding options including; payment in full, payment using consumer credit and payment using a government backed Advanced Learning Loan.
• Give learners access to cutting edge technology to support the delivery of their Advanced Learning Loan funded programme.
• Allow learners to customise their Advanced Learning Loan funded programme so that it is bespoke to their own learning needs, challenges them throughout and delivers additional learning in areas such as Maths, English and Soft Skills (Confidence, Resilience, Team working etc.).
• Learners access high quality learning materials that are rich and engaging supported by a team of committed and talented tutors and assessors.
• Course accreditation and certification from various Ofqual regulated Awarding Bodies.

Who are the partners?

The Stonebridge Group (SAC) The Stonebridge Group of Training Companies is a conglomerate of 6 separate independent training providers established in 1997 and continually growing. Currently the group trains more than 70,000 learners per annum in a wide range of subjects areas from A-Levels to Web Design and IT with everything in-between. The Group currently employs almost 200 staff who work in all areas including learner recruitment, course development, course delivery, admin, finance and tutorial support Stonebridge Associated Colleges are currently a Gold Trusted Merchant with an average Service Rating of over 98% from 854 Independent Feefo Reviews. The Group specialises in training, digital marketing and learner recruitment including advice and guidance to ensure the right learners are placed on the right programme of study. Please click here for more information
Pearltech UK Ltd (PEARL) PEARL (Personalised e-Assisted Responsive Learning) is uniquely innovative Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) that delivers customised and responsive learning based on individual learner’s needs. The system is available entirely online which means that learners can access all aspects of their learning, assessment and eportfolio 24/7 and from any location in the World using a variety of devices. Pearl encourages learner development beyond academic skills and includes proprietary responsive algorithms which present different learning exercises or challenges unique to each learner. This means that every learner has the ability to customise their course and to enrich their learning experience.
Dimensions Training Solutions (DTS) DTS was originally formed in 1973 and has been responsible for training thousands of apprentices and adult learners since then. DTS aim to help learners broaden their skills, gain knowledge; build on experience, to make a positive change to their career and life with dozens of apprenticeships and distance learning QCF courses that can really kick start a new career. Judged Good by OFSTED in October 2015: Just some of the reasons why DTS are a GOOD Training provider, very close to OUTSTANDING, but we don’t like to brag... Learners really enjoy their learning Effective employer involvement helps learners to link work-related activities well with their qualification Good quality workplaces, with a diverse range of clients Highly effective development of Apprentices’ English & Maths skills Employers provide a high quality working environment Consistent, high level of achievement for learners As part of the ALL Consortium, DTS are responsible for delivering the training and accessing the Advanced Learning Loan (if required) funding for learners. DTS also quality assure the programmes and claim the final certificate for learners from the relevant awarding body on successful completion of the programme. Please click here for more information

What's included

Our A-Level courses come with tutor support for 24 months and are fully digitised so you can study on any smart device.

Your learning programme is completely flexible so you can study at a pace that suits you. All our content is broken down into bite size chunks to make your learning more manageable and effective.

Your course of study is broken down into units and sections, each of which contains lessons, activities and test papers.

Courses are delivered on our Moodle based Digital Learning Environment ‘CloudPort’ allowing you to study from anywhere on any smart device as long as you have access to the Internet.

The course concludes by preparing you for examination using past papers in your chosen subject.

Benefits include:

• Multimedia content – videos, audio, animations, simulations, web resources
• High quality, complete content for every course
• Growing content library - addition of new resources on an ongoing basis
• Varied content using a range of media - helping to maintain interest and develop enthusiasm as well as providing effective learning
• Responsive and dynamic content - content is continually updated to reflect issues raised by students or tutors
• Learn in bite-sized manageable chunks
• Interactive and automated assessments – hundreds of questions per course
• Automatic feedback on attainment in assessments
• Integrated instant messaging system for contact between students and tutors
• Interactive assessments with immediate feedback that help students to identify strengths and weaknesses, using questions drawn from a bank of over 10,000 items
• Interactive and engaging activities
• Past Paper Mock Exams - get prepared
• Discussion forums for each course allowing students to collaborate with peers and also providing a vehicle for tutors to set groups tasks
• Materials are regularly updated to ensure they are always relevant and fit for purpose
• Multi-modality teaching resources to support learning styles and engagement
• Flexible learning programme allowing students to study at their own pace

Tutor Support

With this course you will have unlimited access to your own personal tutor who specialises in their field of study. It is your personal tutor's role to ensure that you receive constructive feedback and to deal with any queries you may have. You are more than welcome to telephone, fax or email your personal tutor.

You will also have access to a dedicated and friendly team of administrators and course advisors who offer sound and professional guidance and advice when you need it. This ensures that you will never feel neglected and that you will always succeed!

Assessment Method

After each lesson there will be a question paper, which needs to be completed and submitted to your personal tutor for marking. This method of continual assessment ensures that your personal tutor can consistently monitor your progress and provide you with assistance throughout the duration of the course.

Qualifications

Qualification: AS/A2 - A Level in Environmental Studies

On successful completion of this course you will receive a AS/A2 A level in Environmental Studies from AQA. Both AS and A2 level courses and examinations must be successfully completed to gain a full A level.

AQA is a leading provider of GCSE and A level qualifications and support services for teachers and students. It provides qualifications that are valued by employers and higher education and enable students to progress to the next stage in their lives.

Requirements for Entry

We only require that students have basic English reading and writing skills, as full tutor support is given.

Professional Membership

On completion of this course you will be eligible to join the following Professional Associations(s):

Qualifications Register

Anyone who is studying for or has completed a course endorsed by an Ofqual approved awarding body is eligible to join Qualifications Register.  The Qualifications Register (QR) is an independent register that aims to serve both members of the public and those professionals who hold recognised qualifications.

QR's primary aim is to provide transparency to members of the public and employers. The QR is a searchable database that allows them to find a practitioner and view the relevant qualification and endorsements the practitioner holds. The member of the public is then able to make an informed decision in relation to the suitability of the practitioner.  QR also tracks whether practitioners have insurance, again something that is useful for members of the public.  QR can also help professionals gain insurance or find professional indemnity cover.  Click here to find out more.

Members of the public can check an independent source with complete confidence that the practitioner has the qualification(s) they claim to have and that any additional CPD the practitioner has, is verified and quality assured to make sure that the CPD is being done on a regular basis. QR tracks a practitioners endorsed CPD (in unison with our CPD accreditation partner Lifetime Awarding) and other key signals to help members of the public and employers to come to a more informed decision about the professional they intend to use. This is an enormously valuable signal that's increasingly important as business becomes more deregulated and privatised.

For practitioners QR helps you market your skills, endorsements and feedback transparently to a wider audience. It also gives you access to a community to help make you more able to progress and succeed in your field of expertise.  Click here to find out more.

AQA

The AQA is an education charity. It's aim is to bring out the best in students and teachers by providing services that lead to inspiring lessons and great learning.

AQA is a leading provider of qualifications and support services for teachers and students. It seeks to help every student and teacher to realise their potential.

The AQA provides qualifications that are valued by employers and higher education and enable students to progress to the next stage in their lives.

The organisation supports teachers by delivering services that lead to inspiring lessons, great learning and accurate assessment. It also works collaboratively with teachers to create resources that are designed around their day-to-day needs.

The AQA's work falls into three main areas:

• qualifications – they are a leading provider of GCSEs and A-levels
• support – including progress tests and results analysis
• development – training and professional development for teachers.

For more information, visit the AQA website.

Professional Membership

On completion of this course you will be eligible to join the following Professional Associations(s):

Qualifications Register

Anyone who is studying for or has completed a course endorsed by an Ofqual approved awarding body is eligible to join Qualifications Register.  The Qualifications Register (QR) is an independent register that aims to serve both members of the public and those professionals who hold recognised qualifications.

QR's primary aim is to provide transparency to members of the public and employers. The QR is a searchable database that allows them to find a practitioner and view the relevant qualification and endorsements the practitioner holds. The member of the public is then able to make an informed decision in relation to the suitability of the practitioner.  QR also tracks whether practitioners have insurance, again something that is useful for members of the public.  QR can also help professionals gain insurance or find professional indemnity cover.  Click here to find out more.

Members of the public can check an independent source with complete confidence that the practitioner has the qualification(s) they claim to have and that any additional CPD the practitioner has, is verified and quality assured to make sure that the CPD is being done on a regular basis. QR tracks a practitioners endorsed CPD (in unison with our CPD accreditation partner Lifetime Awarding) and other key signals to help members of the public and employers to come to a more informed decision about the professional they intend to use. This is an enormously valuable signal that's increasingly important as business becomes more deregulated and privatised.

For practitioners QR helps you market your skills, endorsements and feedback transparently to a wider audience. It also gives you access to a community to help make you more able to progress and succeed in your field of expertise.  Click here to find out more.

AQA

The AQA is an education charity. It's aim is to bring out the best in students and teachers by providing services that lead to inspiring lessons and great learning.

AQA is a leading provider of qualifications and support services for teachers and students. It seeks to help every student and teacher to realise their potential.

The AQA provides qualifications that are valued by employers and higher education and enable students to progress to the next stage in their lives.

The organisation supports teachers by delivering services that lead to inspiring lessons, great learning and accurate assessment. It also works collaboratively with teachers to create resources that are designed around their day-to-day needs.

The AQA's work falls into three main areas:

• qualifications – they are a leading provider of GCSEs and A-levels
• support – including progress tests and results analysis
• development – training and professional development for teachers.

For more information, visit the AQA website.

Career Transition Partnership (CTP)

We are proud to be working with Career Transition Partnetship (CTP) as a CTP Preferred Suplier. We are able to offer ex-service personnel access to funding for our whole range of military resettlement courses.

As a CTP Preferred Supplier we are able to accept your IRTC (Individual Resettlement Training Costs) grant or ELC (Enhanced Learning Credits) for any of the following courses:

• Assessing Vocational Achievement (CAVA)
• Beauty Therapy (Massage Route) Dual Course
• Business Administration
• Certificate in Education and Training
• Counselling Skills
• Early Years Workforce (Early Years Educator)
• Foot Health Care Practitioner
• Health and Social Care (Adults)
• Hospitality Supervision and Leadership
• Playwork (NVQ)
• Preparing to Work in Adult Social Care
• Principles of Customer Service course
• Principles of End of Life Care Course
• Specialist Support for Teaching and Learning in Schools
• Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools Certificate

If you are ex-service personnel and would like more information on how to claim this funding, please contact the college or speak to your Service Resettlement Advisor.

For more information on CTP, please visit www.ctp.org.uk

Study Options

This course is currently only available to be studied via the online method.

Study Hours

This is only an approximate figure and is dependant upon how much time you can dedicate to your studies and how well you grasp the learning concepts in the course material. Furthermore, at the end of each lesson there is a question paper that needs to be completed and returned to your tutor. You should allow at least 1 - 2 hours of study to complete each question paper.

The approximate amount of time required to complete the course is: 300 hrs.

Further Information

If you would like any further information regarding this course, please call an advisor today on 0121 392 8288 ( or email enquiries@stonebridge.uk.com

Tutor Support

With this course you will have unlimited access to your own personal tutor who specialises in their field of study. It is your personal tutor's role to ensure that you receive constructive feedback and to deal with any queries you may have. You are more than welcome to telephone, fax or email your personal tutor.

You will also have access to a dedicated and friendly team of administrators and course advisors who offer sound and professional guidance and advice when you need it. This ensures that you will never feel neglected and that you will always succeed!

Assessment Method

After each lesson there will be a question paper, which needs to be completed and submitted to your personal tutor for marking. This method of continual assessment ensures that your personal tutor can consistently monitor your progress and provide you with assistance throughout the duration of the course.

Student Zone

We understand that studying from home may be a new experience for you. You may even be feeling a bit apprehensive because you will not be studying in a traditional "classroom environment".

To help you overcome these concerns we have developed the Student Zone. The Student Zone, to which all of our students receive access, encourages a high level of interaction with your tutor and other like-minded students. Within this area you can:

• Access the Student Learning Community which allows you to connect with fellow students and gain the help and support you need.
• View your tutor's feedback on your marked assignments.
• View optional reading lists for your course (where available).
• Access free online games, for when you need a break from studying.
• View the study guide with plenty of useful hints and tips on how to get the most out of your course.
• Access free courses such as: Improving Learning Skills; Job Interview Skills; The Effective Learner; Goal Setting and Time Management; and Ten Tips to Complete a Good Test Paper.
• Find details on our generous Referral Programme.
And don’t forget our Facebook page where you will find tips, resources, games, competitions, and plenty of engagement and interaction from fellow students.