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Environmental Science A Level

  • 3

    Level
    Level 3

  • Duration
    2 years

  • Start Date
    September 2026

  • Venue
    Paston College campus

  • Course Code
    S9417

Start Date

  • September 2026, Full Time, Day

What You Will Study

This course builds a strong understanding of the relationship between humans and the environment. You will learn how the Earth works, how we depend on it, how our actions impact it, and how we can live more sustainably. It fosters responsibility for the planet and gives you the skills to help tackle challenges like climate change.

You will spend the first year studying topics related to living and physical environments. These topics allow you to explore why life exists on earth and develop a deep understanding of biodiversity and ecosystems, such as grasslands and coral reefs and the conservation of these habitats in the UK and abroad. You also study the impact that humans have on the atmosphere. In the second year, you will learn about the challenges that the Earth’s growing population has created. You will examine how we can balance the needs of people for minerals, fuel and food with the environmental impacts this creates. Topics will include energy resources, pollution, agriculture, fishing and aquiculture, forestry resources and sustainability. You will discover how technological developments can help humans continue to exploit resources but in a more sustainable way.

You will have the opportunity to take part in three fieldwork days and a variety of lab experiments which include day trips to Winterton-on-Sea and the Norfolk Broads to learn about conservation and habitats. There have also been opportunities for students to venture further afield on international expeditions, such as conservation work in South Africa. Closer to home, students have also taken part in the annual Biodiversity Conference in Norwich.

You will be taught in a dedicated laboratory by a specialist teacher and have access to equipment such as moth traps, aerial insect nets, and water-quality testing equipment.

Why Choose Paston College?

A wide range of subjects

We're proud to be the biggest provider of A Levels in Norfolk, offering 27 A Level courses

Student progression

100% of our students progress to university, employment, apprenticeships, of gap years

Excellent results

Our students do consistently well on their A Level courses, with pass rates consistently in the high 90s

Entry Requirements

You will need to achieve a minimum of two GCSEs at grade 6 or above, and three GCSEs at grade 4 or above. You will also need to achieve grade 5 or above in GCSE science, chemistry or biology, and grade 5 or above in GCSE maths.

How You Will Be Assessed

You will be assessed through exams. You will sit two three-hour exams that include multiple choice questions and extended writing.

Course Progression

This subject is a great starting point for university study in environmental science and related subjects. You can study a BSc (Hons) Wildlife and Conservation degree through City College Norwich Higher Education at Easton College.

Where Your Course Can Take You

Environmental Science can lead to a wide range of career paths, including environmental engineering, sustainability officer, environmental consultant, air pollution analyst, wildlife biologist, geoscientist, and environmental lawyer – as well as roles in fields like ecology, meteorology, oceanography, and conservation.

Fees

If you are a UK or home fee status student and aged 16-18 on the 31st August before the start of your course, tuition fees are free. If you are aged 19 and over please contact the Advice Shop.

Why Choose Paston College?

A wide range of subjects

We're proud to be the biggest provider of A Levels in Norfolk, offering 27 A Level courses

Student progression

100% of our students progress to university, employment, apprenticeships, of gap years

Excellent results

Our students do consistently well on their A Level courses, with pass rates consistently in the high 90s