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.