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Course Description
This is a complete revision of the AQA GCE Environmental Studies specification.
The AS course is divided into two units, the first of which is divided into 4 topics, and the second of which is divided into 3 topics. All of the topics will require reference to the textbook and selected websites. At the end of each topic is a set of key words. After studying the topic you should be able to give the meaning of each of these words. At the end of each topic there is a tutor-marked assessment which, when completed, should be sent to your tutor.
Environmental Studies is an interdisciplinary subject covering different branches of science and geography and there is much terminology that is associated with the subject. You are expected not only to recognise and understand these terms in examination papers, but use them correctly in your answers. If you have problems remembering terms it is a good idea to write them on index cards as you go along and use these to help you learn them.
Each unit of the course corresponds to the examination unit. The topics may be of different length and difficulty.
Throughout the course you will require the following textbook which is specifically written for the syllabus that you are following. While the material covered in the book matches that in the course, you will need access to both in order to fully understand the concepts and terminology of biology. This book will be essential for your course.
AQA A Level Environmental Studies Student book by Richard Genn (2008) Published by Nelson Thornes ISBN-10: 1408513900 ISBN-13: 978-1408513903
Students are not required to submit an internally assessed environmental studies investigation. However, it is expected that candidates should carry out investigative activities, appropriate to the study of a range of environmental systems and the way in which they influence and affect each other. They should carry out extensive, appropriate practical work 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; such as the planning and carrying out of investigations, the interpretation of data and the comprehension of relevant environmental texts.
Previous Knowledge Required
This course builds from the knowledge gained in a range of GCSE science subjects, including GCSE Environmental Studies, although its study is not essential to undertake the A Level course. Some knowledge of biology or other GCSE Science subjects or Geography would be useful, so you may find the following books useful for revision.
AQA Science GCSE Science Students Book by Ann Fullick, Patrick Fullick, J Breithaupt, Lawrie Ryan (2006) Published by Nelson Thornes ISBN-10: 0748796347 ISBN-13: 978-0748796342
Understanding GCSE Geography: For AQA Specification A (Understanding GCSE Geography) by Ann Bowen and John Pallister (2006) Published by Heinemann Educational Publishers; 3Rev Ed edition ISBN-10: 0435351710 ISBN-13: 978-0435351717
Support
Tutor support for two years. Students are required to arrange and pay for their examinations and manage the course work element if the subject requires this. Students must check the relevant examination board website for further information and final examination sitting dates for the specification. www.ocr.org.uk
Assessment
The Examinations
Unit 1 – ENVS1 The Living Environment
Written unit 1 hour 60 marks
40% of the total AS marks and 20% of the total A Level marks
This unit comprises five short answer questions (45 marks) and one structured question (15 marks).
All questions are compulsory.
Unit 2 – ENVS2 The Physical Environment
Written unit 1½ hours 90 marks
60% of the total AS marks and 30% of the total A Level marks
This unit comprises eight short answer questions (75 marks) and one structured question including extended prose (15 marks).
All questions are compulsory.
Unit 3 – ENVS3 Energy Resources and Environmental Pollution
Written unit 1½ hours 80 marks
25% of the total A Level mark
This unit comprises seven compulsory short answer/structured/comprehension questions (60 marks) and one essay from a choice of three titles (20 marks). Includes synoptic assessment.
Unit 4 – ENVS4 Biological Resources and SustainabilityWritten unit 2 hours 80 marks
25% of the total A Level mark
This unit comprises five compulsory short answer/structured/comprehension questions (45 marks), one compulsory data analysis question (15 marks) and one essay from a choice of three titles (20 marks). Includes synoptic assessment.
Please note that synoptic questions will assess AS as well as A2 material.
To achieve a good overall grade it is necessary to do well in all of the components of the course.
Entering examinations is entirely the responsibility of the student, and the contract for sitting examinations is between the student and the exam centre. We are not an exam centre so you must read all the information in your course pack carefully and be prepared to travel to a centre who is willing to accept external candidates.
Please do not ask us to provide you with a list of your nearest centres when enquiring about your course as we do not have this information available, it is essential that you contact the awarding body.
Modules
- Unit 1 The Living Environment
- Topic 1 Conditions for Life on Earth
- Topic 2 Wildlife Conservation
- Topic 3 Life Processes in the Biosphere
- Topic 4 Land Resources
- Unit 2 The Physical Environment
- Topic 5 The Atmosphere
- Topic 6 The Hydrosphere
- Topic 7 The Lithosphere
- Unit 3 Energy Resources and Environmental Pollution
- Topic 8 Energy
- Topic 9 Pollution
- Unit 4 The Physical Environment
- Topic 10 Human Populations
- Topic 11 Food Production S
- Topic 12 Aquatic Food Production Systems
- Topic 13 Forestry
- Topic 14 Sustainability
- At the end of each topic is a tutor marked assignment.
Awarding Body
AQA (The Assessment and Qualifications Alliance) has a leading reputation for promoting education for the public benefit and draws on long experience of setting and marking public exams such as GCSEs, A-levels and other qualifications. AQA is the largest of the three English exam boards, awarding 49% of full course GCSEs and 42% of A-levels nationally. In total, students take over 3.5 million exams with them each year.
