Examination Board | AQA

Specification Code | 7447

Subject Content

A-level Environmental Science offers a multi-disciplinary approach to learning about the sustainability of our planet and how human society depends on the natural world. 

Students will study the following topics:

The Living Environment:

• Conditions for life on Earth
• Conservation of biodiversity
• Life processes in the biosphere and conservation planning

The Physical Environment:

• The atmosphere 
• The hydrosphere
• Mineral resources
• Biogeochemical cycles
• Soils

Energy resources - evaluation of new extraction/harnessing technologies relating to:

• Fossil fuels
• Nuclear power – fission and fusion
• Renewable energy technologies
• New energy storage systems
• New energy conservation technologies 
• Vehicle design for use and end of life
• Building design

Pollution:

• The properties of pollutants
• How environmental features affect pollution events
• Strategies to control pollutants based on their properties and features of the environment 

Biological Resources:

• Agriculture
• Aquatic food production systems
• Forest resources
• Sustainability
• Dynamic equilibria
• Energy
• Material cycles
• The Circular Economy

Assessment Details

There are two exams at the end of the two years, both of which have 120 marks and are 3 hours long. In both papers: 

• There is a combination of multiple choice, short answer, comprehension, data analysis and extended writing questions. 
• Students are required to draw on knowledge and understanding of the entire course of study to show a deep understanding of the relationship between topics.

Paper one covers:

• The physical environment
• Energy resources
• Pollution
• Research methods

Paper two covers:

• The living environment
• Biological resources
• Sustainability
• Research methods

Additional Equipment Recommended

• Students will need a scientific calculator.
• Access to the online textbook

What can I do to support my child at home?

• Take an interest in the topics that students are studying and discuss this with them.
• Help students to meet the assignment deadlines.
• Knowledge is the backbone of success in the externally assessed modules, helps students to ‘learn’ content through questioning, helping them produce revision material/cards.
• Facilitate time for them to undertake pressure/timed practice at home so that they can develop a fluent exam technique.
• Encourage students to visit sites, centres and museums which develop a wider understanding of the subject.

Websites

• https://qualifications.pearson.com/applied-human-biology
• Seneca Learning – This is a useful revision site

Books

There is no specific textbook to purchase. However, there are student resource packs which will be provided electronically for students.

Teaching Staff Contact Details

Head of Science

Mrs Beatty - lbeatty@cottesloe.bucks.sch.uk

Second in Science

Mrs Moore - vmoore@cottesloe.bucks.sch.uk

Teacher of Geography

Mr Brokenbrow - jbrokenbrow@cottesloe.bucks.sch.uk