Environmental Science A Level

Applications Open - 20 November 2025 at 8am

Applications Close - 6 February 2026 at 15:00 (Except Beauty L2 which closes on the 22nd May).

General Entry Requirements:

Our level 3 Sixth Form entry requirements are five GCSEs at Grades 9-4 including Maths and English minimum Grade 4. However, please read the course information, which, provides specific details of course content and entry requirements.

For level 2 courses please read the course information.

Subjects: -

Level 3 - Enter your choices in order of preference for Level 3 courses. Students need to select the equivalent of 3 courses (Triple counts as 3), with 2 reserve options if selecting Level 3 courses. Year 12 are expected to study the equivalent of three subjects. Once we close to applicants on the 6 February the options selected will be reviewed and if required we will be in contact.

Level 2 - just add the course required, eg beauty, finance or fitness. However, please look up all entry requirements for individual subjects as some subjects require specific subjects and grades.

Timetable Blocks- Please read carefully: Level 3 Courses Please select 3 subjects and 2 reserve subjects by placing them in a ranked order/ or a Pathway. Once applications close we will review all subjects requested and may be in contact at this time to discuss your chosen subjects further.

Additional optional qualifications such as Arts Award (Gold),Core Maths, Further Maths and the EPQ are not applied for at the Kent Choice stage further information will be provided in the 6th Form induction if you would like to undertake this course in addition to your core qualifications.

How to Apply - Via Kent Choices or through link on our website https://www.hernebayhigh.org/sixth-form/how-to-apply

Further Information: We reserve the right to withdraw courses if insufficient numbers are attracted.

Any queries, please contact 6form@hernebayhigh.org

If you are interested in a greener planet then Environmental Science could be the ideal A Level. The course focuses on the scientific study of the natural world and the human impact on the environment. It is a multidisciplinary subject that integrates concepts from biology, chemistry, physics, geology, and geography to provide a comprehensive understanding of the environment and the issues surrounding it.

The qualification involves the study of topics such as ecosystems, biodiversity, pollution, climate change, energy, and sustainability. You will learn how human activities affect the environment and the consequences of those impacts, as well as strategies for managing and mitigating those impacts.

Students study seven units over the course of the two years: -

• The Living Environment – This unit examines the conditions for life on earth, conservation and biodiversity

• The Physical Environment – In this unit students will study the hydrosphere, mineral resources and biogeochemical cycles

• Energy Resources – This highly topical unit examines energy resources, their features and impacts. Students will research strategies for securing future energy supplies and new energy conservation technologies

• Pollution - In this unit students study types of pollutant and their properties

• Biological Resources – Within this unit students will examine agriculture, agroecosystems

• Sustainability – This looks at dynamic equilibria, dynamic energy, material cycles and the circular economy

• Research Methods – The focus of this final unit is research methodologies and techniques. This will include fieldwork and lab work

2 Year Course - Normally 5 GCSE Grades in the range of 9-4, including English, Maths, Science and Geography.

Suitable degrees once you have successfully completed your A Level Environmental Science course include environmental science, ecology, microbiology, law, geography, and conservation to name a few. Beyond university, potential future careers for A Level Environmental Science students include in-demand careers such as, environmental specialists, hazard specialists, landfill engineers, nuclear waste management, hydrogeologists, conservationists, the environment agency, agriculture and geologists.