United Kingdom · National Curriculum Attainment Targets
Year 13 Environmental Science.
This Year 13 Environmental Science programme builds upon foundational ecological principles to explore complex global environmental challenges. Students will analyse human impacts on the Earth's systems and evaluate sustainable strategies for resource management and conservation.
01Energy Resources and Sustainability
An evaluation of current and future energy resources, focusing on the transition from fossil fuels to renewable technologies. Students will analyse the environmental impacts and geopolitical factors influencing energy security.
Students will evaluate the extraction, processing, and combustion of fossil fuels. They will analyse the associated environmental degradation and greenhouse gas emissions.
This topic explores the mechanics and viability of renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, and tidal power. Students will assess the geographical constraints and environmental costs of these technologies.
Students will investigate how nations secure their energy supplies amidst geopolitical tensions and depleting reserves. They will evaluate future energy scenarios and conservation strategies.
02Pollution and Environmental Quality
A comprehensive study of atmospheric, aquatic, and terrestrial pollution. Students will investigate the sources, behaviours, and impacts of pollutants, alongside strategies for monitoring and mitigation.
An in-depth analysis of tropospheric and stratospheric pollution, focusing on ozone depletion and the enhanced greenhouse effect. Students will model climate feedback mechanisms.
Students will examine the sources and impacts of nutrient runoff, heavy metals, and thermal pollution in aquatic ecosystems. They will explore methods for monitoring water quality.
This topic evaluates traditional waste disposal methods against the principles of a circular economy. Students will analyse the life cycle of consumer products.
03Biological Resources and Conservation
An exploration of how human populations exploit biological resources for food and timber. Students will evaluate the sustainability of these practices and the importance of biodiversity conservation.
Students will analyse the environmental impacts of intensive farming systems and explore sustainable agricultural practices. The focus will be on soil conservation and pest management.
An exploration of global deforestation drivers and the ecological importance of forest biomes. Students will evaluate sustainable forestry certifications and practices.
This topic investigates the sustainability of marine fisheries and the rise of aquaculture. Students will assess the impacts of overfishing and bycatch on marine food webs.
Students will evaluate in-situ and ex-situ conservation methods for protecting endangered species. They will analyse the effectiveness of wildlife corridors and protected areas.
04Sustainability and Environmental Decision Making
A synoptic unit where students apply their knowledge to evaluate complex environmental decisions. They will explore ecological footprints, legislation, and Environmental Impact Assessments.
Students will calculate and analyse ecological footprints to understand human demand on the Earth's ecosystems. They will explore the concept of Earth Overshoot Day.
A review of key national and international environmental laws, treaties, and protocols. Students will evaluate the challenges of enforcing global environmental agreements.
Students will conduct holistic evaluations of proposed development projects using Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs). They will balance economic, social, and environmental priorities.