Supporting Sustainability Education for all Learners

Access to Higher Education

Units within these qualifications include Chemistry and Our Earth which offers learners the opportunity to study how human activities are affecting the Earth and its environments, Biology and our Environment which considers the impacts of human activities on ecosystems and strategies that are used to mitigate these impacts and Environmental Science which includes the impacts of human activities on the atmosphere and the role of recycling, including the concept of the circular economy.

The Geography subject set includes units on energy in a sustainable world and the impact of population growth on our use of resources. Energy use and environmental issues are also included in the Physics subject set.

Biology subject set includes Ecology which considers how human activities impact the environment and the carbon cycle leading to climate change.

In Chemistry learners have the opportunity to study Environmental Chemistry, including the chemistry of the greenhouse effect and issues linked to the use and disposal of polymers.

The Automotive Manufacturing unit within the Automotive Design subject set enables learners to understand the sustainable manufacturing techniques employed by vehicle manufacturers and to analyse the impact of these processes on the environment.

Sustainability issues surrounding the use of carbon fibre in automotive manufacturing are covered in the Automotive Composites unit in the Automotive Science subject set.

Sustainable Construction is included in the Built Environment subject set; learners study the role of environmental impact assessments, the impacts of pollution and methods to protect the environment from construction activities.

How sociological theories explain some aspects of environmental issues is considered in Sociology of the Environment, found in the Sociology subject set.

Ascentis Level 2 Certificate and Diploma in Skills for Employment in the Construction Industries

We have developed a new optional unit to complement our provision within this popular qualification. The Awareness of Domestic Retrofit unit has been developed in response to an emerging sectoral requirement for retrofitting of under-insulated and ill-performing buildings. This unit provides theoretical underpinning to the principals behind retrofit surveying, installation and evaluation.

Ascentis Level 2 Certificate and Diploma in Skills for Further Education and Employment

Chemistry and Our Earth offers learners the opportunity to study how human activities are affecting the Earth and its environments. Biology and our Environment considers the impacts of human activities on ecosystems and strategies that are used to mitigate these impacts. Environmental Science includes the impacts of human activities on the atmosphere and the role of recycling, including the concept of the circular economy.

Ascentis Level 1 and 2 Award in Environmental Sustainability. These qualifications are designed to give learners knowledge and understanding of the basic principles of sustainability and environmental impacts. Learners are introduced to the key issues raising awareness and encouraging them to consider their role in helping to make sustainable choices.

Ascentis Level 1 Award in Preventing Plastic Pollution. This qualification enables learners to understand the different types of plastics and their uses, the problems associated with plastic pollution and how they can be reduced.

Ascentis Level 2 Award in Carbon Awareness and the Impact of Climate Change. This qualification aims to provide learners with the knowledge and understanding to be able to make informed choices leading to positive actions that reduce their carbon footprint. An understanding of how climate change affects everyone gives learners the confidence to share their understanding and motivate others to do the same.

Our Vocational portfolio comprises units that focus on developing knowledge and skills linked to our environment and sustainability. By selecting specific units, learners will be able to build their experience for sustainability on their journey to progress into further learning or work.