The Kingsley Diploma in Sustainability Studies gives learners skills and knowledge to ready them for further learning about sustainability - "meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs".
Investigating transferrable content and skills on economic, social and environmental sustainability on a global, national and local scale; learners will gain powerful knowledge, allowing them to understand other pathway subjects with greater depth of understanding and ultimately increase their appreciation of the world around them.
The qualification will give students the opportunities to learn and develop relevant, transferrable and sector-specific skills and knowledge to help them with progression into further education and employment.
The course looks at several topics across a range of areas:
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Year 7 |
Year 8 |
Year 9 |
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What are the sustainable development goals? |
Why is fast fashion a tough habit to break? |
How can we feed the soil? |
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Is food production sustainable? |
Why do we have Strawberries at Christmas? |
What are the sustainable cities of the future going to look like? |
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How can we make new plants? |
What is the future of transport? |
What is special about our rocky shore? |
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How can we think more sustainably? |
How clean are our beaches? |
Why can’t I use a spade? |
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How do you solve a problem like energy? |
How do plants work? |
What is the water quality like in our rivers? |
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Has Kingsley got biodiversity? |
What happens to our waste? |
What are the solutions to our global issues? |
Much of the course spends time in the on-site ecology zones learning key skills focused on stewardship of the land and food production.
The Introductory Level 1 BTEC focuses on the development of both transferable and sector skills in preparation for future study and employment in or around the land-based sector.
The content of the course offers a broad introduction to the skills and knowledge within the land-based sector with delivery focusing on being practical and active in order to engage learners. Learners will not develop all the knowledge and skills needed to enter the given sector but will develop pre-employability skills and contextualised knowledge to allow them to progress to further learning and training and, ultimately, to become successful in their chosen areas.
The topics of work are:
Being organised
In this topic learners will explore techniques to improve their own organisational skills and review their use of techniques to improve their own organisational skills.
Growing plants
In this topic learners will explore the factors and requirements to successfully propagate and establish young plants and carry out the propagation and establishment of young plants, demonstrating a consideration of environmental conditions.
Caring for and keeping plants healthy
In this topic learners will carry out care and maintenance activities to keep plants healthy and review their own performance in caring for and keeping plants healthy.
Finding out about the land-based sector
In this topic learners will find out about the different industries in the land-based sector and produce information about the different industries in the land-based sector.
Developing a personal progression plan
In this topic learners will explore the skills and behaviours needed to meet personal progression goals and produce a progression plan to meet intended progression goal.
The qualification is coursework based.
The Climate Change and Environmental Awareness course at Kingsley offers the opportunity for students to dive into the world of environmental science and climate change through the completion of a NCFE Level 2 Certificate.
This course is designed for learners who would like to learn about the environment and climate change. It focuses on 3 main topics of learning:
Unit 1: Understand Climate Change, Sustainability and Environmental Protection
Learners will understand the environment, the benefits and the challenges whilst learning about global warming and climate change. Learners will then study sustainability and sustainable development.
Unit 2: Understand Industry and the Environment
Learners will understand the role of industry in protecting the environment.
Unit 3: Understand Resource Efficiency and Waste Management
Learners will understand how to reduce the environmental impact of organisations and individuals through the reduction of energy consumption and carbon emissions. Learners will then investigate water efficiency and its impact on the environment.
Learners will gain a strong understanding in all of these sectors with as much of the learning being practical.
The qualification is coursework based.
The Cambridge International AS Level Environmental Management course focuses on understanding and addressing the environmental challenges facing the world today. Students learn to analyze environmental issues, evaluate solutions, and understand the balance between conservation and human needs. The course fosters critical thinking, data analysis, and decision-making skills, preparing students for careers in environmental science, policy, and management.
The course focuses across a range of environmental themes:
Introduction to environmental management
Environmental management is concerned with the impacts of human activity on the environment. Having a basic understanding of the structure of the earth and the science of key natural phenomena is essential to the study of environmental management. This section introduces these foundations, and they are used as a starting point for other sections in this syllabus.
Environmental research and data collection
Scientific environmental studies are essential to understand environments and develop management strategies. The design of environmental studies to collect and analyse reliable data is described in this section. Candidates will be expected to carry out investigative work. Candidates will be expected to apply the investigation skills in this section to any investigative work throughout this course.
Managing human population
Changes to the size, composition and distribution of populations have fundamental impacts on natural resources. These changes and their impacts are different for countries with differing economies. This section outlines how human population change is measured, the impacts of population changes, and strategies for managing population expansion and ageing populations.
Managing ecosystems and biodiversity
The world’s ecosystems are essential for the survival and well-being of people everywhere in the world. The emphasis in this section is on understanding the energy transfers that sustain the biodiversity of the world’s ecosystems and how we can best manage these ecosystems to conserve that biodiversity.
Managing resources
Greater stresses on food and energy resources present environmental management challenges. The causes and impacts of food insecurity and energy insecurity need to be understood in order to design management strategies that strive for food and energy security.
Managing water supplies
Managing the supply of water is one of the greatest environmental management challenges. The causes and impacts of water insecurity need to be understood in order to design effective water security management strategies.
Managing the atmosphere
The management of the atmosphere requires understanding of the causes and impacts of air pollution. This section examines these through the study of acid deposition, photochemical smog and ozone depletion.
Managing climate change
The difficulties of monitoring and predicting climate change lead to significant challenges in the management of climate change. To be able to evaluate strategies for managing climate change, the causes of climate change need to be understood, as well as the impacts on human populations and the environment
Assessment includes 2 written exams with a mixed style of questions.
GCSE Geography Grade 6 if studied or; Grade 6 in any related subject.
Partners well with Geography if looking towards Geography or environmental sciences or sustainability at university.
The AQA Higher Project Qualification (HPQ) is a Level 2 qualification that encourages students to undertake an independent research project on a topic of their choice. It helps develop essential skills such as research, planning, and presentation. Students can present their findings in various formats, including a 2000-word report, artefact, or performance. The HPQ promotes critical thinking and independent learning, preparing students for further study or the workplace. It is assessed through a combination of a written report and a presentation.
Students will be required, with appropriate supervision, to:
The AQA Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) is an independent research-based qualification designed to develop students' skills in planning, research, analysis, and project management. It allows students to choose a topic of their interest, conduct in-depth research, and produce either a 5000-word written report or create physical artefact or performance.
The EPQ carries UCAS points and is highly valued by universities for fostering critical thinking, time management, and self-directed learning. With some universities offering reduced offers if students hold an EPQ.
Students will be required, with appropriate supervision, to:
Grade 6 in an area of interest that the project will focus on; and GCSE English Grade 6.
Partners well with Geography if looking towards Geography or environmental sciences or sustainability at university.
The Environmental Leadership course at Kingsley offers the opportunity for students to take control of their surroundings and supports learners to develop the essential skills they need to plan, develop and lead projects that help build the future they want for themselves and the world.
In partnership with The WWF and the RSPB, the Environment Leadership programme includes a mix of theory and practical experience, with learners having to demonstrate that they can plan and lead others in activities that take positive action for the natural world. From establishing a rewilding team in their local community, to leading a college allotment exercise, their passion is what drives their choice of project.
The environmental leaders course carries UCAS points and is a good piece of evidence to demonstrate the skills needed to excel in a personal statement and university application.
Unit 1: Develop leadership skills required for a successful project
Learners will develop leadership skills which can be used for positive change and plan for the development of these skills over the course.
Unit 2: Determine the aims of a project for positive change
Learners will understand the role and impact of personal and community action for positive change and be able to use reliable research to select a project focus. All whilst developing the ability to communicate the project to others.
Unit 3: Plan a project for positive change
Learners will understand how to define, measure and report project outcomes and impact and plan a project that aims to solve an identified problem.
Unit 4: Implement a planned project
Learners will implement the planned project.
Unit 5: Evaluate the impact of project for positive change
Learners will be able to evaluate the impact of the project and advocate for continuation of the project in the future whilst identifying opportunities to develop their leadership skills for positive change.
Partners well with Geography if looking towards Geography or environmental sciences or sustainability at university.
The AQA A Level Environmental Science course explores the interactions between people and the natural world, focusing on how scientific principles can be applied to address global challenges. Students will study the key processes that control our environment, the ways in which humans use and manage resources, and the strategies available to create a more sustainable future. The course develops analytical skills, scientific research methods, and problem-solving abilities, providing a strong foundation for careers and further study in environmental science, sustainability, and related fields.
The course is built around a wide range of environmental themes, all of which link scientific knowledge with practical applications:
Students study biodiversity and conservation, learning about the importance of maintaining ecosystems and the methods used to manage and protect species and habitats. This topic also encourages discussion about the ethical, social, and economic dimensions of protecting the natural world.
This section explores the key systems that shape our planet, including the atmosphere, climate, and hydrosphere. Students gain an understanding of natural cycles and processes and how human actions can alter or disrupt these systems.
A detailed investigation of both renewable and non-renewable energy sources, considering availability, impacts, and future sustainability. The topic highlights the technological advances and policies required to transition towards cleaner energy solutions.
Students evaluate the causes and effects of different types of pollution, alongside the strategies and technologies available to reduce environmental damage. Case studies and examples show how science is applied in real-world contexts to mitigate pollution.
This topic looks at food production systems, forestry, and fisheries, focusing on sustainable management to balance human needs with environmental protection. Students consider the challenges of feeding a growing population while maintaining biodiversity.
An exploration of strategies for sustainable living, including waste management, urban planning, and global initiatives for environmental sustainability. This section encourages students to think critically about how individuals, governments, and businesses can reduce environmental impact.
Students gain practical experience in collecting, analysing, and interpreting environmental data. These skills prepare learners for both assessment and future scientific research, giving them confidence in applying theory to practice.
Assessment is through two written exam papers, featuring a mixture of short-answer, structured, and extended-response questions, as well as data analysis and evaluation tasks.
GCSE Geography, Biology, or Combined Science at Grade 6 or above. An interest in current environmental issues and scientific problem-solving will be an advantage.
This subject complements Geography, Biology, or Chemistry at A Level and is ideal preparation for university courses in Environmental Science, Sustainability, Geography, Ecology, or related fields.
