environmental and land-based studies

1. Environmental and Land-based Studies

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3. 3 Environmental and Land-based Studies Programme Introduction Underlying principles Vision and Aspirations Sector coverage Diplomas Structures ELB Principal Learning Content Resources Assessment PLTS and FS Projects Work experience and employer engagement Additional and Specialist Learning (ASL) Reasons to choose AQA/C&G Diplomas Questions

4. 4 Environmental and Land-based Studies

5. 5 Environmental and Land-based Studies

6. 6 Environmental and Land-based Studies A modern, purposeful qualification with a strong emphasis on current and future trends of the sector Creating awareness of environmental sustainability Traceability in the food industries Issues associated with global diseases, e.g. Blue Tongue Carbon footprints New sources of energy Use of plants and animals in society Habitat and ecosystem protection Access to the countryside (CROW act) Emphasis on working safely

7. 7 Environmental and Land-based Studies Industries in the sector Agricultural crops Agricultural Livestock Animal Care Animal Technology Aquaculture Environmental Conservation Equine Farriery Fencing Fisheries Management Floristry Game & Wildlife Management Land-based Engineering Landscape Production Horticulture Trees and Timber Veterinary Nursing

8. 8 Environmental and Land-based Studies

9. 9 Environmental and Land-based Studies Diploma structure Three Levels (1- 3) – “Foundation”, “Higher”, “Advanced” Principal Learning* – sector related. Knowledge, skills and understanding (50% applied learning) Project or Extended Project* – linked to Principal Learning Functional Skills (English, Maths and ICT) Personal, Learning and Thinking Skills (PLTS) Additional / Specialist Learning – choice of complementary or specialised units / qualifications from “Diploma ASL Catalogue” Minimum 10 days work experience at each level – preferably in the Environmental and Land-based sector * these two elements determine the Diploma Grade

10. 10 Foundation Diploma structure 600GLH

11. 11 Higher Diploma structure 800GLH

12. 12 Advanced Diploma structure 1080GLH

13. 13 Diploma Equivalents & Grading

14. 14 Environmental and Land-based Studies ELB Principal Learning structure The same three themes at each level indicate the structure and diversity of the Environmental and Land-based sector : Theme A: The productive and working environments Theme B: Plants and animals Theme C: Developing the sustainable environment

15. 15 Environmental and Land-based Studies Principal Learning Level 1 (Foundation) Six Units(240GLH) Theme A “The productive and working environments” 1.1 The natural environment (30GLH) 1.2 Environmental and Land-based production, systems and services (30GLH) 1.3 Introduction to working in the Environmental & Land-based sector (30GLH) Theme B “Plants and animals” 1.4 Working with plants and animals (60GLH) 1.5 Introducing the role and value of plants and animals to society* (30GLH) Theme C “Developing the sustainable environment” 1.6 Sustainability and the importance of sustainable use of the environment (60GLH) (* externally assessed unit)

16. 16 Environmental and Land-based Studies Principal Learning Level 2 (Higher) Eight Units(420GLH) Theme A “The productive and working environments” 2.1 Environmental influences upon ecosystems and Environmental and Land- based enterprises (60GLH) 2.2 Working in the Environmental and Land-based sector (60GLH) Theme B “Plants and animals” 2.3 Plant management and care: Feeding, growing, breeding, selecting and handling (60GLH) 2.4 Animal management and care: Nutrition, growth, breeding and handling (60GLH) 2.5 Plants and animals: their role in society (60GLH) Theme C “Developing the sustainable environment” 2.6 The importance of a sustainable environment to society* (60GLH) 2.7 Monitoring the environment (30GLH) 2.8 Sources and uses of energy (30GLH) (* externally assessed unit)

17. 17 Environmental and Land-based Studies Principal Learning Level 3 (Advanced) Nine Units (540GLH) Theme A “The productive and working environments” 3.1 The ecology of the natural environment and the importance of biodiversity (30GLH) 3.2 The management of natural resources and successful production systems (60GLH) 3.3 Business management and careers in the Environmental and Land-based sector (90GLH) Theme B “Plants and animals” 3.4 Plant and animals: Applied Science (60GLH) 3.5 Plants, animals and humans: how they relate (60GLH) 3.6 Plants and animals: safe working practices and relevant legislation* (60GLH) Theme C “Developing the sustainable environment” 3.7 Sustainable management and the development of resources* (60GLH) 3.8 Global impacts and the Environmental and Land-based sector (60GLH) 3.9 Research methodology, evaluation and environmental analysis (60GLH) (* externally assessed units)

18. 18 Environmental and Land-based Studies Assessment structure Purposeful internal and external assessments, written holistically so that information/data gathered can be used across a number of aspects of an assignment External assessments will be designed to assess learners’ understanding of learning outcomes, content and assessment criteria at each level Level 1 - 1 hour exam – unit 5 Level 2 - 2 hour exam – unit 6 Level 3 - 3 hour exams – units 6 & 7

19. 19 Environmental and Land-based Studies

20. 20 Environmental and Land-based Studies Functional Skills (FS) Required element of the Generic Learning English, Mathematics and ICT - mandatory in all diploma levels Opportunities for development of FS within the Principal Learning units Level 1 – 120GLH Level 2 & 3 – 80 GLH Advanced diploma requires FS achievement at level 2 Eventually replacing Basic and Key Skills

21. 21 Environmental and Land-based Studies Project and Extended Project Required element of Generic Learning Contributes to the overall grade Freestanding qualification Project - 60GLH at Level 1 & 2 (30GLH teaching) Extended Project - 120GLH at Level 3 (30+ GLH teaching) Learners choose their own topic in consultation with their teachers Topics should develop, complement and personalise the Principal Learning and/or support progression It should develop skills attractive to HE or employers Demonstrate independent learning and project management skills

22. 22 Environmental and Land-based Studies Work experience Required element of the Generic Learning Minimum of 10 days at all levels Focus is on developing employability skills Ideally in the context of the Line of Learning or relating to the sector Work experience may provide additional opportunities for the development of PLTS or FS May provide opportunities for partial assessment of some units or context for the Project Not assessed, but must be completed

23. 23 Environmental and Land-based Studies Opportunities for employer engagement Work shadowing School visits School industry day Business advisers Visiting experts Mentoring Contact information Day/block release work experience Venues for practical activities Questions and answers Provide information and materials Professional development of teachers

24. 24 Environmental and Land-based Studies Additional and Specialist Learning (ASL) Consortia/Learners choose from an accredited list of specialist or general qualifications found in the “Diploma catalogue” – www.accreditedqualifications.org ASL qualifications, together with the project, will underpin the personalisation of the diploma Allows learners to specialise or select units that will complement their Principal Learning 120GLH – Level 1; 180GLH – Level 2 ; 360GLH – Level 3 Qualification needs to be achieved but does not contribute to the overall Diploma grade

25. 25 Environmental and Land-based Studies Why choose AQA/C&G as your ELB Diplomas awarding body Strong practical content, in particular at Level 1 (Foundation) Unambiguous content detail and learning outcome weighting to inform schemes of work Level 1 assessments designed specifically for visual/practical learners Level 3 assessments designed to ensure that learners are challenged to extend their thinking and reflect on and review their actions. Marking Grid which is clear, logical and evenly differentiated Minimum number of Principal Learning units (minimal assessment)

26. 26 Environmental and Land-based Studies Why choose AQA/C&G as your ELB Diplomas awarding body (continued) Face-to-face moderation by a local moderator (not postal Free support events early in 2009 to support assessment writing Regional Diploma Advisors readily available Outstanding customer service for Examination Officers (TES Dec 5th 2008) Direct line to Subject Officer for technical support/advice Free bespoke events delivered by Moderators at a time to suit consortia Only Principal Learning specifications currently approved

27. 27 Environmental and Land-based Studies Contacts and information AQA-City & Guilds queries@diplomainfo.org.uk www.diplomainfo.org.uk diplomadvisors@cityandguilds.com DDP: www.diplomaelbs.co.uk QCA: www.qca.org.uk www.diplomas-support.com.uk DCSF 14-19 website for details of the GATEWAY process: www.dcsf.gov.uk/14-19/