“Valuing Learning,
Valuing Each Other”

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Email: office@driffield.e-riding.sch.uk

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As Environmental Studies (AQA 1441)

What will I learn?

Environmental Studies is the study of how planet Earth works and the impact of humans and their technology on the planet. It also tries to offer solutions to these problems.

It is taught via teacher notes, a new text book, fact sheets, web links, field trips, and guest speakers.

An ideal choice for :

  • a pure science student (biology, chemistry or physics) who wants to balance their curriculum with a practical science
  • or an arts/humanities student who wants to broaden their curriculum with a science subject

 AS Level (1441)

Has 2 units : The Living Environment – planet Earth’s unique conditions for life, wildlife conservation, how to conserve UK habitats, ecosystems and life processes, practical (fieldwork) population dynamics, landscape conflicts and conservation. The Physical Environment – the atmosphere, global climate change, atmospheric ozone depletion and its consequences, water resources – present and future . . . . cause of the next world war? Minerals – rocks – mining and its consequences = geology, the biogeochemical cycles (C,N and P), and practical (fieldwork) soil studies.

 How will I be assessed? 

Unit 1 : The Living Environment = 1 hour exam, 60 marks, 40% of the total AS marks.

Unit 2 : The Physical Environment = 1 hour 30 mins, 80 marks, 60% of the total AS marks.

Can be sat in January or June, see AQA web site below for past papers.

 Entry requirements 

An interest in environmental issues, local and global, is essential, as is an enjoyment of practical (outdoor) fieldwork and visits. A grade C or higher in science and maths is preferred but not essential, and a geography GCSE grade helps too. You do not need to be a lentil-eating tree hugger!

 Future opportunities  

Environmental studies is a rapidly growing subject at university and career level and offers many diverse career opportunities e.g. environmental health, urban planning, local authority/council management, conservation, landscape management, mining, tourism, the science and technology industries, research and development, teaching and many others.

 Is there anything I need to know?

For more information visit the web site below or speak with Mr Welbourn, Mr Corscadden or Mrs Towse.

Q = What is ‘spaceship earth’ theory?

Q = Why did the lunar landing of 1969 cause such a massive shift in global environmental attitudes?

 To view a detailed specification and past papers visit www.aqa.org.uk/ask-aqa/register   

I just wanted the opportunity to thank you and all your staff for making our daughter’s first year at Driffield School such a successful and enjoyable experience. Since starting last September we have been impressed by the feedback from your staff in way of letters, postcards, praise and encouragement for our daughter. it is very much appreciated.

Parents of Year 7 student

I am writing to congratulate the Year 10 and Year 11 students who volunteered to take part in the mock interview process today which I was part of…. Students had taken time to do preparation work and the effort to look at the part of an interviewee. The students were a credit to the school and their parents. They were eloquent, enthusiastic and asked pertinent and searching questions of the interviewers.

Business Mentor

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Parent of Y10 student

My wife and I were delighted to be able to obtain tickets for the Saturday performance of 42nd Street. We wish to applaud all those involved in the brilliant show – not just the main characters, tap dancers and singers, but the excellent musicians and their two teachers; the remarkably efficient scene shifters; and all of your staff responsible for a really professional production.

Parent of student

I am writing to thank Driffield School and the Sports Department for their help and support during 2007. We ran four very successful school biathlons (run/swim) in Driffield. Thank you for your continued support.

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We are delighted with our daughter's transfer to Driffield School. She is enthusiastic about everything - her lessons, teachers and the other students - she never stops talking about them when she gets home. It is lovely to see her re-discovering her enjoyment of school life. Thank you for all your help and support with this.

Parent of Year 10 student

My daughter has just completed her A Levels and has now left Driffield School. However, I couldn’t let the occasion go without writing to thank you and your school for looking after her and giving her such a fine education – and more. Her splendid ‘A’ Level results stand testimony to hard work on her part and a lot of effort, encouragement and perseverance from her teachers.

Parent of Year 13 student

I would just like to know how much I enjoyed Driffield School’s production of Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. The singing, notably from pupils in the lead parts, was fabulous. The acting in every case was excellent as was the musical accompaniment from the orchestra. Well done to all involved for supporting and encouraging the students in this way.

Parent of a student

On behalf of the President and members of Driffield Rotary Club, I write to thank the school for the cheque for £456.63, donated to go towards the cost of rebuilding the school in Sri Lanka destroyed by the Tsunami. It was very generous of the school’s Student Council to agreed to give the proceeds from the non-uniform in July to this very worthwhile project.

The International Committee of the Rotary Club

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Parent of a student

We wish to place on record our sincere thanks, and would ask you to pass on our gratitude to all the members of staff who taught our daughter, particularly in the past two ‘A’ Level years.

Parent of Year 13 student

Driffield School is a vibrant community where teachers and students work hard and achieve well.

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In this increasingly effective school, standards are rising and have been consistently above average for the last three years.

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Parents speak well of the dedication and enthusiasm of the staff. They appreciate the way in which students are welcomed into the school and give a chance to reach their full potential.

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This is a very successful Sixth Form. Results for AS/A2 and AVCE examinations are well above average, maintaining a consistently positive trend. Students overall achievement and progress in the Sixth Form are very good; many achieve well beyond expectation.

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Teaching is lively and challenging, and foster students’ responsibility and independent learning and results in very positive attitudes.

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Teaching and learning are good overall, with a high proportion of outstanding lessons.

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