What is the Principal Learning in Environmental and Land-based Studies?
The Principal Learning Qualifications will give young people an insight into work in the sector providing skills, knowledge and understanding needed for Further or Higher Education, or for employment. The Principal Learning Qualifications provide a fully-rounded education that combines classroom study with learning by ‘doing’ in a practical environment. Students focus on subjects and skills relating to work in the environmental and land-based sector and will experience a range of different learning styles in different environments.
The Principal Learning Qualifications have been developed in partnership with industry and Further and Higher Education to give young people the skills and understanding that employers regard as crucial for success in the modern workplace.
There are three levels to the Principal Learning Qualifications in Environmental and Land-based Studies, foundation, higher and advanced, to suit every level of ability. It is designed to challenge and inspire young people providing an opportunity to progress and broaden their career options. Learners will experience working in various environmental and land-based sector subjects, developing scientific, communication and business skills and engaging in fieldwork to study different habitats.
Topics covered include:
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Productive and working environments – looks at the limited resources of our natural environment, our impact on it, how it influences us and how these resources are used. It also gives an insight into the factors which effect business locations
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Plants and animals – explores how we use plants for commercial, recreational and conservation purposes and animals for production (food), recreation, work or companionship. There will be an opportunity to work with both plants and animals and study the applied science of animals and plants
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Developing the sustainable environment – explores the impact we have on our environment and how important it is to use environmentally friendly ‘green’ practices. It also covers the development of sustainable resources
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Research methodology and environmental analysis – provides an opportunity to carry out monitoring and analysis of a habitat as well as learning the skills needed to carry out and evaluate research
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Business management and careers – this gives learners the chance to explore enterprises in and related to the environmental and land-based sector and an overview of the jobs and careers in these industries.
The Principal Learning Qualifications in Environmental and Land-based Studies for the Welsh Baccalaureate is being offered by WJEC.
Who designed the Principal Learning Qualifications?
The Principal Learning Qualifications were designed by employers from a number of industries:
- Lantra is the lead Sector Skills Council and represents the environmental and land-based industries. Within the scope of the Principal Learning qualifications, Lantra covers agricultural crops and livestock, animal care, animal technology, aquaculture, environmental conservation, equine, farriery, fencing, fisheries management, floristry, game and wildlife, land-based engineering, horticulture, landscape and sports turf industries, production horticulture, trees and timber and veterinary nursing
- Energy and Utility Skills is the Sector Skills Council for the electricity, gas and waste management and water industries. Within scope of the Principal Learning, EU Skills represents waste management and has an interest in renewable energy sources, sustainability and recycling
- Improve Ltd is the Sector Skills Council for food and drink manufacturing and within scope of the Principal Learning covers secondary food processing and manufacturing
- SkillsActive is the Sector Skills Council for the active and leisure learning sector and represents the sport and recreation industries
- Construction Skills is the Sector Skills Council for construction and covers hard landscaping, fencing and operation of plant and machinery, together with a shared interest in land conservation and sustainability.
