Last updated: 28 Mar 2008

The importance of the environmental and land-based sector is increasingly influential in the world as people become ever more aware of the importance of sustainable practice for the survival of the planet. It is an extremely diverse industry, with careers ranging from forest worker, garden centre manager and biofuel farmer to zoo keeper, horse breeder and guide dog trainer to conservation wildlife manager, food scientist and waste management officer. Over half of people working in the industry run their own businesses, so there are many opportunities for entrepreneurs.

The Diploma is structured around three themes: the productive and working environments, plants and animals and developing the sustainable environment.

Through exploring productive and working environments, learners will consider how the environment is used in the modern world. On their own and in teams they research topics such as sources of energy, improving their communication skills and developing their entrepreneurial skills and creativity as they solve problems such as how to manage waste more effectively. They will also learn about the concepts of risk assessment, risk management and relevant legislation.

When considering plants and animals, learners will examine the role of plants and animals in society. They will make detailed studies of nutrition, care, welfare and breeding and develop strong scientific and data handling skills.

As a result of their Diploma learning, they will recognise the importance of environmental sustainability. They will consider the impact of people and business on the environment, questioning existing practices and debating current environmental issues, and, in the process, becoming responsible citizens who want to make a difference to the world’s future.

Exemplar materials

For examples of how to build applied learning, funtionals skills and personal learning and thinking skills into your teaching and learning for environmental and land-based studies are available, see the related links on the right.