Conservation
Why study Conservation?
Working outside can be very rewarding as you will be working in the fresh air doing practical tasks. You may be working as part of a team, this could be with a variety of different people who have specialist skills in areas of conservation. You will be playing a positive part in preserving natural environments for future generations.
What does the course cover and what is expected of you?
The Conservation Diploma is a very practical course where every lesson is different from another. There is classroom based learning and some written assessment in addition to a large practical element.
There are lots of different options you can choose but the main ones are water or land based such as river management and maintaining habitats e.g. fence building. The course is delivered and assessed by experts employed at Mary Hare. Students who would like to study Conservation must have an interest in this field and must be prepared to work hard in both the practical and theoretical aspects of the course.
There are support materials which students may borrow and other relevant books are available from the library or vocational area. The vocational area has 4 support workers who will have allocated times to support students with their work.
Where can it take you?
The Conservation Diploma can lead you into many avenues within a range of environmental and land based roles such as a Conservation Officer, a Countryside Warden or Waterways Officer. It is very good preparation for an Apprenticeship as it gives you the background knowledge, understanding and skills necessary to study it at a higher level.
Entry requirements
Level 1 and Level 2
While there are no specific entry requirements you will need to be practically able, have a good work ethic and passionate about following this career pathway. We would need to interview you to see if we think you would cope with the course.
If you have not already achieved a Level 2/Grade C you will need to complete GCSE or functional skills in Maths and English.
Level 3
You will need to have five GCSE passes at grade C and above, including Maths and preferably English. Alternatively you will need an equivalent vocational qualification at Merit grade and Level 2 Functional Maths and English.
Where students have not yet achieved a Level 2 or grade C in English they will continue to do this alongside their Level 3 studies.
You will be required to have DBS which must show that you are clear of any convictions.
You will be required to wear smart clothes to placement along with a plain white polo shirt. Flat shoes are essential.
Courses assessment
There are currently no formal exams but continuous assessment is undertaken.
‘I’m amazed at the new skills I’m learning. I went to Marwell Zoo to look at their waste management and am in the middle of setting up a recycling centre at school. I’ve only been doing it for a term and have already learnt how to repair benches and fences. The course is so varied, I love it!!’.
‘The one to one interaction with the staff makes it easier to learn because teaching is directed to your individual learning needs. You will be doing a lot of outside work so sensible clothing is essential and you need to be fit enough to do some of the more physical work’.