ESS Case Studies

Provision in the Environmental Studies and Science curriculum area builds learners’ confidence, communication skills and subject based knowledge and offers learners the chance to progress to other things related to their interest in the natural world.

Many courses in this curriculum area are partially based outdoors and offer fresh air, healthy exercise and a chance to de-stress and get close to nature.

Many learners on ESS courses have progressed into voluntary work or have become more involved in their local community. Other learners have used ESS courses as a stepping stone to further educational opportunities.

  • Learners on a WEA gardening Course at a centre for people with learning Disabilities in Runcorn built up their skills and confidence and are now doing voluntary work at Hough Green park.
  • Learners with mental health problems on a WEA gardening course at Buile Hill Park, Salford gained the skills and confidence to move on to an NCFE college accredited course.
  • Learners on the Living World course in Manchester used their increased knowledge of trees and local wildlife to take leading roles in caring for their local parks and communal gardens and become more involved in their local communities.
  • Learners on Bird Watching courses in Sale, Greater Manchester, have moved on to doing hands on voluntary work at RSPB reserves and with the Wildfowl and wetlands trust.