The Level 2 Conservation Programme

This new programme brings together two Ofqual-regulated qualifications into one carefully structured course:

  • Ascentis Level 2 Award in Environmental Sustainability

  • Ascentis Level 2 Award in Carbon Literacy and the Impact of Climate Change

Starting 13th October 2025

You can enrol using the button below:

Both courses are equivalent to higher-grade GCSEs (grades 4–9) and are widely recognised by colleges, apprenticeship providers, and universities. They make an excellent first step into Level 2 study.

The content and assessments have been selected to feel challenging but achievable, making this an ideal stepping stone into Level 2 learning—particularly for young people moving on from Level 1, or for those with the cognitive ability to study at Level 2 but who need a more supportive and flexible approach.

Why Choose This Qualification?

The programme centres around the environmental issues young people care about most—climate change, sustainability, and carbon footprints- but doesn’t stop at raising awareness. Learners will explore what individuals, businesses, and governments can do to create meaningful change, and what practical steps they can take in their own lives to reduce environmental impact.

It’s more than just a qualification—it’s an opportunity to engage with a global challenge in a way that feels personal, powerful, and hopeful.

Whether your child is already passionate about protecting the planet, or just beginning to explore what environmental responsibility looks like, this programme will give them the knowledge, language, and confidence to speak up, take action, and contribute to the future.

Ascentis Level 2 Award in Environmental Sustainability

This qualification introduces young people to the core ideas behind sustainability. They will explore:

  • What sustainability means and why it matters

  • The environmental impact of producing everyday goods and services

  • How we can build more sustainable communities

  • The role individuals, businesses, and governments play in reducing environmental harm

It helps learners understand the bigger picture of environmental sustainability and how their actions can make a difference.

Ascentis Level 2 Award in Carbon Literacy and the Impact of Climate Change

This qualification focuses on climate change and carbon emissions, helping young people make sense of the challenges facing our planet. They will learn:

  • What greenhouse gases are and how they’re linked to climate change

  • How human activity contributes to rising emissions

  • The impact of climate change on people, places, and ecosystems

  • What individuals and communities can do to reduce their carbon footprint

It gives learners the tools to think critically and take action—inspiring them to become part of the solution.

Students receive one box for each qualification, the first delivered in October.

Each box includes creative and practical activities that help learners explore real-world topics in a tangible way. From carbon footprint tracking tools to sustainability experiments, we bring the science and systems of environmental change to life.

What will you study?

Across the two qualifications—Environmental Sustainability and Carbon Literacy and the Impact of Climate Change—your child will explore:

  • How everyday items are produced and the environmental cost behind them

  • What sustainability really means, and how communities can become more eco-friendly

  • The causes and consequences of climate change, including rising carbon emissions

  • The role of individuals, businesses, and governments in shaping a more sustainable future

  • Practical steps they can take to reduce their own environmental impact

Our students come from a wide range of backgrounds and have a range of needs, our young people aged 14+ include those who are home educated, in alternative education or alongside traditional education, with a range of mental health needs, special educational needs and disabilities, communication needs and preferences.

Our Level 2 Conservation Programme, made up of Environmental Sustainability and Carbon Literacy and the Impact of Climate Change qualifications, is designed to give learners the knowledge, skills, and confidence to take their first steps into this vital and expanding field.

This course not only prepares learners for college, apprenticeships, jobs or future study—it helps them become part of the solution. Whether they go on to further qualifications or enter the workforce, they’ll be stepping into a sector where their skills are not just valued, but urgently needed. The green sector is now the second most successful sector of the decade—second only to technology.

It’s a powerful foundation in climate education—one that not only teaches theory but helps young people see how they can be part of the solution.

And because it’s therapist-led, structured, and flexible, your child will be supported every step of the way.

How is the Qualification Assessed?

Each qualification in the Level 2 Conservation Programme is assessed through a short, online multiple-choice exam that can be taken from home. We’ve deliberately chosen two qualifications with a very manageable number of credits, ensuring that while the content is at Level 2 (equivalent to higher-grade GCSEs), the amount of content is not overwhelming. This gives learners plenty of time to revisit and reinforce their learning—an ideal structure for those with executive functioning or memory difficulties.

Throughout the course, learners will have access to regular low-pressure quizzes and revision activities to help them become familiar with the question style. We fully prepare each student, so when it’s time to sit the exam, it doesn’t feel like a surprise or a test of memory—it’s simply a way to show what they know.

We also work closely with the awarding body to put in place any reasonable adjustments your child may need—whether that’s extra time, rest breaks, a reader, or other adaptations. And if a young person doesn’t pass the first time, they’ll have the opportunity to resit with support.

The Perfect First Level 2 Qualifications for Young People

Our Level 2 Conservation Programme is the ideal next step for young people ready to move beyond Level 1 study.

If your child has completed our Level 1 Award in Conservation, they’ll already have a strong foundation in many of the core ideas. This makes the transition to Level 2 much smoother, allowing them to build on what they know and feel confident from the start. With regular low-pressure quizzes, flexible timelines, and personalised support (including reasonable adjustments if needed) we’ve designed our programme to be the perfect first Level 2 qualification for young people. 

Entry Requirements

Learners should either:

  • Previously completed our Level 1 Award in Conservation, or

  • Have an existing interest in environmental issues and the ability to study at a Level 2 standard (equivalent to higher-grade GCSEs).

If a learner has not studied at Level 1 but wishes to enrol directly at Level 2, we ask that you get in touch with our team. We will arrange a short phone assessment to determine whether Level 1 or Level 2 is the most suitable starting point for them.

Level 1 or Level 2?

Both the Level 1 Award in Conservation and the Level 2 Conservation Programme support learners to understand the environmental systems that underpin life on Earth — including ecosystems, climate science, and the impact of human activity. The difference lies in the depth of analysis, the complexity of topics, and the scope of application.

Level 1 introduces foundational concepts: habitats, food chains, environmental awareness, and practical conservation activities. It also includes health and safety, and equality and diversity in conservation work — preparing learners for safe, inclusive practice in outdoor environments. Level 1 is ideal for beginners, volunteers, or anyone exploring the fundamentals of conservation and environmental responsibility.

Level 2 is more analytical and future-focused. It explores the science of climate change, sustainability principles, and the environmental impact of industries. Learners assess real-world challenges (e.g. carbon footprints, waste, resource use) and explore strategic solutions through global policy and behaviour change frameworks. Level 2 prepares learners for green careers in conservation, climate action, sustainability consultancy, environmental policy, and ecological education. It also provides a stepping stone to further study in environmental science or management.

How much does the qualification cost?

Total Cost: The total cost for the course is £585, which includes weekly classes, 2 Wildlife and Conservation Activity Boxes, tutor support, and all qualification fees.

Flexible Payment Plan: You can choose a payment plan with 12 payments of £49 spread over a year, making it more accessible.

Value for Money: This course provides a recognised qualification equivalent to a GCSE along with hands-on activities delivered to your door via our letterbox activity boxes and expert support.

Online Learning

Each week, there is one 30 minute live session with course tutor Caspian Jamie. During this session, we cover key concepts and vocabulary from the upcoming week. This session is recorded and students do not need to attend the session live. They are able to catch up in their own time. Students may join the session without their camera and microphone on.

Each week, there are a further 2-3 short pre-recorded videos to access in your own time via the learning platform and activities to complete with evidence that can be uploaded into your Google folder as you build your portfolio. There are no live sessions or learning during half-terms and holidays however there are extension activities that can be accessed during these times. We explore a themed Celebration Day each month such as World Animal Day and World Soil Day. There are a range of ways to celebrate these days with a variety of activities that support individuals to contribute to the wider community.