ESS Spotlights
Leader
Various
Cohort
L6th ESS students (interest 5th Form and U6th also welcome)
Timing
TBC (lunchtime)
Course Overview
ESS Spotlights is designed for students who are already studying Environmental Systems and Societies, or who are interested in exploring the subject further. The course uses engaging real-world case studies to examine some of the most pressing environmental issues facing the planet today. These may include climate change, biodiversity loss, overfishing, human impacts, sustainability, conservation, resource use and many more.
Each case study will be linked to key ideas from the ESS curriculum, helping students deepen their understanding of the subject while exploring how environmental systems and societies interact in practice.
Key Benefits
Students will develop their ability to think critically about complex environmental challenges and make connections between classroom learning and real-world events. The course will encourage discussion, debate and independent enquiry, helping students to evaluate different perspectives and consider possible solutions.
Students will also have the opportunity to share case studies that interest them, allowing them to take greater ownership of their learning and engage with issues that are personally meaningful.
Course Structure
Each session will focus on a case study selected by a teacher or student. These will usually be introduced through documentary extracts, video clips, articles or other media, followed by guided discussion and debate.
Teachers will help students connect each case study to relevant areas of the ESS course, while students will be encouraged to contribute their own ideas, questions and examples. The course will be seminar-style, interactive and discussion-based, with an emphasis on curiosity, collaboration and real-world relevance.