Why I Love Teaching Environmental Management

I fell in love with the natural world long before I ever stood in a classroom. I studied Genetics and Zoology, then Wildlife Management, at the University of Pretoria. The bush, the rivers and the people who depend on them taught me something no textbook could: every environmental problem is also a human one.

That is exactly why I love teaching Cambridge Environmental Management. It is the one subject where science, geography, economics and ethics meet. It asks students not just what is happening to our planet, but what should we do about it?

After more than 30 years in education, including 20 years as a founding principal, I now tutor IGCSE and AS Level Environmental Management students online. My students join me from Dubai, Australia, South Africa, Italy and here in the Netherlands.

What makes Environmental Management so special?

It is real. Students study water shortages, fisheries, energy, natural hazards and climate change: issues already on the news and in their own communities. Lessons never feel abstract for long.

It builds thinkers. Good EM answers weigh up evidence, compare viewpoints and reach a justified conclusion. These are the skills universities and employers look for.

It opens doors. EM leads naturally into environmental science, geography, conservation, sustainability, engineering, law and policy. Whatever students choose next, they understand how the world works.

It changes how students see the world. My favourite moment is when a student says, "I saw this in the news and I understood it." That is the acorn starting to grow.

From IGCSE to AS Level: what changes?

If you enjoyed IGCSE Environmental Management (0680), Cambridge International AS Level Environmental Management (8291) is the natural next step. Cambridge recommends prior study at IGCSE level, so you already have strong roots. But AS asks more of you.

At IGCSE, you focus on learning the key ideas and case studies, mostly through shorter answers and by reading graphs and tables. At AS Level, you apply, analyse and evaluate those same ideas. You write a 20-mark essay, chosen from two, backed by real examples. You also carry out calculations, spot patterns in data, and plan and judge investigations. AS has two papers, each lasting 1 hour 45 minutes and worth 80 marks, so each paper counts for half of your final grade.

At AS you study eight topics: an introduction to environmental management, environmental research and data collection, managing human population, ecosystems and biodiversity, resources, water supplies, the atmosphere, and climate change. Much of this builds on what you met at IGCSE.

The biggest surprises for my students are usually the skills:

• Biodiversity maths: calculating Simpson's Index of Diversity and estimating populations with the Lincoln Index.
• Investigation skills: choosing random or systematic sampling, and spotting bias and limits in a method. Paper 2, Management in Context, tests these directly.
• Extended writing: the Paper 1 essay rewards real examples and a clear, supported judgement.
• Information handling: 40% of AS marks test handling and analysing information.

How to prepare for the jump

1. Keep your IGCSE notes. Water, the atmosphere, energy and ecosystems all come back at AS. Strong roots make faster growth.
2. Build a case-study bank. For each topic, keep two or three real examples with facts and figures you can use in essays.
3. Practise the maths early. Simpson's Index and the Lincoln Index are simple once you have practised them a few times.
4. Read the news (or follow Environmentally focused Instagram, TikTok or facebook pages) with an EM eye. Floods, droughts, energy prices and conservation stories are all AS material.
5. Plan before you write. For any 'discuss' or 'evaluate' question, list both sides, then decide where you stand and why.
6. Get support before you fall behind. The gap between IGCSE and AS is easiest to close in the first term.

How I help students make the move

My lessons follow three simple steps: Listen, Learn, Grow.

• Listen: we look at your IGCSE strengths and the gaps to close first.
• Learn: clear explanations of AS content, real-world case studies, and the skills that catch students out.
• Grow: essay planning, data practice and timed past papers, so you walk into the exam room ready.

All lessons are 1:1 and online, at times that suit your time zone. Here is what one parent shared:

"So passionate about EM; such an expert on the subject… My daughter looked forward to each lesson because she finally found her love for the subject." (Nonzi B., parent)

You can read more on my testimonials page or learn about my online tutoring.

Ready to grow from IGCSE to AS? Book a free 15-minute call and we will make a plan together.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need IGCSE Environmental Management to take AS Level? Cambridge recommends prior study of Environmental Management, Science or Geography at IGCSE or O Level. Students coming from Geography or Biology can still do very well with some extra support.

Is there an A Level in Environmental Management? No. Cambridge offers Environmental Management (8291) as an AS Level only, with both papers taken in the same exam series.

How long does the AS course take? Cambridge plans it for about 180 guided learning hours, usually over one school year.

Do you tutor online? Yes. I tutor IGCSE and AS Level Environmental Management, and IB ESS, 1:1 online for students around the world.

Course details are from the Cambridge International AS Level Environmental Management (8291) syllabus for exams in 2025 to 2027.