A pathway from foundations to application
This self-directed pathway organises sustainable agriculture into four connected stages. It is a subject exploration resource rather than an accredited programme specification. Work through the stages at a pace that allows time for reading, practice and reflection.
1. Soil science
Focus on soil science as a way to understand food production that considers ecology, livelihoods and resources. Build a concise glossary, identify the central models and explain one idea without relying on specialist vocabulary.
Learning activity: select a published example related to soil science. Identify the question, evidence and conclusion. Reconstruct the reasoning and note one assumption that could change the result.
Portfolio evidence: write a short critical explanation of how soil science connects with agroecology. Include an annotated diagram, worked example or source comparison where appropriate.
2. Agroecology
Focus on agroecology as a way to understand food production that considers ecology, livelihoods and resources. Build a concise glossary, identify the central models and explain one idea without relying on specialist vocabulary.
Learning activity: select a published example related to agroecology. Identify the question, evidence and conclusion. Reconstruct the reasoning and note one assumption that could change the result.
Portfolio evidence: write a short critical explanation of how agroecology connects with water management. Include an annotated diagram, worked example or source comparison where appropriate.
3. Water management
Focus on water management as a way to understand food production that considers ecology, livelihoods and resources. Build a concise glossary, identify the central models and explain one idea without relying on specialist vocabulary.
Learning activity: select a published example related to water management. Identify the question, evidence and conclusion. Reconstruct the reasoning and note one assumption that could change the result.
Portfolio evidence: write a short critical explanation of how water management connects with food supply chains. Include an annotated diagram, worked example or source comparison where appropriate.
4. Food supply chains
Focus on food supply chains as a way to understand food production that considers ecology, livelihoods and resources. Build a concise glossary, identify the central models and explain one idea without relying on specialist vocabulary.
Learning activity: select a published example related to food supply chains. Identify the question, evidence and conclusion. Reconstruct the reasoning and note one assumption that could change the result.
Portfolio evidence: write a short critical explanation of how food supply chains connects with soil science. Include an annotated diagram, worked example or source comparison where appropriate.