Choosing GCSE and A Level Options
Selecting subjects for the forestry sector
Biology
Understand how plants grow and the features of a woodland ecosystem. Understand about the animals and diseases that might attack trees within a woodland.
Chemistry
Useful for all sections of forestry but particularly for anyone wanting to specialize in working in tree nurseries or forest research.
Geography
The subject deals with many topics that are linked to forestry including, ecosystems, weather, waterways, energy, natural hazards, sustainability and conservation.
Design and Technology
Gain valuable knowledge and skills required for understanding and working with wood if you’re considering a career in the wood processing (saw mill) or wood products (carpentry) sectors.
ICT and Computer Science
Confidence with ICT is as important in forestry as it is in many other jobs. The uses are wide ranging from completing felling licence or grant applications to using mapping software or creating a website for your business. The machinery used within the wood processing sector is also largely computer operated, as are many of the large forestry machines.
Languages
Forestry is a global industry with opportunities all around the world.
Leisure and Tourism
Forestry recreation is a multimillion pound industry that continues to grow in the UK.
Business Studies
The majority of organisations within the forestry sector are small companies, with many working independently as self-employed contractors. Business studies would be a good subject for learners who would like to be self-employed or start their own company in the forestry sector.
Additional Qualifications
While additional qualifications do not guarantee employment, they help you build a CV that is attractive to colleges, universities or employers.
