Example Timetable
The following is an example of how a 3-day course might look. Our courses are as flexible as possible to meet your requirements, with other topics and skills able to be substituted into this timetable. There will be some variation between what is offered at specific centres due to habitat availability.
Day 1
Arrive Midday
- Participants greeted by Field Studies Council staff.
- Welcome talk and centre tour.
- Pre-course meeting with our staff and teachers.
- Allocation of wellies/waterproofs.
Afternoon – An Immersive Introduction to Fieldwork in Biology
We will start to explore the basics of the ecology toolkit, including sampling skills and key terminology. The aim of this session is also to consider how we as teachers can use the environment to inspire students and develop their investigative skills.
Evening – Benefits and Challenges of Fieldwork
Using real-world fieldwork examples participants will consider the benefits and challenges of carrying out biology in an outdoors environment. We will explore the barriers to outdoor learning and look at how to overcome these barriers in a school setting.
Day 2
Morning – Fieldwork *environment dependent on learning location
The group will visit a local site of ecological interest to carry out a fieldwork investigation and to consider how outdoor learning can inspire and support teaching in the wider curriculum.
Afternoon – Health and Safety in Fieldwork
Incorporated into the day’s fieldwork, we will consider how to manage risks in an outdoors environment in order to allow for an immersive learning experience. We will also look at carrying out risk assessments and identifying hazards in the field.
Evening – Maths Skills for Biologists
How can outdoor learning be used to deliver the mathematical skills required? Everyone will use appropriate statistical tests to analyse data collected during their investigation this morning.
Day 3
Morning – Mini Projects
Using the skills developed during the course participants will plan a fieldwork activity to use in their school grounds or local area, with assistance from our staff.
Depart at Midday
- Review of the course.
- Signposting further actions and opportunities with the Field Studies Council and beyond.
- Final farewell from staff.
If you’d like to find out more about ITE / PGCE /CPD courses, or make an enquiry for booking please complete the form below or speak to us on 01743 852100.