Edexcel Biology

At Dale Fort we pride ourselves on our flexible approach when designing fieldwork to meet the learning needs of students. The options listed here are popular with our groups and are designed to meet the requirements of your specification. However, if your requirements are not covered here please contact us to discuss alternatives.

Telephone number: 01646 636205

E-mail: enquiries.df@field-studies-council.org

Please visit http://www.field-studies-council.org/dalefort/

for alternative KS2, KS3, GCSE and A-level options, including student and teacher resources

Castle Beach – Rocky Shore Ecology

FSC Outdoor Classroom AS & A2 Edexcel Biology

At Dale Fort Field Centre there is a range of options for your course and all of our core modules (excluding conservation options) can be completed at sites within walking distance of the centre. Through careful liaison with one of our expert tutors your course programme will be designed to meet the exact requirements of the group. Our courses prepare students for, or revise aspects of, the AS Unit 2, A2 Unit 4 whilst facilitating student’s completion of the Unit 6 Individual Investigations. Here we have outlined some of out most popular modules. Please contact us to discuss how we can further tailor a course to meet you specific requirements.

Sheltered Rocky Shore Ecology

1 day

‘Investigating the distribution and abundance of species on a Sheltered Rocky Shore’

Background theory on tides, rocky shore ecosystems and zonation

Appropriate fieldwork methods to investigate the distribution and abundance of species

Presentation of results

Discussion on adaptations of organisms and abiotic factors

A shorter investigation into the ecology of an individual rocky shore species, to include an appropriate statistical analysis (e.g. Standard Error and 95% confidence intervals or Chi2 test or Spearman’s Rank Correlation Coefficient )

Exposed Rocky Shore Ecology

1 day

‘Investigating the distribution and abundance of species on an Exposed Rocky Shore’ This day is designed to build on content from the Sheltered Rocky Shore Ecology Day Background theory on the effects of exposure to wave action on zonation Appropriate fieldwork methods (different method to Sheltered Rocky Shore) to

investigate the distribution and abundance of species Presentation of results (different technique to Sheltered Rocky Shore) Discussion comparing the communities on both sheltered and exposed shores A shorter investigation into the ecology of an individual rocky shore species, to include

and appropriate statistical analysis (e.g. t-test or Chi2 test or Spearman’s Rank Correlation Coefficient )

Saltmarsh Ecology –

Succession

1 day

‘Investigating changes in vegetation with increasing height on a Saltmarsh’

Background theory on the stages of succession and how these apply to a saltmarsh Appropriate fieldwork methods to investigate changes in vegetation and biodiversity

with increasing height up the saltmarsh Presentation of results (including species diversity index) Discussion referring to changes in biodiversity, seral stages of succession and xerophytic

adaptations of plants Optional shorter investigation comparing grid and point frame quadrats (Spearman’s

Rank Correlation Coefficient)

Populations Ecology – Rocky Shore

‘Investigating factors that affect populations on Rocky Shores’

A day containing at least 3 short investigations that will consider the populations or communities of different organisms on a rocky shore.

Different sampling techniques, methods and equipment will be used to collect quantitative data. This will be analysed using appropriate techniques.

Examples could include:

Investigating the effect of abiotic factors (tides or exposure) on the population density/size of a rocky shore species (t-test)

Estimating the size of a population (crabs or sandhoppers) using Mark, Release Recapture

Investigating microhabitat selection of a rocky shore species (Chi2 statistical analysis)

Investigating the effect of exposure to wave action on the size of a rocky shore species (t - test)

FSC Outdoor Classroom

AS & A2 AQA Biology

Energy Transfer

½ Day

Rocky Shore (tide dependant) or Freshwater Options: Students will collect data to investigate energy transfer in a rocky shore ecosystem

or in a freshwater ecosystem Using conversion graphs pyramids of numbers and biomass can be created using

the data collected, along with simple food chains and food webs The efficiency of energy transfer through an ecosystem can be demonstrated using

the data and limitations of the techniques discussed If using freshwater water ecosystem there will be the option to discuss the adaptations of freshwater invertebrates and their use as biological indicator species.

Conservation Case

Study

1 day

A visit to Skomer Island (Marine Nature Reserve and National Nature Reserve), one of Pembrokeshire’s famous off-shore islands. Through a guided walk students will learn about why the island is one of the most important sea bird colonies in Europe. Conservation management and issues will also be considered and discussed. Between April and August students can see a range of wildlife including puffins, guillemots, razororbills and possibly seals, porpoise and dolphins. If Skomer is not accessible then ½ day conservation walks can be arranged on the Marloes Peninsula. Extra transport costs and island landing fees apply, please contact us for more details.

Unit 6: Individual

Investigations

1 ½ - 2 days

Following an appropriate period of guided fieldwork sessions (ideally 1 ½ - 2 days) students will be adequately prepared to work individually to plan their own investigations. By spending 1 ½ days on individual investigations students will:

- Plan thier investigation (method, risk assessment etc) - Conduct some of their background research - Complete a trial investigation, modifying their initial plan if necessary - Complete thier main data collection - Complete statistical analysis of their data

In 2 days students will use the extra time to complete background research and begin interpreting and evaluating thier results.

Plankton Sampling on the Dale Fort Boat

½ day

A trip around Dale Bay on the Dale Fort RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat). Students are taken out in small groups. This activity can be fitted in alongside other modules (e.g. Individual Investigations). Plankton samples are collected and viewed under microscopes. Option for a short talk on plankton ecology. Additional cost applies ( £6 per person – 2013). The trips are subject to logistical arrangements and weather.

The Gann Saltmarsh - Succession

FSC Outdoor Classroom AS & A2 Edexcel Biology

What is included within the course fee?

Expert tuition by fully trained staff - All our staff complete a rigorous training process; including first aid, health and safety sessions, group management in the outdoor classroom, site specific training relating subject knowledge to our outdoor environments and curriculum content.

Full board accommodation including a cooked breakfast, packed lunch, homemade cakes and an evening meal. Vegetarian and other dietary options are available.

Use of centre resources and facilities including library, workrooms and the centre grounds. Rigorous and proven health and safety procedures including 24 hour emergency cover. Access to risk assessments. Use of specialist equipment and exclusive access to specially developed resources. E-mail support before and after the course (on request).

Please remember travel to the field centre and to fieldwork sites is not included in the programme fee.

Our location:

Dale Fort was built in 1856 in an attempt to deter the forces of Napoleon III from invading the west coast of Britain. Aswell as the sense of history the unique coastal location offers fantastic ocean views. We have been operating as a Field Centre since 1947.

We are situated in the south of Pembrokeshire and within the National Park boundary. Dale village is approximately 30 minutes from Haverfordwest and can be accessed by cars, minibuses and large coaches. The centre is located a short distance outside the village on the tip of the peninsula. You can also get to us by train; our nearest station in Milford Haven is a 25 minute drive.

To book a course, simply:

1. Choose the time of the year you would like to attend 2. Contact us at Dale Fort by e-mail at enquiries.df@field-studies-council.org or by phone 01646 636205 to check availability and prices.

FSC Outdoor Classroom AS & A2 Edexcel Biology

Why Come to FSC Dale Fort?

Some of the most common reasons which our customers give for coming to our popular Field Centre are:

The centre’s unique coastal location within the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.

Expert tuition from our tutors who have a passion for the environment and are knowledgeable geographers and ecologists.

A friendly and welcoming place to visit, with hearty meals and, comfortable accommodation and facilities for students and visiting staff.

An incomparable blend of local habitats and environments to visit . The stunning Coastline, the Rural and Urban Settlements and the moorland Rivers make the area a great location to study Human and Physical Geography.

Quality Tuition

The tutor delivering the content plays a vital role in ensuring successful learning outcomes are achieved.

This is why we have taken great care in developing a qualified team of highly trained and DBS checked field teachers working full time, all year round.

Not only are they experts, they are gifted teachers with a real passion for the subject being taught. FSC field teachers are the reason why many schools return year after year.

External Recognition of Quality

Dale Fort has been awarded the Quality Badge by The Council for Learning

Outside the Classroom. The badge is awarded to organisations that have demonstrated that they consistently

deliver high quality teaching and learning experiences and manage risk effectively.

This means that you will have to complete less paperwork when visiting our centre.

Protecting Fieldwork Opportunities

Growing pressures on outdoor learning has led the FSC to take on an important role; championing the rights and opportunities for people of all ages to experience the environment at first hand.

The FSC has lead in campaigns to reverse the continuing decline in fieldwork within secondary schools and to build opportunities for out-of- classroom learning. The FSC continues to work closely with the government and other partners to develop out-of-classroom learning.

As a registered charity, the FSC receives no statutory funding. It relies solely on fees charged for courses and membership. Therefore, by visiting an FSC Centre not only are you receiving a high quality educational experience for your students, you are also helping to protect fieldwork opportunities for everybody.

FSC Dale Fort Field Centre, Dale, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, SA62 3RD Tel: 01646 636205 E-mail: enquiries.df@field-studies-council.org Website: www.field-studies-

council.org/dalefort

Field Studies Council is a limited Company, registered in England and Wales No. 412621 and a Charity No. 313364. Registered Office; Preston Montford, Shrewsbury, Shropshire SY4 1HW