Year 12 A-level Biology Field Course: A Wild Week in Devon!
Our Year 12 Biologists recently embarked on a 5-day Field Course in picturesque Devon. They packed their suitcases with high hopes of some downtime, only to find out that their “holiday” would be jam-packed with fieldwork and theory lessons from 9am to 6pm every day, along with some nocturnal adventures. But did they let that dampen their spirits? Absolutely not!
Day 1: Zoo-perstars at Paignton Zoo and Settling into Slapton
The adventure kicked off with a trip to Paignton Zoo, where students embarked on 'Charters Zoo Tours.' Our budding biologists transformed into expert guides, presenting fascinating talks on their chosen animals. The star speakers, Tamsine and Angel, wowed everyone with their enthusiastic and informative presentation on the cheetah. Their animated talk kept the audience captivated, even though the cheetah itself was in a state of deep meditation (a.k.a. napping). Kudos to them for bringing the sleepy cheetah to life! All students performed their talks with a mix of gusto, smiles, and laughter that would make any meerkat proud!
The group then settled into the Field Study Council’s residential centre in Slapton, where they met their ecology gurus, Grace and Chloe. These tutors, with their vast knowledge of local wildlife, guided our students through every practical assessment with the precision of a hawk and the patience of a predatory owl.
Day 2: Streams, Screams but no Ice Creams
Day two saw our biologists wading into streams to compare the biodiversity of invertebrates in pools and riffles. They also collected extensive data on the fern fronds located on the north and south facing aspects of the valley - getting to know these leafy wonders in ways they never imagined. Stumbling across the undergrowth on steep gradients led to much hilarity and screaming, it was a good job the ferns were sessile! While this was a day that didn't end with ice cream, the discoveries made more than compensated and counted towards their practical assessment skills.
Day 3: Beach Analysis and Ice Cream bliss
The shingle ridge at Slapton beckoned next, where students spent their day analysing the species that called this unique habitat home. Students learnt why this area had been designated an SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest). They ended their hard work with an ice cream treat.
Day 4: Rock Pools, Snail Drools, Batty Calls, and Ice Cream Rules
In East Prawle, students dove into the rocky shore’s ecosystem (some having the wet trousers to prove it), surveying its biodiversity. After a day of meticulous data collection and creature counting, they rewarded themselves, again, with some well-earned ice cream. By now, a pattern was emerging: rigorous biology fieldwork followed by delicious ice cream. It’s safe to say that the correlation between fieldwork and ice cream consumption was strong and positive! The final part of their mark-release-recapture task turned into a comedy of errors as they rummaged through bushes in search of those pesky elusive snails, who had wisely taken a vacation to get away from the rare sunny weather we were having all week. The highlight was watching Year 12 students shriek and laugh as they encountered and collected the tiny gastropods, some of which they had colourfully painted two days before.
The late evening brought the much-loved bat walk. Armed with detectors to hear their ultrasound calls, students explored Slapton's bat roosts, with one enthusiastic biologist exclaiming, "Why don't we do this all the time?" Clearly, the ecological passion at Charters knows no bounds!
The Grand Finale: Independent Investigations and ‘Frond’ Farewells
Grace and Chloe’s guidance culminated in the most challenging part of the A-level practical endorsement: the individual investigation. The students impressed everyone with their independent work and high-quality fieldwork throughout the week.
Despite the realisation that this was no holiday, the students had an incredible time, and so did their teachers, Miss Lawson and Dr Herbert. A special thank you goes out to them for making this trip possible. Amongst the many memories, the surprise of catching two mice in mammal traps and the kindness and support shared among students stood out.
All in all, this field course was a resounding success, filled with learning, laughter, and a little bit of ice cream. Here’s to more unforgettable adventures in the wild.
(Isobel and Kimberley pleased with their catch – a handsome mouse I think you’ll agree)
