Key Stage 3

KS3 activities are all aimed at 11 - 14 yr olds and will develop basic ecology skills.

A typical day….
The students usually arrive by 10.00a.m., are welcomed and introduced to their education leaders and divided into groups for the morning activity. Many of the sessions start in the classroom where the aim and background information are introduced. At lunchtime the groups meet back at the centre to eat their packed lunch. In the afternoon the students change to the alternative session to ensure that they cover the whole programme. The day finishes by 3.00pm.

Courses available for Key Stage 3

Ecology Explorer (half day)
at Nower Wood | Bay Pond
Ecology and its complexities are bought to life with a walk round a reserve.

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Interdependence (half day)
at Nower Wood
This session guides the pupils through what is really happening in a woodland habitat.

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Meadow Study (half day)
at Bay Pond
Survey techniques are used to compare nutrient rich and nutrient poor meadows.

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Orienteering Maths Challenge (half day)
at Nower Wood
In this session the students learn how to set bearings using a compass and then apply this skill to explore the reserve.

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Pond Invertebrates (half day)
at Nower Wood | Bay Pond
Children safely collect, observe and learn about the adaptions of different aquatic organisims.

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Population Studies (can be included with other studies)
at Nower Wood | Bay Pond
Use and understand the limitations of capture, mark, release and recapture methods as a means to estimate woodlice populations.

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Terrestrial Invertebrates (half day)
at Nower Wood | Bay Pond
Study and identify terrestrial invertebrates and their habitats. Compare sampling techniques.

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Woodland Plant Study (half day)
at Nower Wood
The students study the woodland ecology to learn about the plants and the factors that affect their distribution.

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Our sessions are always planned and presented with the Health & Safety of the students in mind. The activities instil an awareness of the importance of observation when studying animals and plants in their natural habitats. Students are encouraged to treat the organisms with care and sensitivity. We also emphasise the need to look after our environment. Most importantly we hope you enjoy your day out, and return to school with a better understanding of how we fit into the natural world.