'A' Levels and IB

We aim to provide students with the information and knowledge required for environmental and ecological units in their Biology A level and IB studies. This includes:

• Edexcel Units - 3,4,6.
• OCR Units - F212, 213, 215, 216.
  
• AQA - Unit 4.
  
• IB - Topic 4 and Option G.
  

Key ecological concepts and relevant ecological terms will be introduced. The sessions listed are guidelines as we realise your needs are often very specific and we are more than willing to provide exactly what you need, just let us know what you require.

A typical day….
The students usually arrive between 9.30 and 10.00 a.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 lunch time the groups meet back at the centre to eat their packed lunch. In the afternoon the students change to the alternative session to ensure they cover the whole programme. The day finishes by 4.00 p.m.

Courses available for 'A' Levels and IB

An Ecology Walk (half day)
at Nower Wood | Bay Pond
An excellent introduction into habitats, including woodlands, ponds and meadows.

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Techniques for Ecological Sampling (full or half day)
at Nower Wood | Bay Pond
Students are introduced to many techniques including transects, sampling using quadrats, pond dipping, sweep netting, leaf litter collection and tree beating.

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Terrestrial Invertebrate Study (half day)
at Nower Wood | Bay Pond
The invertebrate population in two types of leaf litter is thoroughly investigated.

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Aquatic Invertebrate Study (half day)
at Nower Wood | Bay Pond
The diversity of invertebrates is investigated in relation to abiotic factors.

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Woodland Ecology (half day)
at Nower Wood
Flora and abiotic information are studied in two areas of coppiced woodland.

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Succession Study (half day)
at Nower Wood
The succession process is studied in a wetland habitat.

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Individual Projects (one and a half days)
at Nower Wood | Bay Pond
Students plan and implement a project, collect data and analyse the results.

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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.