Biology Field Trip

Following 2009's successful Biology Field trip in South Wales, 34 Upper Sixth pupils together with Dr Ingleston, Miss Horne, Mr Shawcross and Mrs Goodhead returned eagerly to the FSC Dale Fort Field Centre in Pembrokeshire from Friday 15 to Tuesday 19 October 2010. The converted fortress is nestled atop the Celtic Sea cliffs offering spectacular views of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park and there can be few better places to study marine biology and ecology in Britain.

    After a rather long, but smooth, coach journey we arrived in time for supper and our first evening session on the study of Ecology and to discuss the plans for the days ahead. The girls, once again, were happily accommodated in the newly built St David's block with wireless internet, ensuite bathrooms and underfloor heating; the boys were pleased to discover they had been upgraded this year to St Cadoc's block where the facilities were a little less grand than the girls' but very homely.                                                                                

    Our first full day, with fine weather, was on the Gann salt marsh estuary where, once again, lives (and self esteem) were 'risked' crossing the deadly 'Trench of Doom' - a necessary hazard on the way to studying succession. Harriet Welch showed everyone exactly how not to cross the expanse of mud, and James Lewis, attempting to perfect his knight in shining armour role, showed exactly how not to rescue a damsel in distress. Graph drawing featured heavily in the evenings although a good balance was achieved between plotting points, statistical analysis and relaxing watching X-factor. Special mention should be made of the pupils' effort and willingness to work until late in the evening without complaint, but with good spirit and positive attitudes in abundance.

    Our next two days were spent studying the ecology of rocky shores, through drawing comparisons between exposed and sheltered shores, investigating the distribution and abundance of all sorts of exciting organisms from limpets to periwinkles, and by capturing sand hoppers on the beach strand line. We were led expertly by the knowledge and enthusiasm of John Archer-Thomson and Carolyn Waddell. We were able to put a lot of the written theory covered in the classrooms of Repton into practice and apply statistical analysis (a key component of the Biology specification) to our results. This sort of first-hand observation, analysis and evaluation is priceless and helps to cement pupils' knowledge and understanding.
    We were blessed with good weather throughout, and by great company. The pupils and teachers struck up friendships with fellow biologists and with pupils from Monkton Senior School in Bath, who weren't quite up to our standards in the quiz on the last night. A select group of early-risers led by the energetic duo of Mr Shawcross and Dr Ingleston even managed to form an ad-hoc early morning running club where pupils were rewarded with stunning views of the peninsula at sun rise.
    We can't wait to return next year to enthuse our next lucky bunch of Upper Sixth biologists!