The annual pilgrimage to Pembrokeshire that is the A-level Biology field trip took place from Friday 14 October to Tuesday 18 October 2011, running into the half term. Thirty seven Upper Sixth biologists, together with SMI, CEG, CAMH and EGMS travelled to Dale Fort FSC, a converted fort dedicated to coastal field studies in the remote South West corner of Wales. This was our third visit in as many years, having been previously impressed by the 'hands-on' opportunities available and outstanding knowledge and teaching provided by our tutors John and Carolyn.
Our journey was long but relaxing, and we arrived in time to settle into our rooms and eat our homely supper on the Friday night. Our first evening was spent discussing the tidal system and the biotic and harsh abiotic factors that affect life on the rocky shore, ready for getting our hands wet (literally) the following morning.
Even before breakfast on Saturday nearly twenty pupils with SMI and EGMS gathered for an early morning run around the rocky peninsula, experiencing breathtaking views over the sea and being rewarded with a stunning sunrise, despite getting lost several times! Post breakfast, and being in Wales after all, we decided to join our resident Welsh ecologist Mr Shawcross in the spirit of the Rugby World Cup and watched Wales narrowly lose to France in the semi-final on a specially set up big screen.
We spent the rest of the day in warm sunshine sampling the various critters, creatures and plant-lfe of a sheltered rocky shore, studying zonation up the shore and the distribution of periwinkles. Back in the classroom, the data was discussed, plotted and analysed and we studied the first of three crucial statistic tests we need for our A-level studies. The evening was completed with an in-depth analysis of the talents of this year's X-factor wannabes.
On Sunday, after an unintended extended run of 6 miles for some, we visited the sheltered shore once again, but also an exposed shore where we studied adaptation and carried out mark-release-recapture analysis of sand hoppers - small amphipods that eat the rotting vegetation found in the strand line. An impromptu but cometitive skimming competition took place on the flat ocean, and we were very fortunate to later see a resting Atlantic Grey Seal pup who was clearly intrigued to see so many keen ecologists wander past. Once again our studies on the shore were backed up by analysis, evaluation and discussion in the classroom.
The last full day on Monday was met with weather more typical of Wales, although waterproofs were donned and spirits were high as we sampled life in the Gann Estuary and the process of succession. As in previous years, the trench of 'impending despair and doom' claimed another Reptonian, with Tom Coe losing both wellies to the sticky, and very smelly, river of mud! The final statistic tests were carried out, and more graphs were drawn to illustrate the breadth of animal and plant life in this amazing ecosystem.
Our final day was completed with a quick study of 'rolling means'. An overview of all the learning that had taken place together with an uplifting slide show reminded us how much we had covered and how relaxed and fun the whole experience had been. We look forward to returning again next year.
P.S. A special mention should go to Emily Renshaw, the only pupil who was able to drag herself out of bed every single morning for the pre-breakfast run!
Posted on
Wed, November 2, 2011
by Repton Schoolv