NEWTON FIELD CENTRE

'A' LEVEL ECOLOGY COURSES

Newton Field Centre specialises in running practical courses to support the science and geography curricula taugh
in schools. The centre has well equipped and comfortable facilities and is available for booking throughout the year.
A wide range of subjects can be covered in the Newton environment, even during the late autumn, winter and early spring months. All teaching sites, which include a variety of habitats, are within easy walking distance of the centre. Walks do not involve roads and all activities take place in typical, low risk, lowland countryside. Risk assessments
are available for all courses.
A’ level biology field courses may be between one and five days’ duration and either residential or non-residential. Courses vary according to syllabus and other requirements, and are planned in conjunction with subject teachers.
A two day course is outlined below.

Day 1. Introduction to ecology and ecological methods. The day starts with an introduction to the centre and a talk on ecology. This is followed by practicals and laboratory follow-up on plant distribution and freshwater invertebrates.

Day 2. Individual projects. Students choose projects from a list of outlines (or scenarios) provided. They then formulate hypotheses and write plans, according to syllabus requirements, before carrying out practical work to collect data. The centre has back-up material for all projects suggested and for all commonly used statistical tests. On longer courses, projects usually take two days.

For more information on this and other courses please contact the centre. Email