Secondary Education Visits

Our study units investigate a wide range of issues developed around aspects of GCSE, GNVQ, and A-level (AVCE, AS and A2 levels).

Many of our fieldwork techniques are suitable for students undertaking both individual and group investigations.

The level of the study unit is indicated in brackets but is a guide only. Our experienced leaders are able to adapt a unit to your specific syllabus requirements if notified in advance.

Pam Goward & Sian Grayson, Head of Geography, Job Share

"We have used the education service over 6 years now, because it provides a contrast of landscape and introduces issues of conflict in a relative small area; covering settlement / villages, quarrying, land use and water management."

HEARTWOOD

(KEY STAGE 2 and 3)

If you received a mysterious email (treemail) crying out for help, what would you do?
Can you unravel the secret language of Leafen and discover the hidden meanings of Heartwood?

Heartwood is a programme that provides the basis for children to explore the key elements of sustainable development and seeks to explore their roles in shaping the future.

The students receive a mysterious soundtrack from Heartwood and are invited to investigate the hidden meanings and implications of the Leafen language for themselves. They meet a number of enigmatic characters throughout the day and are challenged to discover the fundamental elements that support a woodland community through science investigation and direct experience of the natural world.

By evaluating the environment through a new perspective the students communicate their findings and outline the individual and collective changes that could be made for a more sustainable lifestyle.

MOORLAND ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT

(GCSE & A-LEVEL)

This unit considers the impacts of both recreation and management by burning on moorland ecology. Students sample vegetation alongside the footpaths at a popular recreational site. Further vegetation surveys are conducted at sites, which have been managed by burning at various stages in the life cycle of heather. The impacts of burning on species diversity and abundance and the productivity of heather are assessed. Students will be introduced to the international importance of moorland habitats and their conservation.

Field equipment used can include point quadrats, soil spikes and plant identification charts.

For an extended day students use kite diagrams and other graphs to test hypotheses. Statistical analysis using Excel spreadsheets can also be included..

Available as:

Residential - Half day, standard day, extended day

Day visits - Half day, standard day

Requires transport during the day.

FRESHWATER ECOLOGY

(GCSE & A-LEVEL)

A number of stream sites are studied using biological, chemical and environmental sampling techniques. Students consider the effects of pollutants and other factors on species diversity and abundance.

Field equipment used can include fixed quadrats, nitrate and phosphate oxygen testing kits, an oxygen sensormeter, nets and identification charts.

For an extended day, students analyse their results using Excel spreadsheets in order to construct pyramids of numbers and assess water quality.

Available as:

Residential - Standard day, extended day

Day visit - Standard day

This programme is available from YHA Castleton without the need for transport.

UPLAND FARMING

(GCSE &  A-LEVEL)

Students look at an upland farm and consider the issues affecting farming in a National Park. There is also an opportunity to examine the effects of the natural environment on farming practice e.g. soil type, altitude and climate. Students will be provided with an insight into the impact of external forces on farming such as national and international agricultural policies and political instability in trading nations.

Field equipment used can include fixed quadrats, plant identification charts and soil pH test kits.

Available as:

Residential - Half day

Day visit - Half day

This programme is available from Losehill Hall and YHA Castleton without the need of transport.

HYDROLOGY AND FLUVIAL GEOMORPHOLOGY

(GCSE & A-LEVEL)

A detailed field study of an upland river catchment, which leads to an understanding of past and present geomorphological processes. By analysing channel variables, students look at the effect of land use on the hydrological cycle.

Field equipment used can include floats, stream flowmeters and clinometers.

For an extended day this unit can concentrate on either:

a) statistical analysis of data collected using Excel spreadsheet

b) management of river systems relating to flood control measures within a land management and planning context.

Available as:

Residential - Standard day, extended day

Day visit - Standard day

Requires transport during the day.

WOODLAND ECOLOGY

(GCSE & A-LEVEL)

Students are introduced to the history of Britain's woodlands, their uses and management. Fieldwork examines the effects of management on woodland structure, ground flora and the soil. Students will explore sustainable management of woodlands and the wider environment including the role of landowners and conservation organisations such as the National Trust.

Field equipment used can include string quadrats, soil pH test kits, plant identification charts and various sensor meters.

For an extended day, students use graphical presentation of data to test hypotheses. Statistical analysis using Excel spreadsheets can also be included.

Available as:

Residential - Half day, standard day, extended day

Day visit - Half day, standard day

Requires transport during the day.

RURAL SETTLEMENTS IN THE NATIONAL PARK

(GCSE & A-LEVEL)

The Peak District National Park is the second most visited area of protected countryside in the world. This unit looks at the major employment industries and the services available to residents and visitors in a number of local villages.

The collated data is used to examine the effect of tourism on village services, communities and employment patterns.

Fieldwork includes survey techniques such as bipolar analysis but does not include questionnaires.

Excel spreadsheets can be used to collate and display results.

(GNVQ, AVCE)

Students investigate and compare the variety of leisure and tourism facilities found in villages in the Peak District. They consider the target audiences that might use these facilities and assess whether the infrastructure, such as public transport, is available to support them. The students will produce a map of their location and present their conclusions.

Available as:

Residential - Standard day, extended day

Day visit - Standard day

Requires transport during the day.

PEAK DISTRICT NATIONAL PARK TALK– 'HATS ROLE PLAY'

(GCSE & A-LEVEL)

An ideal introduction to the area. Using slides / powerpoint presentations, the talk begins with a brief look at the history, geology and special qualities of the Peak District National Park. Later, the group become landowners, tourists and local people enabling them to explore some of the issues / conflicts in the Peak District National Park. As the role play develops they try to find ways in which conflicts over land-use can be resolved.

The general structure of the talk can be modified for groups with specialist interests.

PEAK DISTRICT NATIONAL PARK TALK- 'SUSTAINABLE TOURISM'

(GCSE & A-LEVEL)

An ideal introduction to the area from a sustainable tourism perspective. This presentation considers the impacts of tourism on the Peak District and how the National Park Authority tries to balance the sometimes conflicting needs between conserving the natural environment whilst catering for visitors. It is particularly relevant to Leisure and Recreation and Travel and Tourism students. The talk examines:

• The appeal of the National Park
• The popularity of the area
• Location and access
• Impact on local environment and local economy
• Facilities
• Technology
• Operation and management
• Health and safety
• Visitor management.

Both talks are available as:

Residential - approx. 2 hrs

Day visit - approx. 1 hr

Field Visits

URBAN GEOGRAPHY IN SHEFFIELD

(A-LEVEL)

An understanding of urban development is gained by studying the industrial past, exploring present-day city centre morphology and by considering the future development of Sheffield.

Fieldwork will include a range of techniques such as environmental quality assessment, land-use mapping and urban improvement surveys, in order to investigate issues such as urban regeneration and sustainability

For an extended day students analyse their findings with respect to the development of Sheffield Central Business District and test their hypotheses.

Available as:

Residential - Standard day, extended day

Requires transport during the day.

MINERAL EXTRACTION IN THE PEAK DISTRICT NATIONAL PARK

(GCSE & A-LEVEL)

This unit focuses on the issues surrounding limestone quarrying in the National Park and also considers the importance of sustainable management in the wider environment. The geology of the area, history of mineral extraction and socio-economic factors relating to quarrying can be explored through public inquiry procedures. The day includes a guided tour of a quarry and the area affected by a proposed extension/new quarry. The views of local residents can also be considered in a meeting with a representative of the local community.

There is a choice of two sites:

Topley Pike: A close look at a historical case surrounding a quarry extension proposal in the mid-1980s.

Blue Circle Cement: Compares an existing quarry in the Peak District National Park with the development of a new quarry.

For an extended day students can adopt the roles of interest groups and present their views on the proposed quarry extension/new quarry in a "public inquiry".

Available as:

Residential - Standard day, extended day

Day visit - Standard day

Requires transport during the day.

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN THE PEAK DISTRICT NATIONAL PARK

(GCSE & A-LEVEL)

This unit examines the relationship between conservation, recreation and economic activities such as hill farming. The overall aims are to consider sustainable development of the landscape. During the visit, students adopt the roles of various interest groups, and, as part of an extended day, present their proposals at a "public meeting".

(GNVQ, AVCE LEISURE AND TOURISM, LEISURE AND RECREATION)

Students investigate a highly visited locality in the Peak District National Park, and consider the sustainable development of the site. Using a business planning process, they will develop presentations outlining how they would sustainably develop and market the site.

Choose from three sites:

NORTH LEES ESTATE

The Peak District National Park Authority owns this Estate. Hill farming is the main present-day economic activity. The Estate contains a Site of Special Scientific Interest and other areas of landscape conservation value. Stanage Edge is a famous climbing attraction running through the Estate and a large part of the moorland is Open Access Land. Students explore the potential conflicts between conservation, recreation and economic activity on the Estate and consider how these might be resolved. The approach used by the Stanage Forum (a partnership management group) is introduced for discussion.

UPPER DERWENT VALLEY

The Upper Derwent Valley is one of the most visited areas in the Park, with beautiful moorland scenery, reservoir walks / cycling and an historic association with the Dambusters. Following a route around the Derwent reservoir, students consider the sustainable development of the Upper Derwent Valley. Through a role play discussion, they are asked to try to balance the needs of recreation, conservation and economic interests in the Valley.

This programme may be carried out on bike or foot – please ask the Education Visits Administrator about the cost of bike hire.

EYAM AND THE EASTERN MOORS

This is a beautiful area of the Peak District enjoyed by local people and visitors alike. The students explore the potential conflicts between conservation, recreation and economic activity. The area contains a diverse range of landscape and land-use from farmland and meadows to mixed woodland, edges and moor. As the students walk this circular route they cross from limestone into a shale valley and onto gritstone.

Available as:

Residential - Standard day, extended day

Day visits - Standard day

All require transport to the field location.

IMPACT OF MINERAL EXTRACTION ON THE LANDSCAPE

(GCSE & A-LEVEL)

This unit focuses on the issues surrounding limestone quarrying in the Peak District National Park and considers the importance of sustainable management in the wider environment. A series of landscape evaluations are undertaken by the students to compare a more natural landscape to a quarried one.

Available as:

Residential - Half day

Day visit - Half day

Requires transport during the day.

BIOGEOGRAPHY

(A-LEVEL)

Factors influencing soil development and land use are examined at sites with different soil profiles in the Dark Peak. Soil analysis techniques and vegetation survey methods are conducted at up to four different sites. Students will be introduced to land use classification and appropriate EU, government and National Park policies concerning land management.

Field equipment used can include fixed quadrats, plant identification charts and soil augers.

Available as:

Residential - Half day, standard day, extended day

Day visit - Half day, standard day

Requires transport during the day.

LIMESTONE GRASSLAND ECOLOGY

(A-LEVEL)

A quantitative study of north and south facing slopes in a limestone dale. Students consider the effects of light, temperature, water availability and soil pH on the diversity, abundance and height of the vegetation. The geology, formation and natural history of the Derbyshire Dales Special Area for Conservation will be introduced. For comparison, the acid grassland plant community on the lower slopes of Mam Tor can be included.

Field equipment used can include fixed quadrats, plant identification charts, soil pH test kits, light meters and clinometers.

For an extended day students use graphical presentation of data to test hypotheses. Statistical analysis using Excel spreadsheets can also be included.

Available as:

Residential - Standard day, extended day

Day visit - Standard day

This programme is available from YHA Castleton without transport.

BIOLOGY INDIVIDUAL PROJECT WORK

(GCSE & A-LEVEL)

Students are provided with the opportunity to conduct an individual inquiry, usually during the last morning of a residential week. Students are encouraged to develop the themes studied earlier in the week and apply or adapt their experience of various field techniques. This work can be tailored to meet the needs of individual studies within sections of the major syllabuses.

Field equipment is made available to students from the selection they have used during their stay.

Available as:

Residential - Half day, standard day

This unit is available from Losehill Hall, YHA Castleton and YHA Edale without the need for transport.

EROSION AND SLOPE FORMING PROCESSES

(GCSE & A-LEVEL)

The field site around the famous Mam Tor area of the Hope Valley is a text book example of a rotational landslide that is still active. For the first half of the day the students are introduced to landslides and study the Mam Tor slip.

The rest of the day can be spent either;

a) looking at the effect of the collapse of the A625 following the landslip and in particular its impact on the road network in the area (suitable for A-level and GCSE). Fieldwork includes map work and landscape assessment.

b) comparing Mam Tor with a nearby stable landslip which has the same geological formations (suitable for A-level). Fieldwork includes observation and field sketching.

For an extended day, students plot long profiles of the Mam Tor landslip and consider its formation and impact.

Available as:

Residential - Half day, standard day, extended day

Day visit - Half day, standard day

This unit is available from Losehill Hall and YHA Castleton without the need of transport.