Last month, Year 13 Biology students travelled to Killowen Outdoor Education Centre to participate in a Field Work day. Throughout the day, students had the opportunity to develop their knowledge on the topic ‘Ecology’, which is studied at AS Level.

Students started off their Field Work by carrying out an interrupted belt transect, using quadrats and tape measures, on a rocky shore at Killowen, identifying organisms and noting abiotic and biotic factors which affect the distribution of these organisms. Students also carried out random sampling to estimate the abundance of edible and rough periwinkles.

After lunch, students then travelled a short distance to carry out point sampling on a well-managed hedge so that they could calculate Simpson’s Index, to get a quantitative value for the biodiversity of plant species in this hedgerow.

Despite feeling the effects of the cold weather, the students really enjoyed the day. It was a great opportunity for Year 13 Biologists to participate in this field trip activity, allowing them to develop their skills and improve their knowledge to assist them in their AS Level coursework and studies.