Education & Careers Field Work Learning outside the classroom manifesto New ETCC Chair resources Careers information Education grants INSET Courses for the Student Teacher Keeping in Touch with Ecology Past meetings

Fieldwork

In 2003 the BES and the Field Studies Council produced a report on 'Teaching Biology Outside the Classroom:  Is it Heading for Extinction?'.  This report presents the main conclusions of a two-day focus group meeting held in May 2002, to discuss the role and importance of teaching outdoor biology in UK schools.  

Fieldwork provision in biology is declining in our schools despite the very clear educational and personal development strengths that it offers. This is happening at a time when there is increasing demand for students with the skills and confidence to practise outdoor biology and to be aware of their impacts on the world around them. There are many reasons for the decline but it should be reversed by:

• making fieldwork a requirement rather than an option in the biology curriculum;

• developing and presenting a strong case for biology fieldwork;

• supporting innovative curriculum development;

• providing support for trainee and experienced teachers;

• encouraging scientists to take a much broader view of the world around them.

Copyright 2007 British Ecological Society. All Rights Reserved