Outdoor Classroom | Biology | A Level

Edexcel Biology

AS| A2

FSC programmes are fixed length courses with clearly stated outcomes and links to curriculum specification requirements.

Specific programmes have been developed for those studying AS and A2 Biology following the Edexcel specification to enable teachers to quickly and easily book a residential fieldtrip, safe in the knowledge that it will be directly related to work taught in the classroom and will contribute to achieving Edexcel specification requirements.

Achieving AS Edexcel specification requirements
At AS students will cover some of the ideas about variation, classification and biodiversity from Unit 2 – Topic 4: Biodiversity and natural resources. 

The new specification places considerable emphasis on practical work (Unit 3a - Practical Biology and Research Skills). AS programmes will use fieldwork to allow students to gain a strong understanding of “How Science Works”; through the development and practice of investigative skills and through the consideration of how scientific evidence may be used to assess people’s impact on the environment.

There is considerable evidence that a fieldwork trip is a highlight of student’s Biology A-level. Therefore, offering a fieldwork experience at AS level may increase recruitment to A2 level.

Three day programme:
Biodiversity and Natural Environments  

  • Students will be introduced to ecological sampling and its use in assessing biodiversity. This programme allows students to undertake a visit appropriate for use in Unit 3A: practical biology and research skills.

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One day programme:
Biodiversity and Natural Environments

Students will be introduced to a range of ecological sampling strategies by carrying out an investigation in one of the diverse habitats around your chosen centre.

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Achieving A2 Edexcel specification requirements

At A2 students will cover some of the content from Unit 4 – The natural environment and species survival.   Conservation issues will be explored by students and linked to assessments of biodiversity.

The new specification places considerable emphasis on practical work (Unit 6a – Practical Biology and Investigative Skills). A2 programmes will use fieldwork to allow students to gain a strong understanding of “How Science Works”; through the development and practice of investigative skills and through the consideration of how scientific evidence may be used to assess people’s impact on the environment.

By the end of each of our A2 programmes students will have developed the practical skills needed to carry out an Individual Investigation suitable for assessment under Unit 6a.get acrobat reader

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Eight day programme:
The Natural Environment and Individual Investigations

  • This programme covers the same content as the 5 day programme, but enables students to gain further practice in fieldwork and analytical techniques and to experience a wider range of habitats and organisms. There is also the opportunity to explore ‘How Science Works’ in more depth. Students will also carry out their individual investigation for Unit 6.

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Five day programme:
The Natural Environments

  • Students will use the following sampling and experimental techniques: quadrats and transects, percentage cover and frequency, quantitative data on energy transfer, measurement of abiotic factors.

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The FSC prides itself on being flexible.

If you can't find a programme to meet your exact requirements a course specifically tailored to meet your needs can be developed. To discuss this, contact the centre of your choice.