New fieldwork session launched
South Derbyshire District Council's (SDDC’s) Environmental Education Project at Rosliston Forestry Centre has successfully developed and launched a new geography fieldwork session aimed at A level students.
This exciting Key Stage 5 session has been developed with partners to provide a meaningful fieldwork opportunity for aspiring geography students and combines a mix of field observation and sampling.
During the new session, students will investigate how the trees at the forestry centre act as a carbon sink and how the water quality varies across the site. They will also test for pH, phosphate, and nitrate levels in the site ponds, providing valuable hands-on experience in environmental monitoring.
Siegwerk, a local family-run business, which is committed to sustainability and social projects, has backed the new project. Siegwerk, one of the leading global providers of printing inks and coatings, covered the cost of purchasing four brand new water sampling scoops, which are essential to successfully complete the session.
The successful launch session took place with students from Doncaster University Technical College (UTC), who were joined by representatives from Siegwerk and SDDC to mark the handover of the new equipment ahead of their fieldwork.
Accompanying teacher Mel Cook said: “Very well planned and organised to allow a concise fieldwork investigation to be completed. Invaluable experience for the Year 12 students before embarking on their Non Examined Assessment (NEA).”
One of the students added: “Now I know how to do my NEA!”
Sean McBurney, South Derbyshire District Council’s Head of Community, and Culture said: “We’re excited to see the launch of this brand-new initiative. There has been a long recognition of the need for good-quality fieldwork where students can gain practical skills in a complementary environment.
“A huge thanks for the input from a variety of partners and supporters, alongside the expertise of our dedicated team at the Environmental Education Project. This dedication and partnership working allows us to develop sessions like this that attract students from across the UK to visit and learn at Rosliston Forestry Centre.”
Helen Young, Educational Consultant, Teacher and Creator of www.geographygeek.co.uk, who helped develop the session, said: “It's been a pleasure to work with the team from the Environmental Education Project to develop this course. Rosliston Forestry Centre is an ideal setting, providing an excellent range of habitats.
“Students doing Geography A level need to complete at least four days of fieldwork and this is just one of many which can be done at Rosliston, in the heart of the National Forest.”
Samantha Allsop, Siegwerk’s Local Finance and HR Manager, added: “Siegwerk is delighted to have this opportunity to partner with Rosliston’s Environmental Education Project on this initiative.
“As a family-owned company who have been in business for 200 years, we understand the importance of taking a long-term view of protecting our environment and are keen to support educational projects that focus on the sustainability of our local area.”
For more information about school and education sessions at Rosliston Forestry Centre, email rosliston@southderbyshire.gov.uk
Main image shows (l-r) Graham Tattam, Director, Siegwerk; Chris Worman-Parks and Greenspace Manager, SDDC; Sam Allsop, Local Finance / HR Manager, Siegwerk; Mich Tyrtania, Senior Environmental Education Project Officer, SDDC; and Helen Young, Consultant, Geography Geek with some of the new equipment for the sessions.
2 May 2024