FSC Scotland

Secondary GeographyField Courses

www.field-studies-council.org/scotland

FSC Scotland

In 2002 FSC began operation of theScottish Field Studies Association(SFSA) centre at Kindrogan in the

Highlands which was then gifted to FSCin 2010. Since then over £1m has beeninvested in upgrading the facility tocreate the Highland’s leadingenvironmental education centre.

Early in 2014 FSC took ownership of theUniversity Marine Biology Station atMillport on the Isle of Cumbrae followingthe decision by the University of Londonto close the facility. With the generoussupport of the Scottish Government,North Ayrshire Council and Highlands &Islands Enterprise, FSC has begun re-establishing the centre’s reputation asthe UK’s premier site for coastal research.

Field Studies Council (FSC) is an environmental education charity providing informative and enjoyableopportunities for people of all ages and abilities to discover, explore, and understand the environment.

Founded over 70 years ago to help children from inner cities understand more about the naturalworld, the charity now has a network of UK locations. Each year FSC provides high qualityfieldwork courses at all ages to over 3,000 groups from across the UK. Working to open the mindsof young people to the awe and wonder of their environment through first-hand experiences is asimportant today as it was in 1943 when FSC started.

FSC believes that the more we know about and take inspiration from the world around us themore we can appreciate its needs and protect its diversity and beauty for future generations. 2

Proven health andsafety record

FSC codes of practice exceed Governmentand Local Authority guidelines. Field teachersare fully trained in first aid and groupmanagement and carry dedicated first aidequipment. A qualified first aider is availableat the Centre 24 hours a day. All our fieldsites have been carefully surveyed and riskassessed and we can provide copies of theseto reduce the paperwork you need to do.

Fully organised trip

We take care of every aspect of your visit, fromwhen you arrive to when you depart. Thismeans a course matching your learners’ needs,comfortable accommodation, tasty food andall the equipment required. With the logisticsarranged this leaves you free to help supportyour students and join in with the fun!

Good value

FSC field courses represent good value whenyou consider everything that is includedwithin the fee (see page 15) and the cost ofsourcing these independently, especially ifyou are prepared to visit in less busy periods.

Why choose FSC?High quality teaching

FSC Scotland has a team of gifted fieldteachers with a real passion for theoutdoors. They teach full time, all yearround and also create the course contentensuring they fully understand and link toCurriculum for Excellence requirements.

External recognition of quality

FSC has been delivering outdoor learningfor over 70 years. Centres have beenawarded the Quality Badge by The Councilfor Learning Outside the Classroom, bydemonstrating that they provide qualityteaching and health and safety. Kindroganalso holds the Adventure ActivitiesLicensing Authority (AALA) badge. Thismeans you will have less paperwork tocomplete when visiting our Centres.

Accessible and inspiring locations

Our Centres are less than two hours fromthe central belt, so if you are travelling fromGlasgow or Edinburgh you can be out andabout in the field by lunchtime on your firstday at one of the dramatic sites around ourCentres.

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Lizzie Phipson, Assistant Head of FSC ScotlandI have long had a passion for the outdoors, stemming from family holidays spent in theLake District and the Scottish Highlands. Gaining a BSc in Geography from DurhamUniversity, I spent the first years of my career teaching Geography in inner city London. Buthaving taken many fieldtrips I was led to consider a career teaching in the outdoors, and in2008 I joined the Field Studies Council working to become Assistant Head of FSC Scotland.In 2014 I received one of two Ordnance Survey Awards from the Royal GeographicalSociety for Excellence in Secondary Geography. My favourite fieldwork site in Scotland is alsohome to one of my favourite pastimes! Studying the effects of the ski industry on Glensheeenables students to piece together the social, economic and environment impacts of tourism ona rural community as well as an upland habitat. I am a keen skier and find this environmentpretty inspiring, meaning any visit there is always a little bit special.

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Outdoor learning andCurriculum forExcellenceOutdoor learning is a key element ofCurriculum for Excellence and a visit toan FSC Centre is a great opportunity tointegrate and benefit from outdoorlearning both within geography, andacross other areas of Curriculum forExcellence.

FSC has carefully developed geographycourses which directly meet Curriculum forExcellence experiences and outcomes.Courses also help to build learner’s fourcapacities, encouraging learners to discovera new place, develop relationships, gain asense of adventure, build confidence andreflect on their time and learning; all keyelements of becoming effective contributors,responsible citizens, confident individualsand successful learners.

FSC residential courses integrate Learning forSustainability throughout the course. This isembedded into the experiences of studentsand teachers alike, as we cover topics likeclimate change, sustainable development,global citizenship and biodiversity.

FSC can help teachers to embed outdoorlearning in their school with outreachprojects, support from field teachers before and after courses and publications(see page 14).

Scotland has a long history of engaging children

and young people with the outdoors and the value

placed on outdoor learning within Curriculum for

Excellence is encouragement to continue, and build

upon, that history. Education Scotland

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We are convinced

that outdoor learning

offers unique

opportunities to

extend the potential

of our children and

young people.

Outdoor Connections

Advisory Group, Scotland

“Education Scotland: Curriculum for Excellencethrough outdoor learning

> The journey through education for any child in Scotland must include opportunities for a seriesof planned, quality outdoor learning experiences.

> Learning outdoors can be enjoyable, creative, challenging and adventurous and helps childrenand young people learn by experience and grow as confident and responsible citizens whovalue and appreciate the spectacular landscapes, natural heritage and culture of Scotland.

> The core values of Curriculum for Excellence resonate with long-standing key concepts ofoutdoor learning. Challenge, enjoyment, relevance, depth, development of the whole personand an adventurous approach to learning are at the core of outdoor pedagogy.

> Outdoor learning offers many opportunities for learners to deepen and contextualise theirunderstanding within curriculum areas, and for linking learning across the curriculum indifferent contexts and at all levels.

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Visiting FSC ScotlandFSC Scotland has two Centres infantastic and contrasting locations.

Kindrogan is at the gateway to theHighlands near Pitlochry in beautifulgrounds, with breathtaking scenery andwonderful wildlife to enjoy.

Millport is set metres from the fantasticshoreline of the Isle of Cumbrae in the Firthof Clyde, only an eight minute ferry ridefrom the mainland at Largs yet offering anexciting and different island experience.

Both Centres are within two hours of theCentral belt meaning 94% of the populationof Scotland are within two hours from oneor both of our locations. The Centres arealso both served by good public transportlinks.

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The Centres also have:

> Dining rooms serving plenty of good foodwith vegetarian and other dietary options

> Spaces for staff and students to relax bothin and out of doors

> Wireless internet access

> Well-resourced natural history libraries

> Aquarium (Millport)

> Ropes courses (Kindrogan)

FSC Centres provide the teaching facilities,specialised field equipment and supportmaterials required for your course. Bothresidential Centres in Scotland havecomfortable accommodation for up to 120people in a mixture of twin, shared anddormitory rooms. Teachers usually havetheir own room.

S1-S3FSC Scotland residential courses are idealfor transition from P7 to S1 and beyond.Learners will experience adventure andteam building activities, and learn moreabout the environment and their place in it.Everything takes place outdoors makingthe most of the wonderful naturalsurroundings of each Centre.

EnvironmentalAdventure andExploration

Develop learners’ relationships with eachother, themselves, and the world around themwith FSC. Through a variety of challenges andactivities they will discover what shaped thelandscape, what lives there now and considerfuture scenarios.

Both Centres offer a wide range of activitiessuch as team building, conservation, mammaltrapping, bushcraft and campfires as well assome specific to the Centre and its localenvironment. All our courses explore social

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S1-S3

studies topics in engaging and practical ways,with outdoor learning sessions linking topeople, past events and societies and people,place and environment.

Sessions at Kindrogan include:

> Navigating the on-site ropes courses foradventurous challenges

> Investigating river characteristics

> Exploring post glacial features and how theclimate might be changing now

> Measuring the weather 495m above sealevel on Kindrogan Hill

Sessions at Millport include:

> Going on a boat trip or trying out water sports

> Discovering the history of Millport and howit influenced the town

> Investigating coastal defences

> Taking a cycle ride around the whole island

S1-S3 students will be fully engaged andactive throughout their visit. Activities all linkdirectly to Curriculum for Excellenceexperiences and outcomes and will also help tobuild confidence, independence, relationshipswith others, themselves and the world aroundthem, developing their four capacities.

We bring our students

because we know

they will get excellent

instruction and gain

confidence to do their

own study.

Hermitage Academy

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National 4 and 5FSC Scotland can help you to deliver thelatest National 4 and 5 requirements withup-to-date, specifically-created coursecontent.

Learners of all abilities will gain animproved knowledge and understanding ofgeographical enquiry skills, theirapplication and analysis. The residentialfieldwork experience integrates thedevelopment of health and wellbeing, andbuilds on learners’ four capacities.

Geography courses

Our bespoke residential courses for National 4and 5 Geography provide the framework andskills for young people to learn content fromPhysical Environments, Human Environmentsand Global Issues. The hands-on approachsupports students’ understanding of thesubject while also developing theirinvestigation and enquiry skills.

FSC always uses natural environments tobring to life what you have been studying inthe classroom. There are a wide variety ofenvironments on our doorsteps includingcoastlines, rivers and streams, upland landscapes,woodland and urban areas. Field sites are eitherin the Centre grounds or a short journey away.

Sessions include:

> Upland River Study: investigatingdownstream changes or a comparison ofcharacteristics of straight and meander riversections. Geographical inquiry process willbe followed.

> Land Use and Change: identifying factorsaffecting rural or urban land use includingrock type, climate, influence of humans.

> Weather – Highland Climate: predicting andinvestigating how climatic variables willchange with relief, including temperature,humidity, and wind speed.

> Coastal Study Sea Defences: discussingchanging climates and future implications,cost-benefit analysis of sea defences.

> Team Challenges: students will complete aset of challenges which are designed tostrengthen their communication,collaboration and co-operation skills.

NATIONAL 4 AND 5

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Thank you for a

wonderful experience

for our pupils.

Excellent teaching

and facilities.

Edinburgh Academy

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FSC Scotland has a long history of researchat Millport and Kindrogan and thereforehas a wealth of resources to supportHigher and Advanced Higher courses,including large equipment stores and wellstocked libraries.

FSC prides itself in using natural landscapesto bring to life what you have been studyingin the classroom. There are a wide variety ofenvironments on our doorsteps includingvalleys carved by glaciers, rivers, coastlinesand soil catenas. Field sites are either in theCentre grounds or a short journey away.

There is also the option of includingadventure activities such as water sports orropes courses to provide a varied and excitingexperience for learners.

Higher and Advanced Higher

HIGHER AND ADVANCED HIGHER

Higher Geography

Linking to Physical Environments possibleinvestigations students can undertake include:

> The hydrosphere

> Soil properties and formation

> Landform mapping and glaciation

> Rural land use

> Post glacial environments

> River systems

Investigations into flooding and human andurban change link into Human Environmenttopics. Sessions can also be undertaken duringwhich students write up a geographicalinvestigation, in preparation for the geographicalassignment, ensuring students have completedmuch of the course before they leave the Centre.

Advanced Higher Geography

21% of Advanced Higher Geography studentsvisited FSC Scotland last year to undertakefieldwork, so our field teachers areexperienced in creating and delivering coursecontent that links fully to the curriculum andare tailored to your requirements.

Our Advanced Higher Geography coursesprovide the framework for students to developand demonstrate their knowledge and skills,covering Physical and Human GeographicalMethods and Techniques in a variety ofenvironments, visiting and investigatingenvironments studied in the classroom. Eachinvestigation follows the structure of aGeographical Study and is planned carefully,involving learners in decision making toensure they fully understand the process. Thiscourse gives learners the expertise andtransferable skills to plan and conduct theirindependent geographical study.

Topics covered can include:

> Downstream river changes

> Urban study e.g. Glasgow or Perth

> Rural land-use or geomorphological mapping

> Impact of tourism at Glen Shee

> Soil catena investigation

Days are very full with evening sessions usedfor data analysis and planning the followingday’s fieldwork.

HIGHER AND ADVANCED HIGHER

I was very impressed

with the quality of

teaching and the

structure and pace of

the course. It was

excellent.

Dornoch Academy

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Supporting teachersand learnersOPAL Scotland project

Carry out short outdoor surveys in your localgreen space. Survey packs for your group and avisit from an OPAL scientist are free to arrange.

www.field-studies-council.org/opalscotland

Financial support forindividual students

FSC Bursaries are awarded to schools withindividuals within their groups who areunable to attend a course due to financialdisadvantage.

www.field-studies-council.org/bursary

Subsidised teacher training

FSC offers professional training opportunitiesin fieldwork and the environment for traineeand experienced teachers.

www.field-studies-council.org/professional

Publications

A wide range of publications are available fromFSC to help aid learning outdoors, some ofwhich are specifically designed for secondarygeography. FSC also offers a growing libraryof free resources for teachers and students.

www.field-studies-council.org/publications

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Week beginning Band

05 January 2015 A12 January 2015 A19 January 2015 A26 January 2015 A02 February 2015 A09 February 2015 A16 February 2015 B23 February 2015 B02 March 2015 C09 March 2015 C16 March 2015 C23 March 2015 C30 March 2015 C06 April 2015 B13 April 2015 B20 April 2015 B27 April 2015 C04 May 2015 C11 May 2015 C18 May 2015 C25 May 2015 C01 June 2015 D08 June 2015 D15 June 2015 D22 June 2015 C29 June 2015 C

Week beginning Band

06 July 2015 B13 July 2015 B20 July 2015 B27 July 2015 B03 August 2015 B10 August 2015 B17 August 2015 C24 August 2015 D31 August 2015 D07 September 2015 D14 September 2015 D21 September 2015 D28 September 2015 D05 October 2015 D12 October 2015 B19 October 2015 C26 October 2015 C02 November 2015 B09 November 2015 B16 November 2015 B23 November 2015 B30 November 2015 A07 December 2015 A14 December 2015 A21 December 2015 A28 December 2015 A

Fees and bookingFees vary depending on time of year, arrivaland departure days/times and course content.FSC prides itself on being flexible; the coursecontent can be tailored to meet your needs.Alternatively, we can work with you to createa fully bespoke course to meet your exactrequirements.

Choose the time you would like to go, andthen check the fees. The fees listed below arefor standard length courses and include someteaching on the arrival and departure days.For pricing of a bespoke course, please get intouch.

Course fees include:

> Expert tuition by fully trained staff fromarrival to departure, including eveningsessions

> Rigorous and proven health and safetyprocedures including 24 hour emergencycover

> Access to risk assessments

> Full board (residential visits)

> Specialist equipment and exclusive access tospecially developed resources

> Free places for visiting staff in a ratio of 1 to12 students

> E-mail support before and after the courseand online resources

> Personal and travel insurance

Please remember travel to the Field Centre and tofieldwork sites is not included in the course fee.Some activities incur an additional cost e.g. highropes, water sports.

Our minimum group size is usually 10 but if youhave a smaller number please get in touch and wewill try to arrange for two or more small groups tovisit together.

Prices are correct at the time of print but subject to change.

The fees below are based on arriving and departing at lunchtime, and include anafternoon session on the arrival day and morning session on the departure day.

A from B from C from D from

3 days: mon-wed / wed-fri / fri-sun £99 £128 £154 £1744 days: fri-mon £147 £166 £201 £2285 days: mon-fri £169 £208 £252 £287

Advanced Higher and Higher

A from B from C from D from

3 days: mon-wed / wed-fri / fri-sun £89 £122 £147 £1664 days: fri-mon £141 £159 £192 £2175 days: mon-fri £161 £198 £240 £274

National 4 and 5

S1-S3

A from B from C from D from

3 days: mon-wed / wed-fri / fri-sun £89 £122 £147 £1664 days: fri-mon £122 £137 £166 £1875 days: mon-fri £157 £193 £234 £266

FSC is a Limited Company, reg. England and Wales No.412621, and a Charity No.313364 in England and SC039870 in Scotland.

Registered Office: Preston Montford, Shrewsbury, Shropshire SY4 1HW.

www.field-studies-council.org/scotland

Contacting us

Millport

Isle of Cumbrae, North AyrshireKA28 0EG

KindroganEnochdhu, Blairgowrie, PerthshirePH10 7PG

Telephone: 01475 530581Email: enquiries.sco@field-studies-council.org

Bringing geography to life