Fieldwork in UK secondary schools: influences and provision

Abstract

The paper describes a national survey of biology teachers visiting Field Studies Council (FSC) centres in England and Wales. It provides data on levels of biology fieldwork at ages 11–16 (Years 7–11), and factors affecting A-level biology fieldwork provision at ages 16–19 (Years 12 and 13). The results are compared with similar data from geography teachers. Clear differences are demonstrated: in levels of ower-secondary provision; in teachers' perception of factors affecting fieldwork provision; and in the periodicity and timing of fieldwork. Recommendations are made towards improving the status and level of provision of A-level biology fieldwork.

Keywords:

• Biology
• Fieldwork
• Secondary
• Curriculum
• FSC