FIELD STUDIES COUNCIL
OCR A A-Level Biology Course Programme
Slapton Ley Field Centre
OCR A A-Level Biology
Exemplar Course Programme
For teaching from September 2015
Slapton Ley Field Centre is located on the Start Bay coast in South Devon and is surrounded by Slapton Ley National
Nature Reserve. The Ley is the largest natural freshwater lake in the South West and is separated from the sea by Slapton
Sands, a barrier beach. The 214 hectare reserve has been managed by FSC Slapton Ley for over 50 years as an "outdoor
laboratory" for education and conservation, and boasts a rich mosaic of habitats including ancient and coppiced
woodland, freshwater lake and stream, shingle ridge and rocky shore. The centre offers visitors of all ages the opportunity
to experience a unique outdoor learning environment in combination with specialist teaching and facilities.
Our new courses have been designed to fit the criteria of the specifications for first teaching in 2015 and offer:
 Subject content contextualized through a range of special habitats. In particular the course will cover aspects of
modules 1, 4 and 6 of the new OCR A specification.
 Practical skills and use of apparatus and techniques embedded into ecological investigations using a range of
laboratory and field equipment. The course will deliver a rich practical experience for students that covers a wide
range of practical activity groups (PAGs) as recommended by OCR.
 Integration of mathematical skills into investigative fieldwork and practicals.
FSC Slapton Ley, Slapton, Kingsbridge, Devon, TQ7 2QP
Tel: 01548 580466
E-mail: enquiries.sl@field-studies-council.org
Website: www.field-studies-council.org/centres/slapton/slaptonley.aspx
Field Studies Council is a limited Company, registered in England and Wales No. 412621 and a Charity No. 313364. Registered Office; Preston Montford, Shrewsbury, Shropshire SY4 1HW
FIELD STUDIES COUNCIL
OCR A A-Level Biology Course Programme
Slapton Ley Field Centre
OCR A Biodiversity, Ecosystems and Practical Activities – 5 Days
Day
AM
PM
EVE
1
Arrive 1200, settle in to
rooms
Welcome to Slapton Ley, hire waterproofs etc.
Biodiversity and Ecosystems: Past, Present and
Future
Introduction to Ecology
During this introductory session, students will begin
to explore the habitats of Slapton Ley National
Nature Reserve. Students will be encouraged to
observe and appreciate ecosystems at differing
scales, considering what has shaped these in the
past, what ecological processes are happening now
and how these ecosystems might change in the
future.
2
Rocky Shore Ecology: Biodiversity Assessment and Sampling
PAG 3: Sampling techniques. Students will investigate a rocky shore ecosystem
using random and non-random sampling techniques: quadrat sampling in different
areas and a transect up or down the shore. They will practise identifying and
classifying rocky shore species and will consider variations within and between
species. They will consider how those species are adapted anatomically,
physiologically and behaviourally. Data analysis can include calculations of
Simpson’s Index of Diversity and Students t-test. Factors affecting rocky shore
biodiversity will be considered and the importance of baseline monitoring discussed.
Leading on from the afternoons activities,
students will have an introduction to the
study of ecology including:
-What is ecology? (definition of key
terminology)
- After immersion in environment do we
think ecology matters?
- How do we know what good science is?
How do we achieve it?
- Setting personal objectives
PAG 6: Separation of biological
compounds using paper
chromatography
Students will use paper chromatography
to show the different photosynthetic
pigments found in different types of
seaweed (rocky shore) or in sun and shade
tolerant leaves (woodland).
PAG 10: Data Logging. Data loggers will be used in rock pools to monitor
environmental variables such as temperature and salinity. Whilst the conditions are
being monitored changes in the responses of organisms like beadlet anemones or
periwinkles will be recorded.
A woodland based day covering the same topics is available as an alternative to the
rocky shore should the tides or transport costs prove prohibitive.
3
Populations in Ecosystems: Succession on Slapton Sands Shingle Ridge
Ecosystem Management and
Conservation
Students will introduced to the theory of succession and see first-hand how
succession progresses in a vegetated shingle ecosystem. Concepts of primary
succession, deflected succession and recycling within ecosystems will be discussed.
Students will investigate the change in plant communities in relation to changes in
environmental factors such as wind speed, soil depth, soil moisture and identify
adaptations that are common to each community and allow that community to
thrive.
The ecological, economic, social, ethical
and aesthetic reasons for conserving of
biological resources and for maintaining
biodiversity will be considered. Building on
examples from Slapton Ley NNR, students
will explore the conflicts between
conservation and human needs.
Students will use Spearman’s Rank correlation coefficient to test their data for
correlations between biotic and abiotic factors on the shingle ridge.
or PAG 11: Investigation into the
measurement of plant or animal
responses.
Students will investigate the behavioural
responses of an animal to different abiotic
factors by designing simple choice
experiments. The results will be linked to
the adaptations these species have to their
environments. Students will consider the
safe and ethical use of organisms, ensuring
optimal survival conditions are maintained
before, during and after the experiments.
FSC Slapton Ley, Slapton, Kingsbridge, Devon, TQ7 2QP
Tel: 01548 580466
E-mail: enquiries.sl@field-studies-council.org
Website: www.field-studies-council.org/centres/slapton/slaptonley.aspx
Field Studies Council is a limited Company, registered in England and Wales No. 412621 and a Charity No. 313364. Registered Office; Preston Montford, Shrewsbury, Shropshire SY4 1HW
FIELD STUDIES COUNCIL
OCR A A-Level Biology Course Programme
Slapton Ley Field Centre
4
Freshwater Ecology in Slapton Wood Stream
5
Biodiversity, Biomass and Trophic
Levels
Populations: Distribution,
Abundance and Chi-squared
Students will use primary data to
construct pyramids of number, biomass
and energy for the stream ecosystem.
They will use these to consider the
efficiency of energy transfer. Light and
dark algal bottles could be used to
estimate the total amount of energy
being fixed through photosynthesis
within an ecosystem.
Students will sample two microhabitats
in Slapton Wood Stream, measuring the
abundance of different organisms in
each. Students will use this data to test
if there is association between trophic
level and micro-habitat using the chisquared statistical test. They will also
identify specific adaptations and
consider how these enable different
species to survive in a particular
microhabitats.
PAGS 3 & 12: Data collection
Course finishes at 1230
Students will carry out their planned
individual investigation. They will use
the most appropriate equipment and
methods and control key variables. They
will work safely, assessing the risks of
working in the selected habitat and
making adjustments if necessary.
PAGS 3 (Sampling techniques) & 12
(Research Skills): Planning
Students will research and plan an
individual ecological investigation to carry
out the following day, using the knowledge
of sampling (PAG 3) they have acquired
during the course. A range of habitats can
be used for this investigation.
Please note that to ensure safe and quality
learning experiences for students, the
timetable may alter depending on weather
conditions and tide times.
Specification links, Core Practicals, Assessment Skills & Mathematics
Specification Links:
Module 1 (1.1 and 1.2): Development of Practical Skills in Biology
Module 4 (4.2.1 and 4.2.2): Biodiversity, evolution and disease
Module 5 (5.1.5): Communication, homeostasis and energy
Module 6 (6.1.2, 6.3.1 and 6.3.2): Genetics, evolution and ecosystems
Apparatus & Technique Skills:
1.2.2(a): Use appropriate apparatus to record quantitative measurements
1.2.2(e): Produce scientific drawing from observation with annotations
1.2.2 (g): Separation of biological compounds using thin layer/paper chromatography
1.2.2(h): Safely and ethically use organisms to measure plant or animal responses
1.2.2(k): Use sampling techniques in fieldwork
1.2.2(l): Use ICT such as data logger to collect data, or use software to process data)
Maths Skills:
Mathematical skills now make up at least 10% of the marks at A level and this is reflected by their prominence throughout the course.
Embedded into each session will be numerous opportunities for students to practice and develop their arithmetic and numerical
computation, data handling, algebra, and graphical skills. Students will also have the opportunity to carry out up to three statistical tests
(Spearman’s rank, Student’s t-test and chi-squared) on their own primary data.
Exam Skills:
We recognise that students often struggle with exam questions on ecology topics. Students often find it difficult to transfer knowledge
and skills learnt in one habitat to a scenario based in another. Our tutors will ensure students recognise the key ecological principles which
will form the basis of exam answers no matter what context they are set in. Embedded into every day will be opportunities to practice
exam style questions and get expert feedback on their responses.
FSC Slapton Ley, Slapton, Kingsbridge, Devon, TQ7 2QP
Tel: 01548 580466
E-mail: enquiries.sl@field-studies-council.org
Website: www.field-studies-council.org/centres/slapton/slaptonley.aspx
Field Studies Council is a limited Company, registered in England and Wales No. 412621 and a Charity No. 313364. Registered Office; Preston Montford, Shrewsbury, Shropshire SY4 1HW
FIELD STUDIES COUNCIL
OCR A A-Level Biology Course Programme
Slapton Ley Field Centre
What is included in the fee?
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Up to 9 hours of tuition a day
Expert tuition, from fully trained staff
Full board accommodation. Catering includes cooked breakfast, packed lunch, homemade cakes and evening
meal.
Use of facilities including workrooms, recreational space, ICT and centre grounds
Established health and safety procedures and 24 hour emergency cover
Access to specialist equipment and resources
Support before and following the course
Tuition is delivered by talented teachers, with not only an expert knowledge of their subject and field work
locations, but a passion for the subject being taught. Our education team are fully DBS checked, and undergo
a regular and rigorous training process. All tutors have received training in first aid, risk assessment and
water safety.
Course options are flexible. The programme outlined in this booklet is a sample that has been designed to
meet the requirements of your specification. However, should you wish to select certain options, or include
subject content or practicals not catered for in fieldwork investigations outlined, please contact us to discuss
possible alternatives.
External Recognition of Quality
Slapton Ley Field Centre has been awarded the Quality Badge by The Council for Learning
Outside the Classroom. The badge is awarded to organisations that have demonstrated
that they consistently deliver high quality teaching and learning experiences and manage risk
effectively. This means that you will have to complete less paperwork when visiting our
centre.
To make a booking or if you have an enquiry:
Call us on 01548 580466
Email us at enquiries.sl@field-studies-council.org
FSC Slapton Ley, Slapton, Kingsbridge, Devon, TQ7 2QP
Tel: 01548 580466
E-mail: enquiries.sl@field-studies-council.org
Website: www.field-studies-council.org/centres/slapton/slaptonley.aspx
Field Studies Council is a limited Company, registered in England and Wales No. 412621 and a Charity No. 313364. Registered Office; Preston Montford, Shrewsbury, Shropshire SY4 1HW