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Organisation
St Cuthbert’s RC High School
Gretna Road
Newcastle-upon-Tyne
Contact
Ian Reeve, ianreeve@msn.com
Project partners
Newcastle University (Botanical Gardens), other Newcastle Schools (Secondary and Primary). We also seek links with other schools both nationally and internationally.
Brief description of project
Three plots to demonstrate the effects of grazing. These would need to be around 4mx2m each, one of which would not be mown, one would be mown biannually and the third would be mown regularly to maintain a short grass length.
An area to monitor decomposition under different conditions.
A series of raised beds to allow investigation into the effect of plant density, nutrients etc.
A seating area. Possibly picnic benches and ideally covered.
The area would need to be secured and not have free access to pupils during break and lunch time.
To act as a resource for the teaching of KS3, KS4 and KS5 Biology.
To specifically provide a resource to aid the completion of KS4 and 5 centre assessed specification content.
To develop a centre of expertise that can be utilised by other educational establishments through the provision of master classes and other events.
To provide a resource that can be used by local primary schools.
To provide input into the local community through parent classes and other community events.
To develop a data bank that can be accessed and used by other educational establishments and interested parties.
To provide enrichment opportunities to pupils involved in the management of the project.
To develop links with schools in other areas of the country and abroad to exchange data.
The pupil team would be involved in the planning, design and construction of the outdoor lab in conjunction with the Head of Biology and an expert consultant from Newcastle University.
Initially the pupil team would survey and gather data on a weekly basis. This would be added to data gathered by groups using the facility.
All groups using the facility would submit data to the management group.
Data would be collated by the pupil group and posted on the Biology area of the school web site.
The facility would be publicised and data made available on educational websites (RCE, Specialist Schools Trust, Science Update).
Once the facility was established the additional activities listed in the aims would be pursued.
Resources to be produced would include; specific species identification guide, historical record of data obtained from the project (web based), a booklet of model projects which could be implemented else where.
Expected Outcomes, Success Criteria
Outcomes etc.
Method of dissemination and resources to be produced
dissemination/resources
Related web sites
Additional information
The project would be overseen by a member of the Biology department (currently head of department). A team composed of interested pupils from Y 9-13 would be involved in the day to day maintenance of the project and collating, monitoring and presenting data which could then be used as a secondary source for other groups carrying out work. This team would meet on a weekly basis. It would also be of great advantage if an expert from Newcastle University could act in an advisory capacity.