FSC Scotland: Kindrogan National 4 and National 5 Geography

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1 FSC Scotland: Kindrogan National 4 and National 5 Geography Our bespoke residential courses for National 4 and National 5 Geography at FSC Kindrogan provide the framework and setting for students to apply their knowledge and skills to collect and process the primary data for their added FSC Kindrogan Enochdu Perthshire PH10 7PG enquiries.sco@field-studies-council.org At Kindrogan learners will visit and investigate the environments they have studied in the classroom. Students of all abilities leave us with an improved knowledge and understanding of field skills, their application and analysis. To continue to develop learners health and wellbeing, and build on their four capacities we can also provide team building challenges and ropes courses. Whether sat in our pine marten hide at FSC Kindrogan or on board the RV Actinia at FSC Millport we hope you will enjoy watching the local wildlife as much as we do. We aim to provide each student with a unique, engaging and entertaining outdoor learning experience.

2 Example programme This potential five day course is based on our most popular options. Further descriptions, curriculum links and alternative sessions can be found below. DAY MORNING AFTERNOON EVENING DAY 1 Arrive midday Met by tutor, introduction to the Centre and local area. Welcome and outline of the course. Allocation of wellies/waterproofs. Physical Environments: Weather - Highland Climate We will start in the grounds making predictions about a how a range of climatic variables will change with relief, including temperature, humidity, and wind speed. Using Ordnance Survey maps and GPS units to locate our sample sites we will investigate impact of altitude on weather elements. Follow Up Session In small groups students will document their methodology, choose an appropriate way of displaying their data, pick out trends and present their findings to the rest of the class. DAY 2 Physical Environments: Rivers and Valleys - Upland River Study An investigation into downstream changes on the River Allt Doire Nan Eun or a comparison of characteristics of straight and meander river sections. A short introduction session will guide students through making hypotheses and allow them to research location information using Ordnance Survey maps. The geographical inquiry process will be followed and students will measure a range of variables in the field. Observations of land use around the river will be made. Follow Up Session Photos and videos will recap methodology and allow students to outline and justify their key data collection techniques. DAY 3 Investigation Write Up A further session to complete the presentation and analysis of the data collected on the previous day, leading on to conclusions and evaluation. Physical Environments: Glaciated Upland Landscapes Features and Land Use Students visit the post-glaciated landscape of Glenshee to identify evidence of glacial erosion and deposition and discuss their formation. We will investigate current land use including recreation and tourism, its conflicts and solutions in place (transport charge applicable). Follow Up Session We will consolidate our understanding of the formation of post glacial features and conclude how the ski industry impacts a rural landscape. DAY 4 Human Environments: Rural Rural Land Use and Change Students hike along the Cateran Trail to gain an overview of the Strathardle and identify factors effecting landscape development including structure, rock type, geology, geomorphological processes, climate, soils and human factors. Field-sketching techniques will be practised, and the impact of humans upon the landscape will be investigated. Campfire A chance to relax and share experiences of the week. DAY 5 Low Ropes / Team Challenges In small groups, students will complete a set of challenges which are designed to strengthen their communication, collaboration and cooperation skills. Supporting each other as they balance and stride through our low ropes course they will get a new perspective of Kindrogan grounds. Depart at midday. Please note: to ensure safe and quality learning experiences for students, the timetable may alter depending on weather conditions and local factors at centres.

3 Geographical Investigation Our tailor made programmes are aimed at getting the most out of the outdoor experience. Whether we are investigating river features or post-glacial landscapes we structure the day to ensure the progression of the project and attached skills. The flow diagram below illustrates the skills progression. INTRODUCTION Plan and research a geographical study A classroom session outlines the investigation process. We will cover the key background to the day using Ordnance Survey maps and researching the location using appropriate techniques. Hypotheses will be created for investigation during the day, and sampling strategy considered. FIELDWORK Fieldwork measurement and recording techniques The fieldwork! The majority of the day is dedicated to going out to each environment and collecting the primary data. Students will work in small groups and be armed with the appropriate data collection tools. GIS and ICT will be used in the field, such as GPS log and photos and videos. METHODOLOGY Fieldwork measurement and recording techniques After a short re-cap, students complete the methodological write up of the field techniques encountered during the day. Students scaffold their answers with justification, a set of limitations and improvements for each data collection technique and sampling strategy. DATA REPRESENTATION Production and interpretation of maps and diagrams Students apply the best means of presenting their data to demonstrate relationships between related variables. Students are encouraged to demonstrate the strengths and weaknesses of each technique. PRESENTATION Presentation An opportunity for each group to present their findings. Students will be given an individual research question which they must present back to the entire group. EVALUATION Evaluate the learning gained through the research process A final opportunity to review the research techniques to reach a reasoned conclusion about their effectiveness, and the validity of our investigation.

4 Session details Physical Environments: Weather Highland Climate (half day) A short introductory session will recap weather elements, allow us to look at current synoptic charts and make predictions as to how the weather will change as we ascend Kindrogan Hill. We will measure weather variables such as temperature, wind direction and speed and humidity at set intervals, using GPS units to locate our sample sites. At the summit of Kindrogan Hill we will observe the varied land use of the Grampian Mountains and discuss potential conflicts between land owners. On return to the classroom students will document the methodology used to collect data in the field, and present and analyse the data appropriately. GIS data presentation techniques will be demonstrated and their merits discussed. In small groups students will work through a mini investigation write up for one variable before presenting their findings to the rest of the group. Physical Environments Synoptic charts Weather elements Local climate study Geographical Investigation Geography assignment Extend knowledge and use of a variety of techniques to gather data in a physical environment. Extend knowledge and exemplification of the skill of presenting and analysing information displayed on maps and diagrams. To identify locations, landforms and land uses. Investigate the interaction between topography, climate and land use. COVERED GIS skills Scattergraphs Line graphs Presentations Physical Environments: Rivers and Valleys Upland River Investigation (full day) A full day to either investigate downstream changes, or compare features of a meander and straight on a highland river. We begin in the classroom with a plan of the geography assignment, including clear aims and structured research questions. Ordnance Survey maps will be used to identify catchment area characteristics. Our river sites allow us to combine a variety of sampling strategies for data collection. The rivers run through beautiful Highland scenery giving students the opportunity to observe, measure and record classic upland and middle-course river features such as width, depth and velocity. Data will be collated and variables such as cross-section area will be calculated. Data representation techniques are combined with map skills to profile the day s findings in an accessible, accurate and relevant means, with GIS skills built upon through the use of GPS units in the field and data presentation techniques using Google Earth and GE graph. Data can be analysed statistically according to the group s requirements. Physical Environment Rivers and their valleys Also discussed: Glaciated upland Land use types Geographical investigation Geography assignment Interpret geographical information to identify and explain patterns. Present geographical information effectively. Describe and explain the formation of upland and middle-course river features including: V-shaped valleys, waterfalls, meanders and ox-bow lakes. Describe and explain the land use types in the area. COVERED Proportional symbols Box and whisker graphs Cross-sections and isolines OS and sketch map River profiles

5 Session details Human Environments: Impact of Tourism upon a Rural Settlement (half or full day) Pitlochry is a popular small town that enjoys a year round tourism industry. This morning or afternoon study can give students primary data to complete their own geography assignment or even to use the collected data to compare against a second settlement. We will begin in the classroom identifying rural settlement characteristics on the OS map and set up our investigation process and methodology techniques. In Pitlochry we set the students into small groups. The high street forms a linear belt transect for them to complete the tasks and gain a better understanding of the characteristics of a Scottish rural town. Afterwards, if time allows, we can also include a trip to the hydro electric power station and fish ladder. Human Environments Recent rural change Retail Environmental Quality Global Issues Tourism Geographical Investigation Geography Assignment Collect and interpret geographical information to identify and explain patterns. Describe and explain factors influencing population and development in a rural settlement. Describe and explain the land use and change in a rural area. Data Collection techniques Land use mapping Environmental quality survey Pedestrian and traffic count Questionnaire Land Use Diversity Index Rural land-use mapping Choropleths Proportional symbols Physical Environments: Glaciated Upland Landscapes Features and Land Use (full day) The investigation introduces the formation of key glacial features including a corrie and U-shaped valley before journeying to Glenshee to identify these features and others such as arêtes, pyramidal peaks and truncated spurs. In addition, students will gain a case study of Glenshee, as a ski resort. After difficult years, Scottish ski resorts are becoming increasingly successful and diverse industries. The potential conflicts that exist within the varying rural land uses form the basis of this study. At Glenshee, students will complete a number of qualitative and quantitative data collection techniques. These will build a representation of whether the winter sports have a detrimental or positive impact upon the landscape. Back in the classroom afterwards, students will write up their methodology and discuss and create different means of representing their data. The day follows the full investigative process ending with a conclusion and evaluation. Physical Environment Glaciated uplands Also discussed: Rivers and their landscapes Local climate study Global Issues Tourism Geographical investigation Geography assignment Extend knowledge and use of a variety of techniques to gather data in a physical environment. Extend knowledge and exemplification of the skill of presenting and analysing information displayed on maps and diagrams. To identify locations, landforms and land uses. Research management of conflicts generated by varied rural land users. Investigate the interaction between topography, climate and land use. COVERED Field sketches Belt transects for OS maps Kite diagrams Proportional symbols

6 Session details Human Environments: Rural Rural Land Use and Change (full day) An introductory session introduces students to the maps, stakeholders, land uses and conflicts that are found in the local area. We then hike up the hill along the established Cateran Trail, a circular seven-day route that takes in Glenshee, Glenisla and Kirkmicheal. We interrupt our hike with systematic sampling of the impact of the tourist route upon the natural vegetation. Small groups of students must collect abiotic and biotic data including quadrat surveys, Environmental Quality Index, land use mapping and field sketches. The walk also provides an excellent opportunity to point out and discuss the varied glacial and fluvial morphological reasons for the current landscape. Back in the classroom afterwards, students will write up their methodology and discuss and create different means of representing their data. The day follows the full investigative process ending with a conclusion and evaluation. Human Environment Recent rural change Retail Environmental quality Global Issues Tourism Geographical Investigation Geography assignment Extend knowledge and use of a variety of techniques to gather data in a physical environment. Extend knowledge and exemplification of the skill of presenting and analysing information displayed on maps and diagrams. To identify locations, landforms and land uses. Research management of conflicts generated by varied rural land users. Investigate the interaction between topography, climate and land use. COVERED GIS skills Footpath cross-sections Kite diagrams Line graphs

7 Adventure sessions Curriculum themes Choose from our range of adventurous activities: CURRICULUM FOR EXCELLENCE APPROACHES TO LEARNING Low ropes Team challenge High ropes Raft building Successful learners Responsible citizens Confident individuals Effective contributors Active learning Cooperation and collaborative learning Creativity in learning Outdoor learning o LOW ROPES o TEAM CHALLENGES o HIGH ROPES o RAFT BUILDING Based on the concept of challenge through choice, our high and low ropes courses, team challenges and raft building all build upon the previous experiences to install individual confidence and responsible teamwork. Whether the students are climbing the Leap of Faith pole, holding ropes or spotting one another along the low ropes challenge, they will appreciate both their own place and the importance of others in the successful outcome. The team is required to belay one another, building an understanding of risk and risk management. Each activity holds a developing level of challenge which young people are encouraged to recognise and overcome. The outcome is always an increased sense of confidence, fun and a positive attitude towards group responsibility prices: No additional charge for low ropes/team challenges. Due to increased staff:student ratio each high ropes element and raft building is 3.50 per student. Curriculum areas LEARNING CONTEXTS Ethos and life in the school Interdisciplinary learning Opportunities for personal development

8 Find out more Centres that offer this course: KD Kindrogan To find out more or book this course simply: 1. Choose the time of year you would like to attend. 2. Check availability online or contact FSC Kindrogan. FSC Kindrogan Enochdhu Blairgowrie Perth and Kinross PH10 7PG Tel: If you would like to book a course to meet your exact requirements, please contact us to discuss this. We can work with you to plan and deliver your own fully flexible course. FSC Scotland offers quality fieldwork experiences for schools, colleges and universities at all levels. See our other FSC Scotland geography fieldwork courses or National 4 and 5 courses