Biologists Explore the Isle of Wight – Shiplake College

09 Jul 2019

The annual A Level Biology field trip to the Isle of Wight took place from the 13-15 June at the Medina Valley Centre near Newport. Shiplake students braved the elements (the ferry crossing and the noise of the Isle of Wight festival) to complete assessed course practicals and get a feel for what field work is actually like!

An early enthusiastic foray into the rock pools for crab hunting at Bembridge, in the rain and wind, gave Mr Reynolds hope that the time on the Island would be a success. Further sampling efforts on salt marshes and fresh water ponds, with ensuing data processing and statistical analysis were tackled with similar eagerness. The students also acquitted themselves handily alongside the St George’s Weybridge cohort they were sharing our time with. Messrs T Wilkinson and J Marsh were particularly impressive, dominating in both the crab hunt and obligatory inter-school stone skimming competition.

Many thanks to Medina Valley Centre, Beatrice and David for all their hospitably and teaching expertise. Thanks also to Mr Elmore (a Physicist by nature, bravely venturing into the outdoors), for the good natured support and minibus driving.