55 of our Year 13 A level Biology students travelled down to Box Hill near Dorking at the beginning of November to carry out a day of ecology field work.

The students carried out various sampling techniques on Mickleham Downs, where they were able to put in to practice the use of quadrants and transects to measure factors affecting the distribution of key plant species. The tasks contributed to the practical component known as PAGS, which forms part of the new A level specification and will be examined along with other course content in June 2018.

The investigations were completed to a very high standard by all the students. In addition to the assessed tasks, some of the theoretical sessions in school were reinforced practically – such as scientific drawing and statistics and they also had an opportunity to see succession in action.

The students worked extremely hard and were fantastic ambassadors for the school. A big thank you also goes to those members of staff who supported the students: Mrs Carran, Mrs Wakefield and Ms Woollams.
Dr Hirst, Head of Biology