 Our Continued Professional Development course is a 12-day ecological expedition in August, featuring a 4-day focussed ecology field trip, a 3-day remote jungle trek and a day of coral reef snorkelling or diving.
The ecology field trip is led by Dr Benoit Goossens of the Danau Girang Field Centre, a Cardiff University research facility. Participants further their knowledge and understanding of the ecology and conservation of the tropical rainforest through a series of lectures, seminars, interpretive boat rides and interpretive walks. Within workshops participants regularly review the new material covered and work to encorporate it into new or existing lesson plans.
This is followed by a multi-day trek through primary rainforest, having the opportunity to experience 'life in the jungle' for a few days. Our trekking programme is designed to give participants ample opportunity for animal and plant observation along the routes, as well as the full wildcamping experience. Finally, participants have the chance to snorkel or dive in the coral reef seas off the east coast of Sabah, home to some of the best dive spots on earth.
Course Breakdown
Phase 1 –The ecology field trip
The Ecology field trip is an intensive four days. The first three days will be delivered by Dr Benoit Goossens. The fourth day is dedicated to creating material to be used in the classroom, using the IT suite at the Field Centre. Over the previous three days participants will have regularly discussed and reviewed the information and material gathered as to which areas of the curriculum and exam board specifications it can be applied to.
Phase 2 – The three day jungle trek
This phase is designed to give participants a real-life experience of trekking through, and wild camping in, predominantly primary tropical rainforest. The trekking is not meant to be particularly strenuous, thus giving the group time to observe the wildlife and truly soak up this experience, which potentially could be retold on countless occasions to inspire lessons and classroom discussions.
Phase 3 – One oay of snorkelling (or diving) in coral reef seas.
Another experience of a lifetime – a ‘hands on’ introduction to marine biology. This will take place off the east coast of Sabah, Malaysian Borneo, in one of the best snorkelling and diving spots in the world.
Ecology field trip aims and objectives
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To further the knowledge and understanding of the biodiversity of tropical rainforests.
- To explore the biotic and abiotic factors which shape a typical tropical rainforest ecosystem through interpretive walks and interpretive boat rides in particular.
- To update participant’s knowledge on the current threats to global tropical rainforests and their conservation issues.
- To use local case studies as a means of exploring in more detail tropical rainforest ecological research projects and current conservation practices.
- To review the information and material (such as images) gathered during each day to see how it can be applied to specific areas of the curriculum or exam board specification.
Expected expedition learning outcomes
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Enhanced knowledge and understanding of the biodiversity of tropical rainforests and their conservation.
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Updated knowledge and understanding of the current threats and conservation issues of tropical rainforests globally and locally in Borneo.
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Enhanced understanding of the biotic and abiotic factors which shape a typical tropical rainforest ecosystem.
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Production of new lesson material to be incorporated into new or existing lesson plans.
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A greater appreciation of the tropical rainforest environment and for the range of tropical rainforest products, and their application by local people.
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Greater appreciation for the similarities and differences between primary and secondary rainforest.
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An insight into the social issues surrounding the conservation of one of the few remaining primary stands of rainforest in Borneo.
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Enhanced appreciation of the coral reef environment
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Enhanced understanding of the coral reef ecosystem.
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Campcraft skills for the jungle
Additional information
Professional/occupational standards:
- Teaching staff standards - Professional attributes - Personal professional development
- Teaching staff standards - Professional knowledge and understanding - Subject and curriculum
Focus area:
- Personal development
- Cross-curriculum themes - Global dimension
- Teaching and learning - Subject knowledge
This expedition is dependant on a minimum number of six participants. |
