Key
Stage 3/4
The National Curriculum 2007 identifies 3 aims for all secondary learners. It should enable all young people to become:
- successful learners who enjoy learning, make progress and achieve
- confident learners who are able to live safe, healthy and fulfilling lives
- responsible citizens who make a positive contribution to society.
All courses at Holt Hall endeavour to promote these aims as well as the needs of you and your students. Below is a list of possible activities in a range of curriculum areas. Please contact Holt Hall to discuss your precise requirements.
GEOGRAPHY:
‘The Importance of Geography’ statement for KS3 identifies the essential role of fieldwork in the development of questioning, investigation and critical thinking. The following activities explore key geographical concepts and processes through a variety of topics and techniques.
Investigative Geography
Take advantage of the grounds at Holt Hall to develop geographical enquiry and communication. This whole day activity introduces students to a variety of fieldwork techniques within the topics of microclimate, soils and ecology. Working in groups, students are set the challenge of carrying out an investigative task and reporting their findings before the end of the day! This is aimed particularly at more able students (Young Gifted & Talented) but can be adapted to suit students of all abilities. Similar investigative approaches are available as part of the science curriculum.
Rivers, Floods and Management
Develop the key concepts of place, space, and physical and human processes through the exploration of a river and its features. Data collection and analysis, including the use of ICT, are a key aspect of this whole day activity. Changes in channel characteristics and management strategies are considered as we travel from the source to mouth of the River Glaven.
Coastal Erosion
Cliffs along the North Norfolk coast are being rapidly eroded. The causes and consequences are observed and students search for signs of human intervention. Management strategies and the issues that arise from them is the subject of debate. This provides an excellent opportunity to consider physical and human processes, and interdependence. Pupils also develop geographical communication skills.
A Case Study of Coastal Flooding
One of Britain’s oldest nature reserves at Cley is set to experience dramatic changes in the next few years as a result of coastal flooding. The shingle ridge that has protected the reserve in the past is now severely weakened as a result of longshore drift and changes in coastal management. Students explore future consequences and strategies for managing the reserve. This issue provides a local scale for studying interdependence and environmental interaction.
Map Making, Reading and Compass Skills
Graphicacy and visual literacy is a key process within the geography curriculum. Make the most of the grounds at Holt Hall to develop this skill. Students build confidence with maps at a variety of scales and take advantage of one or both of our two permanent orienteering courses!
SCIENCE:
Investigative Science challenges pupils’ thinking and reasoning, and encourages students to develop problem solving strategies. Fieldwork provides an excellent opportunity for developing these investigative skills while also extending background knowledge and understanding.
Variation and Classification
Investigate the abundance and diversity of invertebrates living in two contrasting locations, e.g. native and non-native shrubs. Students plan and carry out their own investigation and present their results to the rest of the group. Identification and classification are the background concepts while key skills include enquiry and communication.
Classification and Keys
How do we group living organisms? What features can we use? Students use keys to identify woodland invertebrates before creating their own dichotomous key from field observations. Comparisons between woodland and grassland sites can also lead to discussions about adaptations.
Plant Adaptation
Plants are sometimes overlooked when considering adaptation. Students investigate the number of prickles on holly leaves. Are there more prickles on some parts of the tree than others? Students develop practical and enquiry skills including critical understanding of evidence and communication.
Water Pollution
Living organisms are excellent indicators of environmental conditions. Is human activity affecting the environment? Students investigate the effect of Holt sewage treatment works on the invertebrate life of the River Glaven. Accurate data collection, including identification of invertebrates using keys, and analysis are essential for the task. Abiotic factors are also considered. Alternatively, why not investigate differences in air pollution levels through the the distribution of lichens.
TEAM BUILDING:
‘Physical Education helps pupils to develop personally and socially’
National Curriculum 2007
Residential visits have long been known to aid personal and social development. Make the most of this opportunity and the grounds at Holt Hall by including team building in your programme.
Raft Building
Students are set the task of designing and building a raft which can be launched on the lake at Holt Hall. Team work is essential to this task as equipment and time is limited! Hard work and co-operation from all team members is vital for a successful and seaworthy vessel!
Survival and Campfire Cooking
What do you need to survive? How can those needs be met? Will you survive until a rescue party arrives? Everyone will need to work together to survive this task! Follow this by learning to build a fire and gut and cook fish safely!
Now Get Out Of That!
A series of group tasks designed to build co-operation and develop problem solving strategies. Teams will need to communicate and show initiative to be successful. Students are also encouraged to reflect on their teamwork: what worked well and how could things be improved next time?
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