NAFSO PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT EVENT 2012

Rhyd-y-Creuau FSC & Waterloo Best Western Hotel, Betws-y-Coed, N

4-6 January 2012

Hosted by the Field Studies Council, supported by PGL & the Cranedale Field Centre

Fieldwork Experiences:

perspectives from Snowdonia

INTRODUCTION

NAFSO and FSC are delighted to invite educators from NAFSO throughout the UK and beyond to join us for this unique FSC

The National Association professional development opportunity in January 2012. The Field Studies Council of Field Studies Officers is is a charity which aims ‘to PROGRAMME a voluntary organisation bring environmental which aims to promote The programme for this three-day event includes quality understanding to all field studies, learning keynote presentations and the chance to network with through firsthand outside the classroom colleagues from a variety of backgrounds in outdoor experience. Its primary and education for learning. In addition, individuals from many different mechanisms to do this sustainable development. organisations have kindly agreed to share their expertise are its network of 17 NAFSO is the only with delegates through the extensive programme of residential and day organisation in the workshops, off-site visits and discussion groups. centres across the UK and which publications unit. The solely represents LOCATION AND VENUE organisation aims to work professionals employed with 100,000 people The location in the Conwy Valley of N Wales is truly in teaching, developing every year, with 20,000 inspirational in itself. If you then add in the facilities of the and promoting field subsidised learners. Rhyd-y-Creuau Field Centre and the Waterloo Best Western studies. Hotel, you will see that we have a great venue for our PDE. www.field-studies- www.nafso.org.uk council.org PDE facilities will be shared between the Betws-y-Coed locations of the centre & hotel which will allow delegates to choose accommodation to suit budgets with movements between covered by minibus or short walk!

PARTNERSHIP

NAFSO and FSC are very pleased to have support for this event from PGL who will be hosting the PDE13. Many local organisations are also contributing along with some delegates. The Cranedale Field Centre will be hosting the PDE Reception.

The support of Cambridgeshire Environmental Education Service [CEES] at the Stibbington in handling the booking arrangements is again most welcome and appreciated. Finally we must thank the FSC for their support and professional advice in hosting our annual event.

Page 1 of 9

NAFSO Professional Development Event 2012

Tuesday 3 January

Travel for the Executive and others arriving early.

3.00 pm Arrival at Rhyd-y-Creuau (RyC) Field Centre (Refreshments available)

4.00 - 6.30 pm Executive meeting at RyC Others settle in at chosen accommodation

6.45 pm Executive & others at R-y-C travel to Waterloo Hotel for the evening

7.30 pm Dinner at Waterloo Hotel for all

Wednesday 4 January

Travel time for most delegates. PDE hub will be RyC Dining room, Library & Common Room.

10.00 - 11.00 am Market place stallholders set-up in Common Room

10.30 am onwards Transport will be provided to collect train travellers from Llandudno Junction

11.00 am onwards Most delegates arrive at RyC. Those staying at Centre book in. Luggage of Hotel guests will be stored in the centre library or left in vehicles Conference Registration in RyC lobby Refreshments available in Dining Room & market place open

Noon Welcome and Meeting of “New to PDE” delegates with Executive members

12.00 - 1.00 pm Informal Buffet lunch, optional Centre tour & visit to market place

1.00 pm Official Welcome to the PDE NAFSO President, NAFSO Chairman, FSC Director and Sponsor Event Directors with the administration details

2.00 - 3.30 pm Workshops in the Centre or surrounding grounds

3.30 pm Tea, market place & optional Centre tour

4.30 pm Keynote Address: Alistair Cook. Representative of the Association of Heads of Outdoor Education Centres (AHEOC) and Head of local Residential Centre

5.30 pm Travel to and checking in at Hotel. RyC delegates free time/networking

7.00 pm RyC delegates travel to Waterloo Hotel

7.30 pm Dinner at Waterloo Hotel for all delegates 10pm onwards Shuttle transport back to centre for RyC delegates

Thursday 5 January

7.30 - 8.30 am Breakfast at accommodation 8.45 am Hotel delegates travel to RyC

9.00 - 9.30 am Packed lunch routine at RyC (with own sandwich box & drink container)

9.30 am Full day field work options in North Wales

4.30 am All return to accommodation base

6.30 pm Informal gathering in Waterloo Hotel Bar for Reception & News Items

7.30 pm Conference Dinner in Waterloo Hotel 9.00 pm onwards Entertainment at Hotel till late 10pm onwards Shuttle transport back to centre for RyC delegates Page 2 of 9

NAFSO Professional Development Event 2012

Friday 6 January

7.30 – 8.30 am Breakfast at accommodation base. Waterloo residents to settle bills hand in

keys and make way to RyC (transport provided) Luggage again stored at RyC

9.30 am NAFSO AGM followed by further discussion on current issues.

10.30 am Refreshments & final Market Place

11.00 am Keynote Address: Gutto Bebb. (Welsh MP & supporter of outdoor learning)

Noon NAFSO PDE 2013 - presentation from PGL

12.15 pm Thanks & Closing address: NAFSO Chairman

12.30 pm Buffet Lunch to eat in or take away. Collapse Market Place & Departure for all

Transport will be available for “green “delegates to Llandudno Junction train Station

Early arrivals: Delegates are welcome to arrive on Tuesday 3 January, ahead of the

formal opening of the event. The booking form indicates the charge for this extra night.

Staying On: Delegates are welcome to stay on in the area, but must make their own STRAPLINE arrangements with the accommodation venues.

Wednesday Afternoon Workshop Options

Session Session W1 Water, Water Everywhere! code: title:  To trial a range of activities which can be used by students to investigate aspects Learning Outcomes: of the water cycle.  To consider different reasons why the Conwy Valley is prone to flooding. Participants will trial infiltration and interception experiments in the grounds of the Session Outline: field centre, that aim to identify how land use affects these hydrological processes. We will also trial a storm simulation experiment, which can be used to introduce students to storm hydrographs and how these relate to land use. These activities will be briefly followed up with ‘out in the field’ data analysis techniques.

Session Session W2 Putting numeracy into fieldwork code: title:  Discuss and practice using a range of different techniques to use and develop Learning Outcomes: numeracy in the outdoor classroom.  Consider ways these techniques can be used in participants’ work environment.

Participants will conduct a range of quick fieldwork activities, collecting numerical Session Outline: data and then consider different ways to display and analyse the information out in the field. These techniques, such as ‘human graphs’ and mapping, are aimed at improving numeracy skills and making numbers more ‘real’ for learners.

Page 3 of 9

NAFSO Professional Development Event 2012

Session Session W3 Integrating (basic) Google Earth and Fieldwork (ICT) code: title:

Learning Outcomes:  Use Google Earth navigation controls to find locations around the world.  Create pins marking places of interest, and add text and pictures to these pins. Session Outline: A Practical session where participants will use basic Google Earth techniques to find locations and make information pins. We will consider how this can be used to support fieldwork and prepare students for outdoor learning.

Session Session W4 More Advanced Google Earth (ICT) code: title:  Use GE graphs to create different graph overlays on Google Earth. Learning Outcomes:  Place different layers/maps over Google earth.  Consider different ways these techniques can be linked to fieldwork. Aimed at people who can navigate about using Google earth and create pins to mark Session Outline: places of interest. A Practical session where participants will use Google Earth and GE graphs to present data and use layered maps. We will consider how these techniques can be used to support fieldwork.

Session Session Practical Assessment for Learning and Identification in the W5 code: title: Stream  Use and evaluate different ‘starter’ and ‘plenary’ activities which can be used to Learning Outcomes: assess students understanding.  Identify a number of different species in a freshwater environment using different types of keys.

In the stream which runs through the Centre grounds and into the River Conwy, Session Outline: participants will undertake a quick stream dipping session. We will share and trial ways to ensure students’ prior learning is quickly assessed using engaging ‘starter’ and ‘plenary’ activities. We will also have an opportunity to Identify creatures down to family level and share knowledge about the aquatic life found.

Session Session W6 Low ropes session: sharing ways to facilitate team building code: title:  Gain hands- on practical experience of different team building activities. Learning Outcomes:  Trial different review techniques.  Use different low ropes games which can be used to support team work. The low ropes course, 5 minutes walk from the field centre, will be used by Session Outline: participants who will trail different activities aimed to build teamwork skills. We will share and consider different ways these activities can be used with groups and ways to review these activities.

Page 4 of 9

NAFSO Professional Development Event 2012

Session Session W7 Down to the woods today: experiential learning and bushcraft. code: title:  Share, trial and evaluate a number of experiential activities which can be used to Learning Outcomes: explore a woodland (and are adaptable to other environments)  Consider how these activities can be used to aid outdoor classroom learning.  Discuss how bushcraft activities can be linked to fieldwork visits.

Session Outline: We will explore the ancient oak woodland of Coed Hafod, 10 minutes walk from the field centre, trialling different sensory activities which can be used with students to support learning in the outdoor classroom. We will also introduce some easy to use bushcraft activities.

Session Session W8 Emergency! Emergency! code: title:  Practice and recap first aid through different outdoor scenarios Learning Outcomes:  Actively participate in drill emergency procedures and debrief these to identify key learning points. A chance to blow off the cobwebs from those rarely practised first aid course skills. Session Outline: This will be an active scenario- based session aimed at recapping first aid and emergency procedures in an outdoor setting and is aimed at those ‘in between’ their two to three year first aid courses.

Session Session W9 Introducing Outdoor Learning Cards code: title:

Learning Outcomes:  Introduce participants to the new Outdoor Learning Cards  Trial a range of activities outlined on the Outdoor Learning Cards This workshop will introduce you to the new Environmental Learning Cards produced Session Outline: by the Outdoor Education Advisors Panel. They have been designed to give staff and young people an introduction to the Discovering, Exploring, Sharing and Sustaining the Natural Environment. The Cards offer a range of activities that are of great value in themselves, but also provide the opportunity to support and add value to on-going programmes of learning. The Environmental Cards will support learning across the whole curriculum, encourage working together, promote positive attitudes to the natural environment and an understanding of a young person’s place within it. All the activities can be delivered in school or centre grounds, parks, nature reserves or other suitable open spaces, requiring no specialist facilities.

Page 5 of 9

NAFSO Professional Development Event 2012

Thursday full day sessions (9.30am-4.30pm)

Session Session T1 Out in the cold: Learning in all weathers around Cwm Idwal code: title:  To trial, discuss and evaluate a range of different activities which can be used to Learning Outcomes: engage students and help them learn about a landscape in all weathers.  Visit the mountains of Snowdonia and discover how this landscape has been shaped by ice and people.  Consider different ways to run ‘no paper’ fieldwork that incorporate Assessment for Learning. The group will visit Cwm Idwal, a landscape once shaped by ice and now a National Session Outline: Nature Reserve. In the morning we will visit Blaen-y-nant farm to talk to the organic farmer who helps manage this area visited by over half a million tourists a year. We will then walk around the Cwm, trialling and considering different ways to run fieldwork whatever the weather.

Session Session T2 A fresh perspective to human geography in Betws-y-coed code: title:  Explore and trial different activities in the tourist honeypot of Betws-y-coed which Learning Outcomes: can be used to explore contemporary geographical themes.  Trial and discuss techniques which integrate ICT and fieldwork.  Consider different ways to structure geography in a tourist honeypot. The honeypot village of Betws-y-coed has a population of 500, and estimated 4 Session Outline: to 6 million visitor days a year. The day will give participants an opportunity to discuss how the conflicts and challenges of tourism can be explored with students. Ways of integrating qualitative fieldwork and ICT will also form themes through the day.

Session Session T3 Conwy: past, present and future code: title:  Share and discuss different Key stage 2 environmental activities. Learning Outcomes:  Consider different ways to use historic towns and nature reserves to facilitate outdoor learning.  Explore how students can make sense of a place’s past, present & possible futures. A chance to visit both the RSPB Conwy Reserve and the historic town of Session Outline: Conwy, with its castle built by Edward I at the end of the 13th Century and World Heritage Site UNESCO designation. The reserve is one of the RSPB’s busiest sites, built on reclaimed land when the tunnel under Conwy Estuary and town was constructed in 1993. A member of the Conwy Education team will guide you round this special site, pointing out features of interest and discussing their educational provision. In the afternoon participants will have a brief guided walk along Conwy town walls and then there will be a chance to explore this historic town.

Page 6 of 9

NAFSO Professional Development Event 2012

Session code: Session T4 Rebranding Llanberis title:  Consider different ways cultural heritage can be explored by students. Learning Outcomes:  Trial and discuss different activities used to assess the effectiveness of ‘rebranding’ in a town such as Llanberis.  Gain an awareness of how this area on the edge of Snowdonia National Park has changed and continues to change.

Llanberis, nestled below the summit of Snowdon, has changed dramatically over the Session Outline: last 60 years. As the slate industry has fallen into decline tourism has become the town’s biggest employer. The visit will give participants an opportunity to explore how the town has rebranded itself as an ‘adventure’ capital and tourist honeypot. Whilst visiting the Slate museum, old quarries and town participants will have an opportunity to trial different activities used to explore this rebranding process with students and discuss different fieldwork which can be undertaken in human environments. There will also be a chance to visit Electric Mountain, a pump storage power station next to the town.

Session Session T5 Fire and ice as you walk up Snowdon code: title:  Discuss how the mountains in this part of Snowdonia were formed. Learning Outcomes:  Provide an environment to discuss and share ideas with other participants on your journey to the summit.  Consider how to integrate fieldwork and adventurous activities. Weather and time permitting we hope to walk to the top of this mountain peak, the Session Outline: highest in England and Wales. On the journey to the top we will consider how this part of the National Park has been shaped by ‘fire’ when the rocks were formed and then later sculpted by ice. We will also give some time to consider how mountain walks and other adventurous activities can be linked to fieldwork.

Session Session T6 Woodland, grassland and moorland habitats code: title:  Identify plants in different habitats around the Conwy Valley and discuss special Learning Outcomes: features of these plants and habitats.  Explore and discover new things about the natural history and past of this part of Snowdonia National Park.  Share ideas on how to enhance teaching and learning in the outdoor classroom.

From the field Centre, this lowland walk will journey through the ancient oak Session Outline: woodland of Coed Hafod, up through grasslands to the moorland peak of Mynydd Garthmyn with views over Snowdonia national Park and the Conwy Valley. On this 4 mile journey participants will explore, identify and discuss the plants and natural history of ecosystems they pass. The plan is to finish in the tourist honeypot of Betws- y-coed.

Page 7 of 9

NAFSO Professional Development Event 2012

Session Session T7 Moving forward: developing a new outdoor learning session code: title:

 Identify key requirements when planning a new fieldwork session Learning Outcomes:  Share good practice related to setting up a fieldwork session. Tom Davis (Study Course Coordinator for PGL) will facilitate a workshop looking at Session Outline: how to set up a new fieldwork/outdoor learning session ‘from scratch’. Topics covered will include learning creating objectives, identifying curriculum requirements, innovation in delivery, arranging access, gaining landowner permission and transport planning. The session will focus on fieldwork which is possible in the tourist honey pot of Betws-y-coed, which is within easy walking distance of the event accommodation.

Bookings A two-page booking form accompanies this prospectus. To reserve places at this event both pages of the form should be completed and returned as soon as possible to the Stibbington Centre. Places will be limited so please book early.

Places on the workshops & visits will be allocated in order of booking form received.

th For bookings received by Friday 28 October a lower charge applies.

Closing date for applications: Friday 2 December.

Bursaries A limited number of bursaries are available to support NAFSO members who fulfill specified criteria: see attachment with booking form. Members should apply in writing to NAFSO Association Secretary, Tricia Zimmerman at [email protected] by Friday 30th September. These applications will be considered by the Executive in early October.

Cancellation Policy Delegates who want to cancel a booking should notify Chas Matthews at [email protected] Cancellations received by 30 November will be refunded in full. Cancellations received after 30 November will be subject to payment in full. In the event of cancellation by NAFSO any monies paid in advance will be refunded. NAFSO does not accept liability for any consequential losses additional to these payments.

Sustainable Travel We will be awarding prizes for those who sign up for sharing email addresses and bring a vehicle with other delegates in. All rail travellers will also receive a small gift. So let’s get more sustainable and consider the best way to travel to N Wales. All enquiries to Transport Manager, Tom Davis at tom.davis@.co.uk

Event Locations Rhyd –y-Creuau is a Field Centre aiming to provide basic comfortable accommodation which is clean and welcoming. We have a limited number of en-suite rooms, twin rooms and larger bunk bedded dorms. To explore the Centre more fully a 360o virtual tour is available at www.field-studies-council.org/rhydycreuau/

Waterloo Best Western Hotel has a range of en-suite double and twin rooms and leisure complex, including a swimming pool, gym and sauna. For more information visit http://www.waterloo-hotel.info/

Page 8 of 9

NAFSO Professional Development Event 2012

Contacts Completed booking forms should be sent to CEES by fax on 01780 783835 or by post to:

NAFSO Professional Development Event 2012, CEES Stibbington Centre, Church Lane, Stibbington, Peterborough, PE8 6LP

or email [email protected]

For telephone enquiries: Telephone CEES on 01780 782386

The prospectus and booking form are available on-line at: www.nafso.org.uk

PDE Directors Event Manager: Chas Matthews at [email protected] Booking Administration: Michelle New, CEES at [email protected]

Educational Content: Daniel Moncrieff at [email protected]

Transport Manager: Tom Davis at [email protected]

NAFSO has held an annual conference/training event every year since 1969

2011 Girton College, Cambridge. [the first PDE] 2010 Purbeck House Hotel, Swanage, 2009 Low Wood Hotel, Windermere, Cumbria. 2008 University of Glamorgan, Trefforest, South Wales. 2007 Royal Hotel, Winchester, Hants. 2006 Canterbury Cathedral International Study Centre, Canterbury, Kent. 2005 Ushaw College Conference Centre, near Durham City, County Durham 2004 St Catherine’s College, Oxford 2003 Gurnard Pines Holiday Village, 2002 Girton College, Cambridge 2001 Swallow Hotel, Peterborough 2000 Portland Heights Hotel, Portland, Dorset 1999 Quality Friendly Hotel, Norwich, 1998 Royal Hotel, Winchester, Hants 1997 Kindrogan Field Centre, Perthshire, Scotland 1996 Royal Victoria Hotel, Llanberis, North Wales. 1995 High Melton College, Doncaster. South Yorks. 1994 Moat House Hotel, Dover, Kent 1993 New Hall College, Cambridge 1992 Christ’s and Notre Dame College, Liverpool 1991 Middlesex University, Enfield, North London 1990 Pontins Riviera Chalet Hotel, Weymouth, Dorset 1989 Cumberbirch Conference Centre, Hull, East Yorks. 1988 Newlands Park College, Chalfont St Giles, Buckinghamshire 1987 St Martin’s College, Lancaster, Lancashire. 1986 Millfield School, Street, 1985 Christchurch College, Canterbury, Kent 1984 Owens Park, Manchester 1983 Kingston Polytechnic, Kingston, Surrey 1982 Gorebridge Hall, Edinburgh, Scotland. 1981 Horncastle Residential College, Lincolnshire 1980 Durham Agricultural College, Durham City, County Durham 1979 Nene College, Northampton, Northants. 1978 Thornbridge Hall, Peak District, Sheffield LEA. 1977 University of East Anglia, Norwich, Norfolk 1976 Avery Hill College, ILEA, Eltham, SE London 1975 Dartington Hall, Totnes, 1974 Myerscough Agricultural College, Preston, Lancashire 1973 Gloucester College of Education, Gloucester, Gloucestershire 1972 Madeley College of Education, Staffordshire 1971 Balls Park College, Hertfordshire 1970 Horncastle Residential College, Lincolnshire 1969 Leeson House Field Centre, Purbeck, Dorset Page 9 of 9