In Term 3, our Year 12 Biology and Environmental Systems and Societies (ESS) BISP students took part in a four-day ecological skills workshop — a hands-on experience designed to embed essential fieldwork techniques at the heart of their IB studies.

Throughout the workshop, students were introduced to a range of key scientific methodologies, including quadrat and transect sampling, population estimation, abiotic factor analysis, biodiversity surveys, and water quality testing. These foundational skills are not only central to the IB curriculum but also vital for conducting meaningful ecological investigations in real-world settings.

A particular highlight of the trip was the opportunity for students to independently develop and refine their own research questions, marking the start of data collection for their Internal Assessment (IA). Working in a natural environment allowed students to apply their classroom learning in an authentic and dynamic context, deepening their understanding through inquiry-based exploration.

The experience was both highly engaging and academically enriching, offering a valuable bridge between theory and practice.

Our sincere thanks go to Ms Emma Coyle, Ms Erin Willis, and Ms Danielle Jennings for their expert guidance in fieldwork and statistics, which greatly supported the success of this learning experience.