TEESMOUTH FIELD CENTRE
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT CAN WE DO ON A VISIT?
All study options are linked to the National Curriculum. The two most popular study options are Hands on Habitat where the beach, rocks, sand dune habitats are studied. This is particularly relevant to topics on habitats, food chains, adaptations and how plants grow well.
The River Study looks at the River Tees from the source to the mouth. It includes a visit to the Transporter Bridge and incorporates the working river. This is particularly relevant to studying Teesmouth as a contrasting locality or rivers or rivers and coasts topics.
Other studies include sand dune transects (‘A’ level or secondary), Brilliant Birds, Salt, Minibeasts, Rocks and Soils, Muddy Maths, Sea Level Rise and Science of the Seasons.
Most of these studies can be adapted to suit your class’s requirements, please discuss at time of booking.
DO I NEED THE BUS ALL DAY?
YES. The coach is needed to transport your party to the various study sites, where it needs to wait for the group to return to after fieldwork is finished. Your coach must also be available at all times in case bad weather cuts short fieldwork or in the unlikely event of any emergencies.
IS THERE A CHARGE?
The cost of a day visit is £2 per pupil, accompanying adults are free. Your school/college will be invoiced and can pay by cheque on the day of your visit or be invoiced to pay by BACS transfer. Cheques should be made payable to ‘Teesmouth Field Centre.’
HOW MANY CHILDREN CAN I BRING?
Ideally one class as our new premises are much smaller. Some study options are not suitable for larger groups on any one visit. Availability of Field Centre staff also dictates the number of children able to be accommodated on any one day. Discuss with warden when booking.
HOW LONG CAN WE STAY FOR?
The Centre can be booked from 09.30 onwards. Your departure time at the end of the day can vary depending on what time you need to be back at school. Exact times can be discussed when booking.
WHAT HAPPENS AT LUNCHTIME?
All members of your party will need to bring a packed lunch with them. Lunch is always eaten at the Field Centre where toilets and hand washing facilities are available. In good weather lunch can be eaten outside in the picnic area or inside the Centre in the case of bad weather.
Please take all your rubbish back with you (bin bags useful).
Please note the Centre does not provide lunches.
FAQ’S Cont’d
WHAT DOES EACH CHILD NEED TO BRING?
· A pencil.
· The three W’s i.e.: WELLIES or old shoes/trainers (either to keep feet completely dry or get completely wet). For Health & safety reasons some sort of footwear must be worn on the beach. Ideally each pupil should also bring a spare pair of socks and shoes. Canvas shoes are not suitable as they do not offer enough protection from sharp rocks and soak up water very quickly.
· WOOLLIES: the more layers the better – a number of thin layers are more effective than one thick one (clothing from school’s lost property can be useful for the less adequately dressed pupils).
· WATERPROOFS: waterproof coats, thick coats, ski jackets, waxed jackets etc. Thin track suit tops and hoodies are NOT suitable waterproof clothing!
Hats and gloves are valuable in summer, essential the rest of the year!!
TEESMOUTH CAN BE VERY COLD, EVEN IN SUMMER. IT IS BETTER TO HAVE TOO MANY CLOTHES RATHER THAN TOO FEW!
Clip boards and other equipment needed for any of the Centre’s study options are supplied on loan on the day of your visit. They must be returned at the end of your visit.
DOES IT MATTER IF IT IS RAINING?
No, but some alteration to your planned study may be necessary if the weather is bad. We aim to keep you dry in the morning and just get wet in the afternoon! However, if weather conditions are really adverse, it may be necessary to re-schedule your visit. The TFC staff will not take groups out on fieldwork if, in their opinion, weather conditions put visitors at an unacceptable risk.
NOTES
· Teachers/school staff are responsible for discipline throughout the day.
· Please do not promise paddling or playing on the beach. Time allocated for any of the studies DOES NOT allow for this.
· The Teesmouth Field Centre’s full Health & Safety Policy & Risk Assessments are available to view. A condensed version is sent to schools/colleges/groups on booking.
For further information contact; Mrs L. Burn, Warden/Tutor, Teesmouth Field Centre, Visitor Centre, Hartlepool Power Station, Tees Road, Hartlepool,
TS25 2BZ. Tel: 01429 853847.
E-mail:
www.teesmouthfieldcentre.org.uk
Frequently asked questions Revised January 2014