The Field Studies Council Case Study

Client Profile and Issue

The Field Studies Council is an educational charity and the UK’s leading independent provider of field courses for biology students. Every year over 430 schools send pupils on science and geography field courses to the FSC’s UK network of 17 field centres. However, the low profile given to fieldwork specifically in the science curricula, and out of classroom activity moreover, has led to a significant fall in the number of pupils experiencing activity beyond the walls of the classroom. The consequences are varied and range from a lack of understanding of the wider environment in which we live and work and prevent children from experiencing learning environments which can boost not only confidence but relationships between students and their tutors.

Our Strategy

Whitehouse has enabled the FSC to develop their public affairs activity over the past few years, however the core focuses have remained the same, including the recognition of the benefits of fieldwork per se, and more tangibly seeking to get fieldwork secured within the science curricula and included within Ofsted inspections. Additionally the Teacher Training and Development Agency have been engaged to look at the importance of providing sufficient training to teachers to deliver basic out of classroom education. As the campaign has moved forward it has become a key concern of the Education and Skills Select Committee and more broadly has many supporters among Members of Parliament and government officials.

Outcome

Biology fieldwork is now firmly on the political agenda, a full select committee inquiry has been undertaken recommending that the benefits of out of classroom education be an essential aspect of every child’s learning experience. Past and present Ministers, shadow Ministers and other prominent parliamentarians have given endorsement to the campaign. Indeed the FSC participates in round table meetings with Chair’s of Select Committees, and Officials from the DfES, the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority and the Training and Development Agency. Furthermore the DfES is currently working with the FSC and other stakeholders on a Manifesto for Out of Classroom Education which will be distributed to all schools in 2006. The FSC continue to maintain a high profile campaign in the House of Commons and the House of Lords, and within government departments, allowing them to continue to pursue the core aspects of their campaign.