Year 7 Fieldwork Finds

Over two days, our Year 7 pupils enjoyed an enriching Biology and Geography field trip to Newquay, making the most of the outstanding resources on our Cornish doorstep.

As part of their Biology studies, pupils visited Newquay Zoo to deepen their understanding of extinction and the factors that threaten species around the world. Working in small groups, they gathered information on animals from a chosen continent, observing species such as red pandas, meerkats and the rare Visayan warty pig. A highlight of the visit was an engaging talk from one of the zoo’s specialist zookeepers, who shared expert insight into conservation efforts and answered pupils’ thoughtful questions, helping to bring their Ecology unit to life.

The trip also provided an opportunity to develop key geographical fieldwork skills. In Newquay town centre, pupils conducted their first human geography investigation, working collaboratively to map land use and analyse the character of the high street. Their data collection included pedestrian and traffic counts, environmental quality surveys, questionnaires, and photographic evidence. This hands-on experience will support further classroom learning, where pupils will present and interpret their findings to identify patterns and trends.

Fieldwork is an essential part of both Biology and Geography at Truro School, enabling pupils to apply their knowledge in real-world contexts. We are incredibly fortunate to have such a diverse learning environment nearby, and we would like to thank Newquay Zoo, along with our dedicated staff and enthusiastic pupils, for making this valuable experience such a success.