FAQs
We hope the following will answer any queries that you have. I
If you cannot find the answer to your query below contact your Eco Challenge Project Officer or email: ecochallenge@field-studies-council.org
1. Can my school book more than one course?
No. The funding only allows your school to attend 1 residential course, and to participate in 3 days of post course sessions.
2. Do I need to book the transport to and from the Centre?
No. The Centre you are visiting will organise the transport for you and will inform you of the details.
3. Are there any other costs involved?
There are no other direct costs you will need to pay for. However, the school will need to provide supply cover as this is not included in the funding. You will be asked to pay £450 deposit on booking. This will be refunded when you have attended your residential and completed the post course sessions..
4. Why do we have to pay a deposit?
The deposit is to make sure that your school is committed to taking part in the full Eco Challenge project – residential and post course sessions. The deposit will be refunded once you have completed the post course sessions.
5. Can more or less than 30 students go on the residential?
You can bring up to a maximum of 30 students only. You do not have to fill all 30 places, but you cannot bring any more.
6. Which students should take part in Eco Challenge?
The choice of which students can attend is up to the school. From past experience the most frequently cited reason for choice of students was those who are financially disadvantaged and have not benefited from any previous similar experiences. Other reasons could include a reward for good behaviour, encouraging better attendance levels, motivating students who find traditional learning techniques challenging, or to reward the well behaved but ‘invisible’ middle ability students.
7. When is a good time to attend a residential course?
Autumn and winter months are good times to take part in a your Eco Challenge residential as there are lots of options available for conservation tasks. Most wildlife has stopped nesting and rearing young, plants have died back allowing the more physical 'hands on' practical tasks to be carried out so that students can gain a real sense of habitat and conservation management.
8. Do three members of staff need to attend the residential and post course sessions?
You need to staff the course to a ratio of 1:10. So if you have over 20 students, then yes you do need to bring three members of staff.
9. Do all accompanying members of staff need to be teachers?
No but you will need to have at least 1 member of teaching staff to take full responsibility for the running of the course.
10. Can we bring all staff of the same gender?
Your staffing needs to reflect the gender split of the students attending. If they are a mixed group, then there needs to be both male and female staff.
11. How do we know what the activities are going to be?
Your regional Project Officer will discuss your Eco Challenge programme with you and give you advice about what the options are for the Centre you choose to visit, and for the post course follow up sessions. If you have any specific requests, don’t hesitate to discuss this with your project officer.
12. Can we change the programme?
The programme has been developed to ensure that the modules will meet the desired outcomes of the project. Although the modules are compulsory, there is flexibility within the modules to choose from a variety of activities which will accommodate the group needs and weather conditions.
13. Who will deliver the post course sessions?
Environmental organisations within the local area will deliver the post course sessions. They will all conform to health and safety procedures. This will be organised with your regional Project Officer.
14. Can we bring students with medical disabilities or learning or behavioural difficulties?
Yes but it is vital that you inform the Centre you are visiting so the staff can organise the facilities, activities and tutors to suit the needs of the students.
15. Can you cater for allergies / special diets?
Yes but please inform the Centre so they can cater appropriately
16. What equipment do we need to bring?
You will be provided with a full kit list. The Centres can provide students with waterproof jackets and trousers, wellington boots and walking boots, and any other specialist equipments which may be required to undertake the activities. We recommend students bring old, cheap clothing which can wet and muddy, but also to bring lots of thin layers instead of 1 or 2 thick layers – this is better for keeping warm!
You will also need to make sure students bring a packed lunch box and a water bottle. You do NOT need to bring a sleeping bag or bedding. Eco Challenge example kit list
17. Are all meals included?
All meals are included whilst staying at the Centre, but you will need to bring a packed lunch on the day of arrival.
18. What happens after I have made a booking?
You will receive an email confirmation of the booking and then will be sent a deposit request and booking conditions which should be returned. Your regional Project Officer will contact you to will discuss your programme options. The Centre will contact you directly regarding domestic, medical, dietary and transport arrangements.
19. How safe is it?
Your child is in very safe hands. Each Centre has experienced and qualified staff, all staff are CRB checked, first aid is carried by an instructor on all activities, each centre has a rigorous and proven health and safety procedure. All activities and sites are risk assessed and where appropriate adventure activities are licensed by AALA, Adventure Activities Licensing Authority The buildings are also all monitored and conform to safety requirements relating to fire and access. You can read Field Trips with the FSC: a guide for parents and governors
20. What about the weather?
The activities can be run in any weather as appropriate clothing will be provided. However, activities may be adapted depending on the conditions.
21. Can students bring mobile phones?
Some Centres operate a ‘no mobile phone’ policy, while others recommend students do not bring them. This is due to a) limited reception coverage and b) they can get broken whilst out on activities. If students do insist on bringing phones, they should NOT be taken out on activities.Most Centres have a payphone if students really need to phone home.
22. How much money should students bring?
£10 should be plenty. Apart from the Centre tuck shop and a service station stop to and from the Centre, there will be very few other opportunities to spend any money.
23. Will staff have to take part in the activities?
We would encourage staff to participate in the activities as much as possible. This portrays a positive attitude in front of the students and encourages and motivates them it also helps build relationships with the students.
24. Will there be other groups in the Centre at the same time?
Quite possibly. The Centres will be taking other bookings and so you may be sharing the Centre and facilities with another group. Centres are used to dealing with different groups and have procedures in place to ensure that all groups have an enjoyable and individual experience. If you have any queries please contact the Centre directly to discuss this.
25. What facilities are available during free time?
The facilities vary from Centre to Centre. Typically there will be a student common room and / or games rooms, along with facilities for making hot and cold drinks. Some Centres have other games equipment e.g. football, rounders, basket ball, and outdoor areas, however, it may be useful to bring some of your own kit just in case!
26. Who is responsible for the students during the activities and free time?
The lead teacher of the group has duty of care for the group at all times. During activities the tutors/instructors will be responsible for leading the session. During free time members of school staff are responsible If you need help there will be a member of staff on duty who you can contact to help deal with the situation.
27. Where will the post course session take place?
The post course sessions may take place within the school grounds, the local area or in a nearby country park. Any transport to these locations will be funded by the project, but we are aiming to keep everything as local as possible.
