Ecology Field Study
Kippure Education Centre offers a range of on-site field studies. Thankfully, field work is becoming an integral part of the school curricula, as well as being thoroughly enjoyable it instills a range a vital skills such as surveying, group work, data collection, analysis and report writing.
Since 2003 hundreds of schools from all Leinster counties and Waterford and Tipperary have attended our studies. All our field studies are carried out on-site and have been carefully designed to facilitate the relevant Department of Education Curricula. A team of highly experienced instructors with a range of Environmental qualifications deliver our studies.
We provide all the necessary worksheets, field equipment, along with a selection of raingear.

Leaving Certificate Ecology – Scientific Study of an Ecosystem
Facilitating the Ecology element of the biology syllabus this study includes some of the following activities:
- Using different surveying techniques carry out a vegetation, invertebrate & vertebrate survey
- Investigation of the different factors affecting the ecosystem
- Mapping the study area
- Identify a Food Web
- Looking at Edaphic factors
Junior Certificate Science – Scientific Study of an Ecosystem
To facilitate the Course Work B ‘Additional Student Investigations’ part of the curriculum this study incorporates some of the following activities:
- Using different surveying techniques carry out a vegetation, invertebrate & vertebrate survey
- Investigation of the different factors affecting the ecosystem
- Mapping the study area
- Identify a Food Web
Sample Itinerary Ecology Field Study
| 10.00 am |
School arrives & gets settled into the Belfry – Teachers receive a well-earned tea & biscuits! |
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| 10.15 am-11.15 am |
The Belfry Senior Instructor delivers a detailed presentation to group, demonstrating the methods and equipment used. Some map work to identify study sites. |
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| 11.15 am-11.30 am |
Students are divided into smaller groups (max 15) and kitted out. |
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| 11.30 am-
1.45 pm |
Into the Field: Data collection, calculations. All students are encouraged to participate individually. |
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| 1.45 pm-
2.15 pm |
Back to the Belfry - Quick change and a bite to eat. |
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| 2.15-3pm |
Wrap-Up - Results are correlated and discussed, further analysis of findings in context of report, for example aim, graphs, conclusions. |
Transition Year Environmental Field Studies – Geography & Ecology Study
This study is a great fun way to provide the experience and all the skills that fieldwork involves. It can be combined with a half day of Adventure Activities to combine the academic with the fun side of the outdoor world. |
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Our buildings include The Belfry, a custom built facility containing a classroom, toilets, showers, equipment storage rooms and all necessary equipment required to carry out our educational and adventure activities.
We also have a number of other larger and smaller classrooms on-site to facilitate groups of different sizes. |
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We have vast experience in delivering the studies |
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There is a large mixed woodland within easy walking distance |
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Our team of field study instructors is exceptionally well trained |
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We have a dedicated modern building for field studies |
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You’ll find our facilities are second to none! |
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Kippure is within easy reach of Dublin and surrounding counties |
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