Students on Field Trips

Certain subjects and programmes have fieldwork and site visits at their core, but for some groups of students fieldwork can pose barriers, such as physical challenges for example climbing a steep slope or walking over uneven ground, or invisible barriers related to mental health, specific learning needs or simply not seeing themselves represented in these environments. As it is our responsibility to ensure that all teaching and learning is accessible there is a need to think more carefully about equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) and accessibility in all aspects of field working.

Considerations when planning field trips

• Challenge preconceptions that fieldwork is essential, needs to be remote/off site, considered the ‘best part’ of a course and needs to be physically demanding.
• How are you going to deliver the content? What should you consider? Look at your learning outcomes and how are they going to be met, for example for some neuro-divergent students listening outdoors in a distracting environment may not be accessible
• Manage student expectations, field trips are hard work. It is important to schedule activities appropriately and factor in adequate down time for students (and staff) to avoid over burdening with workload
• What are your costs? Non-core field trips can be expensive so socio-economic backgrounds can be a hidden barrier to fieldwork with these additional costs. What can be done to support students who want to undertake field work but do not have the means (see Policy on Additional Costs)?
• Consider your location, accommodation, catering and accessibility of comfort breaks
• How early in the semester/academic year can you share your field trip plan to give students time to prepare and plan ahead, and encourage students to contact you if necessary  (note not all students will declare any additional support needs immediately)?

Further information on planning for field trips can be found on the Teaching and Learning Delivery webpages and by contacting the Disability Advisory and Support Service.