Secondary (KS3 & KS4)

Investigate the differences between species by developing skills in classification. Students explore our pond or meadow sites to identify organisms belonging to the five kingdoms and use fieldwork equipment to collect invertebrate samples. With hand-lenses and classification keys they will identify these samples and have a go at designing their own ID guides based on their observations. Variation between individuals within a species is observed, through which students consider what leads to natural selection.

Find out about relationships in an ecosystem by investigating food chains and webs. Students explore the grounds of the Hyde Park Learning Centre and conduct a habitat survey to identify organisms from different feeding groups. This data is used to create food chains and webs. Some of the organisms are studied in more detail using hand-lenses to identify their feeding adaptations. Students will consider the interdependence of organisms in an ecosystem and the impact of changes within the environment.

Investigate how aquatic and terrestrial animals are adapted for survival. Students use fieldwork techniques to collect organisms from aquatic and terrestrial habitats and identify adaptations for moving, feeding, breathing, avoiding predation and finding mates. There is the opportunity to study some of the organisms using hand-lenses. Students will produce scientific drawings of a terrestrial and aquatic organism and compare their adaptations for surviving in different habitats.

Your group will investigate the role of Hyde Park in London today, following a geographical route of enquiry. They’ll develop and test their own hypotheses to compare two contrasting sites within the park. Students learn about how the park is managed while creating land use maps and measuring human impacts and biodiversity. This session gives students the chance to use GIS (geographic information system) and a range of fieldwork equipment including quadrats and anemometers. They will evaluate the park’s contribution to sustainable urban living in London, and use the grounds and facilities of the Hyde Park Learning Centre to review their investigation and present their findings.

Inspire your students with the history of Speakers’ Corner in Hyde Park, and the principle of free speech that is a cornerstone of life in the UK. In this outdoor workshop, students will discover the history of this infamous place, practice their debating, and improve their oratory skills.

They’ll learn about opinion forming while visiting the site of the Reformers’ Tree; practice techniques to make their point heard in the busy park environment; and put their persuasive powers to the test on location in our Speakers’ Corner Speak-Off.

This session is linked to the English curriculum for KS3 and KS4; and English Language and Sociology for KS5.

In this session, students will explore freshwater and meadow habitats, collecting invertebrates from each. They will create scientific drawings, examining the variation and adaptation of species. Additionally, students will investigate the interdependence of animals in their habitats, construct food chains and webs, and discuss potential impacts of disruptions to these processes.

In this extended session, students will explore both air and water quality, considering the impact of visitors on the park. They will study a freshwater habitat by identifying invertebrates in the pond and analysing oxygen and nitrate levels in the water. The role of lichen as an indicator species of air pollution will also be examined. Using a range of specialized equipment and survey techniques, students will discuss how these findings can guide future management of Hyde Park.