About the Centre

Barcelona Field Studies Centre S.L. is a registered Spanish company that offers a range of Biology, Ecology, Environmental Studies, Physical and Human Geography fieldwork options for GCSE and A/IB level students. Field study programmes range in duration from 1 to 6 full days.

Accommodation is provided in one of a selected number of quality 2 or 3 star hotels, in one of several resorts along the Catalonian coastline, including Sitges, Calafell and Castelldefels. Your accommodation provides a comfortable base from which to explore the surrounding areas. Full board or half board can be included.

The teaching base is a self-contained area within the hotel where students have exclusive use of the rooms and facilities.

In association with NST, the UK’s leading operator of Educational Visits, we offer a choice of travel by overnight executive coach or by air. We work with a large number of airlines, including low-cost carriers, and are able to source the best group rates, with regional departure options.

■ Inclusive courses at GCSE, AS/A or IB Level and tailored to specific syllabus needs.

■ An extensive range of maps, worksheets and fieldwork equipment to complement coursework.

■ Highly experienced centre staff.

■ A range of study options.

■ Internet information support for pre and post tour studies.

■ A range of sightseeing and recreational options.

■ Transportation for your planned programme of visits.

Programmes can be arranged which complement the work undertaken in the classroom and which meet the demands of the curriculum at all levels.

We offer two types of course:

Centre-taught courses:

Led by Barcelona Field Studies Centre staff with specialist knowledge and fieldwork expertise who, after prior negotiation of course content, take full responsibility for teaching the course. Your active involvement is strongly encouraged, whether in
contributing to the teaching, supervising and assisting the students or in allocating students and staff to the most appropriate small working group. One or more evening tutorials are also included, dependent on the length of your course and your preferences. Maps, worksheets and course materials are provided as appropriate.

Centre-assisted courses:

Tuition is shared between Barcelona Field Studies Centre teaching staff and you each day. The programme is normally designed and led by you with a Barcelona Field Studies Centre member of staff assisting during the work in the field. There
are no included evening tutorials.

Both options include the provision and use of biology field studies equipment and Health and Safety advice.

Study Themes

Field study options are available related to marine, freshwater, and terrestrial ecosystems, the major nutrient and metabolic cycles, and distinctive plant and animal communities.

Study Options include:

Capture-mark-release studies. Location: Garraf coast
Effects of fire on Mediterranean ecosystems. Location: Garraf Natural Park
Mediterranean Wetlands studies. Location: Ebro Delta
Mediterranean woodland productivity. Location: El Vendrell
Microbiology studies. Location: Banyoles
Riparian ecology and Macro invertebrate studies. Location: Montseny
Sand dune vegetation succession studies. Location: Llobregat Delta

Teaching Staff

These include experienced specialist teachers with U.K. teaching qualifications, Natural Park and local industry specialists. Staff qualifications include Spanish Red Cross life-saving and Mountain Leader Award training.