Year 12 ESS students gain first-hand fieldwork experience in Sitges

The Year 12 IB Environmental Systems and Societies (ESS) students recently travelled to Sitges, near Barcelona, as part of their Internal Assessment (IA) fieldwork. During the trip, students collected primary ecological data in a local dune system, investigating topics such as sand compaction, vegetation cover, biodiversity and human impacts on coastal environments.

Working alongside staff, students were joined by students from our sister school in Paris for this trip. Together, they used a range of fieldwork techniques including quadrat sampling, transects and environmental measurements to gather data for their individual research projects. The trip provided an excellent opportunity to apply classroom learning to a real-world environment and develop practical scientific skills.

In addition to the fieldwork, students explored the local area and gained a greater understanding of the challenges involved in balancing tourism, conservation and sustainable management of coastal ecosystems. The experience was both educational and enjoyable, and the data collected will form the basis of students’ ESS Internal Assessments over the coming months.