Toohey Forest and Lady Elliot Island
Field Studies are an integral part of any course in Biology but at Craigslea SHS these are also exciting adventures which have proven to be life changing experiences for many students. During the two year course, students have opportunities to study ecosystems such as:
- Sand dunes
- Rainforests
- Eucalypt forests
- Rocky shores
- Coral reefs
Year 11 students may attend the coral reef field trip at Lady Elliot Island, and in Year 12, all students attend a day field trip to Toohey Forest. Preparation for the Lady Elliot excursion begins with snorkelling skills training in the school pool with teaching staff who are qualified instructors. Several of the staff are also highly qualified scuba divers who are able to accompany students on scuba dives at Lady Elliot.
Activities at Lady Elliot are based around collecting data for the University of Queensland Coral Watch program which maintains a database of the health of the reefs. Other activities include:
- Independent research studies
- Lectures by visiting specialists e.g. Manta ray migration patterns
- Advanced studies of nutrient cycles
- Zonation patterns of reef organisms
The thrill of landing on a coral bay island in a light aircraft is just the beginning of an adventure which for many students is the highlight of their high school years.