HSDC Alton Full Time Prospectus 2023/2024

ENRICHING EXPERIENCE AT CLIMATE CHANGE WORKSHOP Five HSDC Alton Biology students had an enriching experience at Alice Holt Forest at the Forest Research Station’s first-ever Climate Change Workshop. The students heard from three of their scientists explaining how and why they are continually collecting data on climate change. The group then ventured into the Forest to understand how scientists are using different species of trees to measure the effects of global warming through tree girdles, springs and callipers to measure tree growth. The research is trying to establish which species of tree will be able to grow the best as our climate changes and temperatures increase. The group then had the chance to create their own girdles to measure the girth of trees and also tested the local area for the presence of a fungus that is damaging to plants. The trip gave the students the chance to work with real scientists, undertake real scientific experiments and develop an understanding of the different careers in Biology that could potentially be available to them. Ellie, who took part in the trip, said: “I had a really good day finding out more about how the forests are managed. It has opened my eyes to more career paths I might be interested in.”

STUDENTS SKI AND SNOWBOARD ON THE SLOPES IN ITALY In February half term, 11 intrepid HSDC Alton students set off for the Italian ski resort of Frabosa Soprana, 90 kilometres south of Turin and about 25 kilometres southeast of Cuneo, to experience five full days of glorious sunshine, skiing and team-building exercises. They worked well as a team, helping each other on the slopes. The progress they all made was terrific to see and all learned valuable life skills along the way. Grant Gallacher, a Uniformed Public Services teacher and one of the staff supervising the trip, was incredibly proud of the students: “I looked around at other schools and colleges in the mountains and along the journey and could honestly say I have never been so proud to work for HSDC Alton and what fantastic ambassadors the students were for our College and local community too.” All the skiers achieved their goals of being able to ski competently on blue and red runs and five students excelled themselves by exploring the whole resort and beyond at the highest level of skiing. First-year A Level student Hannah summed up her experience: “Really fun trip with loads of time to ski as well as free time in the afternoon. There was lots of snow and the instructors were very friendly and funny.”

HSDC ALTON COLLEGE 141

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