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There is a lovely moment in fieldwork when a student looks at their results and says, “That’s not what I expected.” It might be a pattern in the data that they hadn't predicted, an interaction in a habitat they hadn't noticed before, or a change in the landscape that makes them question their original idea. Instead of being a problem, it gives them something to investigate. That is one of the real strengths of collecting data outdoors. Students have the opportunity to start w

The forecast says 12°C with a chance of rain. So what does that actually mean for your field study? When you're taking students outdoors, the weather forecast is an important part of your planning. Weather can affect safety, access, student comfort and whether your planned fieldwork will work as intended. At Branch Out, we don't simply check whether it will rain. We look at the forecast in relation to the location, the activity and the conditions students will actually experi

A practical guide to planning, preparing and making the most of your day outdoors There is something special about taking learning outside the classroom. Whether you're heading to a river, coastline, woodland, urban environment or local field site, students have the opportunity to see their learning in action, collect real evidence and experience the environment around them. But a successful field study isn't just about what happens once you arrive. A little preparation befor

From discovery in first year to independent investigation in the senior cycle, every outdoor experience builds skills for the next. When many people think about field studies, they immediately think of exam years. Third Year students collecting data for their Geography CBA2. Leaving Certificate students measuring a river or investigating a coastal landscape for their GI. Biology students carrying out ecological investigations. These are all fantastic opportunities for outdoor

Ask any teacher what makes a field study successful, and you'll probably hear answers like good weather, careful planning, or interesting activities. All of those matter. But after leading hundreds of field studies, we've found that one thing makes the biggest difference: Students need to feel involved. When every student has a purpose, they stay engaged. They ask more questions, contribute more ideas and, perhaps most importantly, they enjoy the experience. Here are some of

Taking students outside the classroom is one of the most rewarding parts of teaching. Whether you're heading to a local river, woodland, beach, or urban environment, field studies create memorable learning experiences that simply can't be replicated indoors. But every teacher also knows the reality. Risk assessments, keeping everyone engaged, managing behaviour, watching the weather, and somehow making sure meaningful learning still happens. After years of delivering outdoor

If you're planning your Junior Cycle Geography CBA, one of the first decisions you'll make is whether to complete CBA1 or CBA2. At the moment, the Department of Education still gives teachers a choice, and we completely understand why many schools opt for CBA1. It can be completed in the classroom, requires less organisation, and fits more easily into an already busy school calendar. Over the past year, we've spoken with many Geography teachers, and the reason for choosing CB

Tourism, Land Use and Climate Change: A Ready-Made Investigation for the Leaving Cert Climate Action and Sustainable Development Project. With the introduction of Leaving Cert Climate Action and Sustainable Development (CASD), many teachers are asking the same question: What does a strong Action Project actually look like in practice? One of the biggest challenges students face is moving from theory to real-world investigation—especially when it comes to collecting meaningful

This autumn term has been our busiest yet, with schools across Dublin and beyond joining us for geography fieldwork studies in rivers and on coasts. Our experienced instructors have guided Leaving Certificate, CBA2, and TY students through engaging, hands-on investigations at stunning locations like Powerscourt Waterfall, Larch Hill, and the Dublin coastline. With sites accessible by public transport, we make geography field trips affordable, educational, and unforgettable.

See how a river dam field study brought CBA2 Geography to life. Hands-on data collection made learning meaningful and prepared students for Leaving Cert.

What is happening in the brain when students learn outside? Explore how outdoor learning enhances student focus, memory, and engagement. Backed by neuroscience, geography field trips aren’t just educational—they’re brain-boosting experiences.