STUDENT’S from one of the district's high schools were celebrating after completing the practical component of their A-level Biology course – in the sunshine!

Unable to go on their usual residential in June, year 13 biologists at Ponteland High School carried out their essential fieldwork at Seaton Sluice beach.

The group were split into team bubbles, and even managed to soak up some of the last of the summer’s good weather, all while gaining their qualification.

On the trip, one of the students said: “In order to pass the practical endorsement element of our Biology A-level, we went on a field trip.

“The trip took place on September 29, which also happened to be my 18th birthday.

“We were really lucky because it was sunny that day.

“We set off for the Havannah Nature Reserve in Gosforth; we walked around the lake in our pre-set groups and learned about the changes to the area over time.

“We then headed to the beach in Seaton Sluice. Here, we stayed in our groups and used transects on the dunes to measure the succession of animal and plants over time.

“We had lunch right by the water’s edge, which was fantastic as it was such a lovely day, and enabled me to spend some time with my friends on my birthday.

“After lunch, we used quadrats to investigate the number of different species of grasses at the top of the dunes.

“The whole day was really enjoyable, and we were really lucky our teachers were able to organise the day so well.”