stories from the field

Strategies for Supporting Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion in Field Classes

Some students face barriers accessing field courses, be those temporary or more enduring. For example, attending a field class can be daunting for students who manage mental health conditions. Some of our students have raised this issue previously with regard to panic disorders, anxiety and panic attacks, OCD, eating disorders and other conditions.

Here are some steps we have taken to ensure that all students can attend and participate in field classes.

Managing anxiety

Thu, 06 Apr 2023 09:49:00 BST

Here, we focus on a student who told us about his panic attacks connected with flying and eating in the hotel restaurant.

Language barriers

Thu, 06 Apr 2023 09:51:00 BST

A student was worried about his ability to communicate and understand fellow students and staff during the field course.

Anxious or worried?

Thu, 06 Apr 2023 09:56:00 BST

Some students expressed that they were feeling anxious or worried about attending a field course. This was their first field experience due to Covid-19 restrictions.

Accessing toilets in field work: inclusion in practice

Thu, 06 Apr 2023 09:56:00 BST

Some students worry about field classes in term of how and when they need to access the toilet.

Religious practice on fieldwork

Thu, 06 Apr 2023 09:57:00 BST

Field classes sometimes run across or into religious festivals - how can we accommodate spiritual needs of students?

Special diets on field class

Thu, 06 Apr 2023 10:00:00 BST

We ask all students in a registration form whether they have medical needs or dietary requirements, so we are operating in a safe and supportive working environment.