Decision Makers:
University of Edinburgh
We, the undersigned, call on the School of Biological Sciences to save the Firbush Away Weekend until a real alternative is in place.
For fourth year undergraduates and Masters students, the September weekend at Firbush is more than a trip. It is a long-standing tradition, it is advertised in the Course Prospectus, and it gives students a shared experience that helps build community and connection. However, this year is planned to be the trip's last and final year.
Attendance has been high, at around 80–90%, and student feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Staff also value these events and are deeply disappointed at the plan to end them.
We understand that funding matters, and we understand that the School leadership has raised concerns about value for money, 'pedagogical value', and 'real benefit'. We also understand the idea of more holistic alternatives, including similar events in Edinburgh or moving the experience earlier in the degree programme.
Those ideas may have merit, but at present there is no timetable, no clear replacement, and no guarantee that current undergraduates will have access to anything similar at all. That means entire cohorts could miss out on this kind of experience permanently.
What makes this especially concerning is the lack of public communication. Students have not been properly told about this significant change, and there has not been enough open discussion before decisions were made. Constructive ideas, including the option of small student contributions, have already been rejected without a path forward.
We oppose funding cuts that weaken the student experience, decision-making done in the dark, and the loss of an important tradition without a concrete replacement.
We ask for the continuation of Firbush until an alternative is ready, a clear public explanation of the reasons behind the proposed change, and ongoing engagement with students throughout the process.
Want to join the campaign? Find us on Whatsapp - https://chat.whatsapp.com/DR2qSHEUKxyHnLDguM37Nx
12 Comments
Having just returned from my cohort’s Firbush excursion, the feedback from our group was overwhelmingly positive, the experience brought our cohort together. This is an invaluable experience going forward, as we all remarked on how it will make working and engaging with one another over the next year much easier and more enjoyable. It is therefore extremely saddening and disappointing to hear that a tradition that has been held for at least 30 years could be ending with my cohort.
Without Firbush I wouldn't have been nearly as comfortable with my teaching staff and other students from my cohort/course. I can't imagine any replacements (judged against the atmosphere from other cohort events) coming close.
It’s our final year to make connections, and it is important to have them to ensure we have the support we need throughout a stressful final year. Firbush helps to facilitate this, especially for the year abroad and intercalating students.
I was originally enrolled in the 2027 class however I had to take a year out due to my brother dying. Hearing that I will be denied a fieldtrip that has been a beloved tradition for many years just because I took a year out to focus on my mental health hurts a lot.
Firbush is a great experience. Without it I wouldn't be that close to staff and my classmates
The firbush expirience was a very valuabke expirience to bond as a cohort and with the specialisation aspect of the course its often that alot of people dont know anyone in their cohort. This trip allows you to make friends get to know your cohort lead and feel more confident.
great cohort event. very fun and i love the activities. it is not fair that some people dont even get the chance to experience this.
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Decision Makers:
University of Edinburgh
We, the undersigned, call on the School of Biological Sciences to save the Firbush Away Weekend until a real alternative is in place.
For fourth year undergraduates and Masters students, the September weekend at Firbush is more than a trip. It is a long-standing tradition, it is advertised in the Course Prospectus, and it gives students a shared experience that helps build community and connection. However, this year is planned to be the trip's last and final year.
Attendance has been high, at around 80–90%, and student feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Staff also value these events and are deeply disappointed at the plan to end them.
We understand that funding matters, and we understand that the School leadership has raised concerns about value for money, 'pedagogical value', and 'real benefit'. We also understand the idea of more holistic alternatives, including similar events in Edinburgh or moving the experience earlier in the degree programme.
Those ideas may have merit, but at present there is no timetable, no clear replacement, and no guarantee that current undergraduates will have access to anything similar at all. That means entire cohorts could miss out on this kind of experience permanently.
What makes this especially concerning is the lack of public communication. Students have not been properly told about this significant change, and there has not been enough open discussion before decisions were made. Constructive ideas, including the option of small student contributions, have already been rejected without a path forward.
We oppose funding cuts that weaken the student experience, decision-making done in the dark, and the loss of an important tradition without a concrete replacement.
We ask for the continuation of Firbush until an alternative is ready, a clear public explanation of the reasons behind the proposed change, and ongoing engagement with students throughout the process.
Want to join the campaign? Find us on Whatsapp - https://chat.whatsapp.com/DR2qSHEUKxyHnLDguM37Nx
12 Comments
This is a very important cohort bonding activity. Science is a team sport and it is imperative for our individual grades, honours projects and personal developments that we have support from our cohort and our peers.
Having just returned from my cohort’s Firbush excursion, the feedback from our group was overwhelmingly positive, the experience brought our cohort together. This is an invaluable experience going forward, as we all remarked on how it will make working and engaging with one another over the next year much easier and more enjoyable. It is therefore extremely saddening and disappointing to hear that a tradition that has been held for at least 30 years could be ending with my cohort.
Without Firbush I wouldn't have been nearly as comfortable with my teaching staff and other students from my cohort/course. I can't imagine any replacements (judged against the atmosphere from other cohort events) coming close.
It’s our final year to make connections, and it is important to have them to ensure we have the support we need throughout a stressful final year. Firbush helps to facilitate this, especially for the year abroad and intercalating students.
I was originally enrolled in the 2027 class however I had to take a year out due to my brother dying. Hearing that I will be denied a fieldtrip that has been a beloved tradition for many years just because I took a year out to focus on my mental health hurts a lot.
Firbush is a great experience. Without it I wouldn't be that close to staff and my classmates
The firbush expirience was a very valuabke expirience to bond as a cohort and with the specialisation aspect of the course its often that alot of people dont know anyone in their cohort. This trip allows you to make friends get to know your cohort lead and feel more confident.
great cohort event. very fun and i love the activities. it is not fair that some people dont even get the chance to experience this.
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This is a very important cohort bonding activity. Science is a team sport and it is imperative for our individual grades, honours projects and personal developments that we have support from our cohort and our peers.