On Wednesday 12 and Thursday 13 October 2022, two groups of our Year 10 GCSE Geographers travelled from Cirencester for the first fieldwork experience of their GCSE course. Pupils visited an urban environment, Bristol, with the aim of practising fieldwork skills, which are examined across the first two GCSE papers from the OCR Geography for Enquiring Minds specification.

Our pupils collected a variety of primary data over the two days, including pedestrian and traffic counts, decibel readings, land use mapping and questionnaires. When back in school, Geographers will compile this primary data and complete an enquiry about Bristol as a sustainable city – noting its ranking as a cycling city and listing on the Sustainable Cities Index.

Over the two days, our Geographers’ behaviour was impeccable and a true credit to Deer Park. Miss Crouch, Geography teacher and trip leader commented ‘We fitted a lot into the day and I was impressed by our pupils' enthusiasm and energy throughout. I was pleased to hear pupils making links to their prior learning about urban environments and processes. I would like to extend my thanks to the staff who assisted over the two days – these trips cannot go ahead without your support.’

The next trip for our Year 10 GCSE Geography pupils will be during the Summer term. They will visit a contrasting environment - Durdle Door, Lulworth Cove and Swanage Bay - where they will be able to apply their understanding of coastal processes and management in a real-life context.