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Geography Field trips
Year 11 GCSE Geography field trip to the Jurassic Coast
On Wednesday 13 and Thursday 14 September 2023 our Humanities Faculty took two groups of Year 11 GCSE Geographers to the Jurassic Coast in Dorset. Both days were warm, dry and sunny – perfect for a day at the beach.
The aim of the trip was to collect primary data and evaluate the effectiveness of coastal management in three locations along the Jurassic Coast. In lessons, pupils have learnt the theory of coastal processes and management and the trip provided an excellent opportunity to see these in action outside the classroom. Pupils will be asked about their fieldwork experiences in their Physical Geography exam next summer.
In the morning, pupils visited Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove and as we descended the hill towards Durdle Door beach, many stopped to photograph the beautiful natural landscapes on this stretch of coastline. Pupils completed a field sketch, sediment survey and beach gradient profile, and were encouraged to reflect on their prior learning to explain their findings. We also discussed each method and why it was appropriate for collecting information about coastal processes as well as any limitations.
All pupils persevered and made it back up the steep hill to the cliff top and after a quick rest, we made our way to Lulworth Cove. After many enjoyed chips and ice cream for lunch, we compared the landforms, shape and sediment of Lulworth Cove to Durdle Door, finding many similarities due to both being on the same concordant coastline. Pupils were also able to suggest reasons for the differences they noticed.
“The views were worth the climb... in the end!” Phoebe
We then made our way further along the coastline to Swanage Bay, now on a discordant coastline, where hard and soft rocks are laid out at an angle to the sea. This has created distinct headlands and sheltered bays. Swanage is investing in many coastal management strategies and our pupils were asked to consider the effectiveness of these. By completing questionnaires, evaluation surveys and measuring the sediment heights along the beach, most decided that the coastal management strategies were effective at preventing erosion.
"I liked Swanage Bay. It was good to see the places we’ve learnt about in class in real life.” Eleni
Back in class, all pupils will now reflect on their fieldwork experiences to reach conclusions and evaluate their work.
"We had a brilliant couple of days with Year 11. The weather was perfect and all pupils actively engaged in all the surveys and data collection. Their behaviour and work ethic was excellent, and they coped with the long days admirably with lots of good humour. The pupils did themselves and the school proud and were a joy to work with." Miss Bluett, Geography Teacher and Trip Leader
“A fantastic two days with Year 11. The weather was kind and this helped with the whole Jurassic Coast experience, allowing us to view the geographical objectives of the day. Our pupils were outstanding and I was complimented several times about positive behaviour and considerate manners. I am a very proud year leader.” Mrs Stubbs, Year 11 Year Leader