On Thursday 10 and Friday 11 October 2024, two groups of Year 10 GCSE Geographers left Deer Park 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, environmental quality surveys, field sketches and questionnaires. When back in school, our 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. Mrs Cesek, 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.’