Geographers Dorset Data Discoveries

The annual Year 10 Geography trip to the Hampshire and Dorset coast took place over half term with the purpose of collecting data and using multiple fieldwork techniques, in order to complete the GCSE coursework task. This project is worth over a quarter of a student's GCSE grade, so the trip was of vital importance.

The Geography team of Mr Nel, Dr Prata, Mr Cooper, Mr Mallins and Mr Duncan were on-board while Head of Geography, Mr Johnston, stayed behind to look after the department at school.

On day one, at the beautiful Hengistbury Head, the boys learned how to conduct beach profiles, use the Powers Index of Roundness to identify sediment angularity and use a variety of data collection techniques. The boys worked in small teams and got through the work efficiently and accurately. There were plenty of questions directed to the teachers regarding geology, coastal management and social, economic and environmental factors affecting this coastline. The stunning weather - sunny and 17 degrees - helped to lift the spirits after a long walk and the ice-cream parlour had a very successful afternoon.

Our accommodation, the Brenscombe Outdoor Centre, was perfect; the long barn and its dorms of four, suited our boys perfectly, with many of them being used to boarding. After supper, Mr Mallins conducted a two-hour classroom session to reiterate the learning and to allow all the data to be clearly written up. A hot chocolate break was perfectly timed and the other staff took advantage of some well-earned R&R time with a walk around the village of Corfe Castle.

On Wednesday morning, after a stunning sunrise and hearty full English breakfast, the short trip to the Jurassic Coast got underway and the students certainly enjoyed the stunning sights at Lulworth Cove, Stair Hole and Durdle Door. More beach profiles, field sketches and learning about the history and probable future of this landscape followed. The best was saved for last though, with the walk over the hill from Lulworth to Durdle Door. So many beautiful features and landforms to see and witness first hand really helped to cement the learning done in class on this topic.

In summary, the trip was highly successful, with everyone making progress and collecting excellent data, allowing for the coursework task to be undertaken with care and quality. The weather certainly helped. Well done all students and staff!