Last week 125 Year 9 students visited the Peak District in Derbyshire for two days of Geography fieldwork. Firstly, we drove through Sheffield where the girls saw first-hand the way the city has been regenerated and the difference that has made to its’ character. The closeness of the Peak District National Park to the buzzing University area is always a surprise for the girls and soon we were witnessing beautiful limestone scenery.

Our lunch stop was at Ladybower Reservoir where the girls learnt about the Derwent Valley and the way in which the dam was used to prepare the British in their attack on the German dams in WW2.

Then onward to Castleton before a long walk involving the ‘Shivering Mountain’ of Mam Tor and the dramatic contours of Winnats Pass, where we were able to see the creation of limestone scenery. Learning outside the classroom is increasingly key in enabling the girls to be able to appreciate the topics learnt in class. Abi Bradbury said: “Seeing what we were learning about in the classroom made the topic come to life.” Ella Craven added: “I loved Castleton and all the geological facts I learnt about and the views I witnessed.”

Friday was another packed day, visiting Treak Cliff Cavern to see spectacular stalactites and stalagmites as well as the Blue John mineral. We also conducted two river surveys to see how quickly rivers change as they move from the source. All girls enjoyed the chance to experience new skills, make new friends and bring back plenty of information to use for the two examination assessments. As Lara Lawa said: “When I got back I showed my pictures to my parents and now they want to visit.”

View scenic photos from the trip here.