Mrs McPhail, Ms March and Mr Thurston
The Upper Sixth A level and IB geographers spent last weekend in Dorset staying at Leeson House near Swanage. This was a trip that would normally be done in the Lower Sixth but due to the pandemic, adaptations were made and fieldwork planned instead for Autumn. Dorset was a new field centre for us but one everyone was looking forward to enabling girls to enhance their learning and support both the A-Level and IB courses.
Our first stop was Boscombe, a suburb of Bournemouth. Here we looked at how Boscombe has changed over time and in particular the contrast in its deprivation compared to nearby settlements. The regeneration of the beach area and the high street were the main focus and the girls carried out various surveys and made careful observations. Identifying HMOs (houses of multiple occupancy) gave a real insight into the socio-economic status of the area.
Driving to Swanage we took the chain ferry from Sandbanks to Studland observing luxury living en-route, quite a contrast to the fieldwork areas earlier in the day.
Day two was spent on the Jurassic coast stopping first at Durdle Door - a geography highlight for all of us including teachers and an impressive photo opportunity for all. To say it was wet and windy was an understatement and all were glad of waterproofs and hats. The walk to Lulworth cove was spectacular and whilst we were blown along at some points the view on arrival was worth it. This coastline, a classic textbook example was suddenly brought to life - nothing beats being outside on Geography fieldwork. Chesil beach was the final stop of the day featuring another coastal landform of a bar. It was a memorable day.
On our final morning, we visited Poundbury, a sustainable community on the outskirts of Dorchester. Prince Charles and his Duchy of Cornwall foundation were the brains behind this urban area. Students carried out various types of surveys to collect data from which to analyse. It was a place that provoked lots of discussion.
Returning back to Bedford all agreed this had been a great weekend. For these students it was the final geography fieldwork that they will complete having experienced many during their time at BGS. With their NEAs (independent coursework) almost completed, the work they did this weekend will be valuable and provide lots of fun memories.
Matisha Joshi (Upper Sixth, IB) said: “I really enjoyed the weekend; it was a great way to put theory to practice, especially being able to see our case studies in person!”
Tamara Oakley-Holton (Upper Sixth, A Level) said: “It was a brilliant opportunity to bring to life some of our A-Level case studies after 18 months of restrictions. While the rain didn’t dampen our spirits on Saturday the wind did manage to blow us over at Durdle Door.”
Ashlene Robinson (Upper Sixth, Level) added: “It was nice seeing what we learned from our textbooks come to life on the coastline, seeing all the landforms caused by coastal erosion was an experience.”
View photos here.
