By Mrs McPhail (Geography Teacher)
On Thursday 26th September, the annual trek to Castleton in Derbyshire began. This is a two-day residential trip that is jam-packed, allowing our students to experience both human and physical geography in the beautiful setting of Castleton, Derbyshire. With many new students joining Year 9, it was great to see friendships forming and memories being made. So, with waterproofs, walking boots and wellies, we left the rain in Bedford behind and drove towards a dry Sheffield.
Here, we navigated the ever-changing urban landscape to show the students the changes that have occurred in Sheffield. From a steel-producing powerhouse to a newly regenerated, sustainable city, Sheffield has it all.
We tried to spot recent Sixth Form Geography students who have gained places at The University of Sheffield this year, as we climbed the hill past the freshers' fayre and university buildings on our way to the Peak District. It is always amazing for the students to realise how close Sheffield is to the rural landscape of the National Park.
Our first stop was Ladybower Reservoir, where Mrs Sadler (Head of History and Politics) gave a fantastic talk about the role the dams played in the preparation for attacks on Germany in WW2. The students also examined how this tourist attraction is managed.
After a short drive through the Hope Valley to the village of Castleton, we began our walk around Mam Tor, testing the strength of our waterproofs and taking in the rugged limestone landscape.
After a tasty meal and some evening work, the students made the most of the YHA’s cosy facilities.
Friday brought sunshine, and the river surveys were completed at two sites, enabling data collection for further assessment back in the classroom. After each group had a guided tour of the caves at Treak Cliff Cavern and touched the famous stalagmite for good luck, we made our way back to Bedford, mindful of the local flooding back home.
As ever, the importance of seeing landscapes in the outdoor classroom, rather than in a textbook, is reflected in the awe and wonder moments of fieldwork, and it is what makes Geography so vital. Thanks to all the staff who accompanied the students on the trip, and to the pupils themselves, who worked hard.
View the scenic photos here.
