From Maidstone to Camber Sands

It’s been a busy week for trips in the Geography Department. On Monday our Year 10 Geographers travelled to three sites across Maidstone to investigate changes in land use and the environment. This human geography fieldwork will be assessed in their iGCSE Paper 2 examination next summer. Pupils visited three contrasting locations at Langley Park, Tovil Road and Fremlin Walk, and completed a land use survey and environmental quality survey at each location. Pupils have been analysing the results of their investigation in lessons this week, and evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of their overall investigation. Thank you to Robert and Carlo who drove us around to the different locations.

On Tuesday our Year 12 Geographers travelled down to Camber Sands. Pupils investigated the changing vegetation, and impact of human activity on the sand dunes in two locations along the beach. This was an opportunity to revise elements of the coasts topic, as well as develop fieldwork skills in preparation for pupils undertaking their own independent investigation.  At A Level, the independent Investigation coursework element, is worth 20% of the overall qualification. Pupils will use the fieldwork skills they have developed this year to plan their own investigation over the summer holidays.

We were very lucky with the weather on both days, and enjoyed a well earned ice cream on the beach at the end of Tuesday. My thanks to Mr Roberts for his support in running these trips.

Fleur-Estelle Shaw
Head of Geography