This week, both LVI A Level Geography classes went on the much-anticipated residential fieldtrip to Dorset. We were lucky enough to stay for five days at South Lytchett Manor in their beautiful stargazing yurts and although we didn’t see that many stars, the trip was still brilliant.
We set of from school on Monday to Lulworth Cove, a key site in our A Level Physical Geography course and discussed the geology of the area, alongside conducting risk assessment training and mood mapping using app based technology. We then headed to Durdle Door, five minutes along the coast to take in the spectacular arch and learn key coastal fieldwork techniques, including plotting cliff profiles. After a busy first day, we went out for a delicious meal at the local pub and after writing up our notes from the day, settled in for our first night.
Day 2 started with a quick bus ride to Weymouth, for a morning focused on human Geography. We conducted questionnaires on urban regeneration and then drove to Chesil beach and its connecting Isle of Portland. Despite it being a stormy day, it was interesting to see this Tombolo as it such a unique landform within our A Level course. We carried out investigations on beach profile and sediment size, before finishing off the day with a much-deserved ice cream, with clotted cream, overlooking the amazing coastal views. For dinner we enjoyed some local fish and chips, followed by a very competitive game of rounders.
Day three held much excitement, where we were set the task of creating video tutorials on our relevant fieldwork techniques for our coursework, with a competitive twist. We were located in Studland, and groups were sent out to the forest and beach. This was a really valuable and practical way of developing our Geographical skills. To finish off our physical geography activities of the day, we walked to Old Harry Rocks, a much-anticipated landmark, before finally heading to Boscombe to carry out questionaries on social inequality. This was our rainiest day, but we tried not to let it get the better of us.
On our penultimate day, we braved the still grey weather and went to Sandbanks, the site of one of our physical Geography case studies, to carry out an invesitgation into house price patterns on this, some of the most high priced land in the World. We also took the opportunity to conduct a parallel invesitagtion into coastal management, which we analysed through measuring the impact of groynes as a defence strategy, on the beach profile. This was followed by a scenic walk along the stunning cliffs at Durlston Head and a trip to a Calne favourite: Baboo Gelato for more ice cream! We headed back to the accommodation, accompanied by some memorable singing in the bus. Our videos from the previous day were presented and judged, followed by a light-hearted award ceremony.
On our final day, we started the morning bright and early for a watersports adventure back in Sandbanks. With a speedy trip over on the rib, we faced the crisp Dorset waters to play some fun team games on our boards and kayaks, and learn more about Poole Harbour, one of our case study sites. This was a great way to end such an eventful and exciting trip, and gave us secure memories.
The trip would not have been possible without our amazing Geography teachers who kept morale high through the drizzly days and provided us with essential activities and skills for our A Level. Without exception, everyone had a great time, with such a fantastic way to end the academic year in the geography department.
Alice O’S and Clemmie I-E, Student Heads of Geography
