Learning on the beach

GEOGRAPHY students from Downend School had the chance to do some real-world learning on a field trip to Wales.

The 128 pupils from Year 11 visited Porthkerry Country Park and beach in late September for some GCSE fieldwork. 

They collected information along the beach, carrying out sediment sampling, beach profiling and field sketches to work out the physical processes that shape the coastal landscape.

Geography teacher Steve Morgan said: “First-hand experience of these techniques and practical application of theory we learn in school is a vital part of the geography curriculum, and it was fantastic to see the students get stuck in and give it a go.

“Everyone collected plenty of data to be analysed back at school, in preparation for the third geography GCSE exam on fieldwork to be sat next June.

“The students were a credit to the school throughout the day, showing excellent behaviour and determination to engage in the activities positively.”