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Posted on November 11th 2024
Year 11 Geography Fieldwork Trip to Whitstable
Whitstable, a charming seaside town on the north coast of Kent, recently played host to a group of enthusiastic Year 11 GCSE Geography students.
Armed with their booklets, measuring tapes, and an insatiable curiosity, our students embarked on a fieldwork adventure that brought their studies to life!
As the students stepped off the coach, they were greeted by the salty sea breeze and the sight of Whitstable's famous shingle beach. The purpose of their visit? To investigate the dynamic processes shaping coastal landscapes. Their first task was to observe and record the characteristics of the beach. They noted the gradient, sediment size, and the presence of groynes—structures built to prevent longshore drift.
Whitstable's coastline isn't just shaped by natural processes - human activities also play a significant role. The students examined the impact of coastal management strategies, such as the installation of groynes and sea walls, on sediment distribution and coastal erosion. They discussed the opportunities and challenges of these interventions, considering how they affect both the natural environment and local communities.
In the afternoon, our students embarked upon their human investigation – studying the impact of tourism in the local town. The geographers conducted environmental quality assessments, pedestrian counts, measured noise levels using decibel readers and surveyed local residents to find out their opinions.
After a day of data collection and analysis, the geographers shared their findings, compared notes, and discussed the broader implications of their work. The fieldwork to Whitstable not only provided valuable practical experience but also deepened their understanding of geographical concepts and their real-world applications.
During the visit, the students made quite an impression on the local community. One resident remarked: "The students were incredibly well-behaved and an absolute credit to the school. It was a pleasure to see such enthusiasm and respect for our town."
In conclusion, the visit to Whitstable was an unforgettable learning experience for the Year 11 GCSE Geography students. It fostered a greater appreciation for the complexities of coastal systems and the interplay between natural processes and human activities.
