Year 11 Geographers' River Study Fieldwork
Tuesday 16th September 2025 … pupils brave the elements!
On Tuesday, our Year 11 Geography pupils ventured out to complete the physical aspect of their compulsory fieldwork, undertaking a detailed river study despite the unpredictable September weather. The trip was a vital part of their GCSE course, offering hands-on experience with geographical data collection and analysis. The pupils showed remarkable humour and resilience throughout the day, especially given the wet conditions. While Monday and Wednesday brought torrential downpours and strong winds, we were exceptionally lucky with the weather on Tuesday - just enough drizzle to keep things interesting, but not enough to dampen spirits!
During the study, students measured three-quarters of the river’s width, its depth, and velocity. One surprising moment came when metre sticks visibly bent under the pressure of just 22cm of water - an unexpected reminder of the river’s force. Pupils also investigated sediment size at two different sites to explore how the river’s characteristics change as it flows downstream. These practical investigations helped bring classroom theory to life and sparked plenty of curiosity and discussion.
A huge thank you goes to the staff who supported the trip and ensured everything ran smoothly: Mr Florentine, Miss Hunter, Mr Ellis, Miss Woof, and Mr Farrow.
Wednesday 24th September 2025 … the weather was on our side!
On Wednesday, the second half of our Year 11 Geography pupils ventured out into the great outdoors to complete the physical aspect of their compulsory fieldwork - a river study designed to investigate how a river changes as it moves downstream. Thankfully, the weather was on our side this time, with no rain and even a few welcome rays of sunshine breaking through the clouds! The fieldwork is a vital part of the GCSE Geography curriculum, giving pupils the opportunity to apply classroom learning to real-world environments. Working in small groups, students were tasked with organising their workload and collecting data at various points along the river. Their investigations focused on changes in river width, depth, velocity, and sediment size - all key indicators of how a river evolves from source to mouth.
It was fantastic to see pupils engaging so enthusiastically with the practical side of their studies. Many demonstrated excellent teamwork and problem-solving skills as they navigated the challenges of fieldwork, from measuring flow rates to recording observations accurately. The experience not only reinforced their understanding of physical geography but also helped build confidence in working collaboratively and independently.
A huge thank you goes to the dedicated staff who supported the trip and ensured everything ran smoothly: Mr Florentine, Miss Hunter, Mr Awais, Miss Leaper and Mrs Wane.
Well done to all involved - a successful day of learning, exploration, and sunshine!
Mrs Wortley
