Year 12 Geography Trip to North Wales: An Unforgettable Adventure

Day 1: Sand Dunes and Seaside Serenity

Our Year 12 Geography students embarked on an exhilarating four-day trip to North Wales, starting with a scenic drive to Talacre. Here, they conducted a comprehensive sand dune survey, utilising ranging poles, clinometers, and quadrats to measure dune angles and catalogue the diverse vegetation types as they moved from the sea inland. The weather was gloriously warm, adding to the pleasure of the day. After a productive session, the students had the chance to unwind on the beach, soaking up the sun and enjoying the serene coastal atmosphere. A delightful surprise visit from Tom's grandparents added a personal touch to the day. Following a lovely lunch on the seafront, the group checked into a cosy hostel in Llanberis. The evening saw them driving to Conway Marina to watch a spectacular sunset. The fun continued with group games like "Guess the Celebrity" and "Guess the Animal," all while enjoying drinks and the beautiful harbour view.

Day 2: Rainy Day Adventures and Iconic Landmarks

Despite the rainy weather, the group's spirits were undamped as they set off for Anglesey. Their first stop was the famously long-named village of Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch. Here, they completed engaging questionnaires and environmental surveys, snapped memorable photos at the train station, and enjoyed hot drinks at a quaint local café. The next adventure was a trek to the Arch of Bwa Du in Rhoscolyn. After walking through charming farmers' fields and making friends with an elderly Dutch man, the group was rewarded with the breathtaking sight of the natural arch. They then explored the dramatic cliffs of Rhoscolyn, marvelling at the geological features. The day's final stop was South Stack Lighthouse. Despite the challenging walk up and down the cliffs, the students eagerly completed more surveys and were thrilled by a tour of the lighthouse. The evening was spent in Caernarfon, where they enjoyed the lively atmosphere while watching an exciting football match between France and Spain.

Day 3: Coastal Surveys and Celebratory Evenings

The third day was dedicated to exploring Llandudno. The morning was spent conducting a beach survey, where students examined coastal management efforts, measured the beach's angle, counted waves, and performed pebble surveys. In the afternoon, they visited five different sites around Llandudno to complete various questionnaires, environmental surveys, and a retail survey. The group also had time for some leisure activities, browsing the shops and enjoying the amusements. Adam's win of a Donkey Kong teddy was a fun highlight. The evening brought an exciting climax as the students gathered to watch England play the Netherlands. With party poppers, flags, and whistles at the ready, they celebrated England’s victory with an enthusiastic and impromptu parade around Caernarfon, singing "Three Lions" in their festively decorated minibus.

Day 4: Slate Museum and Waterfall Wonders

The final day began with a visit to the Slate Museum in Llanberis. Students were fascinated as they watched a demonstration of slate cutting, an exciting experience for any rock enthusiast. The trip's highlight was the visit to Aber Falls. The group embarked on a scenic hike up to the top, taking numerous photos at different picturesque spots around the waterfall. They enjoyed a delightful picnic by the river Afon Goch, making the most of their last day in the beautiful Welsh countryside. The adventure concluded with a drive back to college, the students returning wet and tired but brimming with unforgettable memories from a fantastic four days.

Overall, the Year 12 Geography trip to North Wales was a resounding success, filled with educational insights, thrilling adventures, and wonderful camaraderie. The enthusiasm and participation of our exceptional students made it a truly unforgettable experience.

Day 1: Sand Dunes and Seaside Serenity

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