Last week, our GCSE Geography students took part in five days of enriching fieldwork, with a different group heading out each day. The trips allowed students to dive deep into both physical and human geography, with hands-on learning experiences across Liverpool’s sand dunes and city centre.
Morning: Exploring Physical Geography at Ainsdale Sand Dunes
The mornings were dedicated to physical geography, with students travelling to Ainsdale Beach to investigate the natural landscape. Armed with ranging poles, quadrats, clinometers, and measuring tapes, they measured the changing height of the dunes as they moved inland from the beach towards the old Pontins site. The students also used vegetation identification charts to catalogue various plant species encountered in the dunes, adding an exciting twist by spotting toads in the dune slacks. The experience not only deepened their understanding of coastal processes but also sparked their curiosity about the natural environment.
Lunch at Chavasse Park
After a busy morning, the students enjoyed a well-earned lunch break at Chavasse Park in the heart of Liverpool One. Slim Chickens proved to be the favourite dining spot, attracting many students, and providing a welcome rest before the afternoon’s activities.
Afternoon: Human Geography in Liverpool City Centre
The afternoons focused on human geography, with students exploring five key sites across Liverpool, including the historic Albert Dock, the modern retail hub of Liverpool One, Church Street, and Williamson Square. Their mission was to assess the success of Liverpool One’s regeneration project, gathering valuable data through public questionnaires and environmental surveys at each location. This real-world approach allowed students to engage with local residents, adding depth to their learning about urban regeneration and its impact on the community. Despite covering significant ground on foot, the students remained enthusiastic, enjoying the opportunity to experience the city from a geographical perspective.
Across the week, the students were not only attentive but also actively engaged, with excellent behaviour throughout. Their enthusiasm for fieldwork was clear, and the beautiful weather—sunglasses required every day—made the experience all the more enjoyable. Many students expressed how much they appreciated the chance to learn outside of the classroom, with some already looking forward to future fieldwork opportunities.
