Geology and Geography students at Solihull Sixth Form College attended a residential visit to Dorset recently to undertake fieldwork as part of their A level courses.
A group of 27 learners on the A level Geology and Geography courses visited the UNESCO Jurassic Coast World Heritage site in Dorset in early December. The three-day field course saw students visit Lulworth Cove, Kimmeridge Bay, Peveril Point and the seaside town of Swanage to complete fieldwork. The A level Geology students were also treated to a visit to the Spyway Dinosaur Footprints at Keates Quarry.
Among the fieldwork completed on the trip was an analysis of beach sediment and beach profiles for Geography students, while the Geologists took measurements of dip and strike in the Purbeck limestone beds and investigated the cliffs formed during the Jurassic period. There were also follow-up evening classroom activities involving the analysis of the fieldwork completed during the day.
Geography teacher Helen Evans commented:
“The students really enjoyed the trip. Many A level Geography students were able to collect their primary data for their (NEA) coursework report. Fieldwork is a compulsory and enjoyable part of both A level courses, helping students to deepen their knowledge and understanding, while also building wider skills of teamwork, communication and resilience that will prove so valuable in their future studies and careers.”
Curriculum Leader for Humanities (that includes A level Geology and A level Geography) Beccy Clay added:
“We are delighted to offer our young people the opportunity to get out of the classroom whenever possible. The fieldwork visit really stretched their learning, by providing them with an environment unlike anything we have in the West Midlands.”
15 December 2023