Geology & Geography Students Visit Dorset for Fieldwork

Geology and Geography learners from Solihull Sixth Form College undertook a residential field visit to the Jurassic Coast in Dorset recently to undertake fieldwork as part of their A level courses.

A group of 25 learners studying A level Geology and Geography visited the UNESCO Jurassic Coast World Heritage site in Dorset in early December. The four-day field course saw students investigate the physical environment of Lulworth Cove, Durdle Door, Studland Sand Dunes and the seaside town of Swanage to complete human geography fieldwork. The A level Geology students were also treated with visits to the Spyway Dinosaur Footprints at Keates Quarry and the Etches Collection Fossil Museum in Kimmeridge.

Among the varied fieldwork opportunities undertaken were measurements of dip and strike in the Purbeck limestone beds and investigating what shapes Swanage’s identity and meaning. There were also follow-up evening classroom activities involving the analysis of the fieldwork completed during the day.

Geography teacher Helen Evans commented:

"Our students had an amazing, team experience. Fieldwork is a compulsory and enjoyable part of both A level courses, helping students to deepen their subject 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. Residential fieldwork opportunities really stretch our students learning, by providing them with an environment unlike anything we have in the West Midlands."

12 December 2025