Exploring the River Chess

The focus of the trip was to explore the physical and human aspects of the river. Students measured critical variables such as the river’s width, depth, velocity, and discharge. They also examined the impacts of human activities on the river and discussed strategies for managing flooding in the area. These investigations are a vital part of the GCSE Geography curriculum, allowing students to connect theoretical knowledge from the classroom with practical, real-world applications.

One of the highlights of the day was wading into the river to collect data, giving students a memorable and interactive experience. Equipped with waders and waterproof notebooks, they practiced teamwork and problem-solving while observing the river’s natural processes up close. The trip also emphasized the ecological importance of chalk streams, fostering an appreciation for this rare and fragile environment.

This field trip not only met key learning objectives but also made geography come alive for our students. By engaging directly with the environment, they gained valuable insights into river systems, flooding, and data collection techniques, all of which will support their GCSE assessments.

We are proud of how our students embraced the challenges of fieldwork and look forward to seeing them apply what they learned in their studies. A big thank you to the Field Studies Centre leader for their expertise and to everyone who made the day a success!