Earth Studies learners at Solihull Sixth Form College attended a residential fieldtrip recently to undertake fieldwork as part of their A level courses.
31 learners on the A level Geography and Geology courses visited the UNESCO Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site in Dorset. The three-day field course, undertaken with the guidance of Barry Cullimore from Geofieldwork Ltd, included a busy programme of activities, starting with a visit to Lulworth Cove to investigate the impact of wave energy on beach development and to understand the environments of deposition of the rocks forming this unique coastline.
On day two, learners took measurements on the sand dune ecosystems of Studland Bay in order to complement their studies on the impact of humans on coastal environments, and observed the coastal engineering used to mitigate the effects of rising sea levels in Swanage Bay. Whilst Geology learners visited Peveril Point to observe folded rock structures, Geography learners undertook a survey of Swanage and its facilities as a coastal holiday town.
On their last day, learners went fossil hunting at Kimmeridge Bay and investigated the geological structures that allow oil to be exploited in this area. A particular highlight of the trip was the moonlit walk to Keates Quarry, where students were able to follow in the footsteps of Jurassic dinosaurs whose footprints and trackways are found there.
Curriculum Leader for Humanities, Karen Greaves, commented:
“It was a great trip. Residential fieldwork not only allows learners to develop their knowledge and understanding for their A level courses, but also enables them to build wider skills of teamwork, communication and resilience that are so valuable for their future studies and careers.”
13 December 2022