FROM COAST TO COAST: HNC GEOGRAPHERS EXPLORE UK COASTAL LANDSCAPES
25.04.2024A Level Geography students from HNC have recently undertaken field trips as part of their studies of the UK’s varied coastline from the waterfront city of Liverpool to the rugged coastal landscapes of the east coast.
In A Level Geography, lessons learned in the classroom are brought to life through a variety of field trips that see students gain first-hand experience of the topics discussed in lessons. Not only does this help to contextualise the knowledge developed in the classroom in preparation for examinations, it also builds invaluable research skills that supports progression beyond HNC. This April has seen both Year 12 and Year 13 students explore very different stretches of the UK’s coastline, with Year 13 students visiting the city of Liverpool, famously located on the Mersey estuary, and Year 12 students exploring a stretch of coastline, from Selwicks Bay to Scarborough.
In Liverpool, the group explored the redevelopment that has seen Liverpool’s waterfront undertake extensive modernisation, from the Royal Albert Dock to the Museum of Liverpool, discovering more about the famous city’s historical, cultural, sporting, and political history. Students also explored the retail-led regeneration taking place in the city, visiting the city’s flagship shopping centre, Liverpool One. The visit to Liverpool’s urban waterfront landscape directly underpins the knowledge needed for their final exams and a provided an opportunity to explore one of the most famous cities in the UK.
Year 12 students visiting the east coast found a very different part of the English coastline, visiting the cliffs and beaches of Selwicks Bay and Flamborough Head, and the seaside resort town of Scarborough. Following on from the topic ‘Coastal Systems and Landscapes’, this was an opportunity to broaden their understanding of this important topic, from studying the natural coastal forms to the man-made defences that help to slow down coastal erosion. On the day of the fieldtrip, due to the recent unseasonal weather, a recent landslide on the steps down to Selwicks Bay made for an interesting case study, giving the group a first-hand experience of the changing topography of the coast, and the important role the weather plays in shaping the landscape. The day ended with a trip to the famous seaside resort of Scarborough, where the group observed the multi-million pound coastal defences, as well as enjoying some well earned time in Scarborough as tourists.
Stuart Ogden, Faculty Lead Enlighten Humanities, comments “Despite our annual field trips taking place in April, our students from across Years 12 and 13 battled some extreme weather to explore two of the UK’s best known, albeit vastly different, coastal landscapes. Both trips have provided our students with invaluable experiences that will inform both their case study work and the knowledge needed for their exams, as well as providing skills in research and fieldwork that will benefit them far beyond the classroom. Our students were incredibly enthusiastic despite the challenging weather conditions and were excellent ambassadors for the College.”
You can view a gallery of images from the trips below.
New Hey Road, Huddersfield, HD3 4GL
