Year 12 students recently visited Liverpool. Students studied various aspects of Geography relevant to their A-level syllabus which will prepare them for the non-examined assessed coursework element of the course. They learnt a number of fieldwork techniques in order to collect data to test theory.  The piece was written by students Lexi, Emily, Finlay, Sam and Jakub.

As a student of A-level geography, one of the most exciting and rewarding parts of the curriculum is the fieldwork that is required. Recently, I had the opportunity to participate in a fieldwork trip to Liverpool and Formby, where I was able to observe and analyze both human and physical geography in action.

In Liverpool, we were able to explore the city's waterfront, where we studied the impact of urbanization on the environment. We examined the development of the city's docks and the impact this had on the natural ecology of the area. We also analyzed the impact of tourism on the city, looking at how visitor numbers have increased over the years and how this has affected the local economy.

But it was our trip to Formby that really brought the physical geography of the area to life. Formby is a beautiful coastal town located just north of Liverpool, and we spent a day exploring the sand dunes and beach. We studied the formation of the sand dunes and how they are shaped by the wind and the tides. We also looked at how the dunes support a unique ecosystem of plants and animals, including the rare Natterjack Toad.

One of the most interesting aspects of our fieldwork was the opportunity to use a range of data collection techniques to gather information. We used digital technology to monitor climates, photography, and even looked at ph of the dune material to collect data on the physical features of the area. We also conducted surveys and interviews to better understand the impact of human activity on the environment.

Overall, the experience was incredibly valuable, both in terms of deepening our understanding of the topics covered in the curriculum and in developing our skills in data collection and analysis. It was also a great opportunity to work collaboratively with our classmates and other students from the trust schools and to apply what we have learned in the classroom to real-world situations. I am grateful for the opportunity and look forward to future fieldwork trips.