Slapton Sands Trip
Headington Rye’s GCSE Geographers set off on a field trip to Slapton, Devon, where they explored the stunning landscapes of South Hams through both human and physical Geography studies.
Despite it being late February, the sun shone brightly, making for an enjoyable and productive experience.
The trip’s main focus was conducting rural geography fieldwork, investigating the quality of life in Slapton and assessing how geographical factors shape daily living.
Data collection included environmental quality assessments, surveys, and observational studies, allowing students to engage directly with the community and develop a deeper understanding of the area’s social and economic dynamics.
A key aspect of the trip was the examination of coastal management strategies at Slapton Sands.
Students sought to answer the pressing question: How can we evaluate the success of coastal management? This stretch of coastline has faced significant challenges from erosion and storm damage, leading to various interventions such as beach replenishment and sea defences.
Through measuring beach profiles and assessing historical changes, students critically evaluated the effectiveness of different management techniques. Discussions centred on the sustainability of hard engineering versus managed retreat, balancing environmental and economic concerns.
Mr David Cunningham, Head of Geography, said: “Fieldwork is an essential part of studying Geography, and our students truly embraced the challenge.
“Seeing them apply classroom knowledge in a real-world setting was fantastic.”
Beyond academics, the trip fostered teamwork and personal development, as students collaborated on data collection and analysis. The breathtaking coastal and rural scenery served as an inspiring backdrop for learning.
Lily, a GCSE student, said: “It was amazing to see Geography in action! We learned so much while enjoying the beautiful coastline—it really brought our studies to life.”
Mr Cunningham said: “The field trip was a resounding success, reinforcing the importance of geography in understanding and addressing contemporary challenges.
“With valuable data gathered and memorable experiences gained, students returned with a greater appreciation for the landscapes and communities they studied.”
