Ark Alexandra Academy’s Year 11 Geography students recently took their GCSE learning into the real world, completing their required fieldwork investigations in Hastings beach and town centre.
Students investigated two key enquiry questions: “Does longshore drift occur in Hastings?” and “Has regeneration been successful in Hastings?”
Working across the coastline and town centre, students collected a range of primary data to support their investigations. This included measuring groyne heights, calculating the rate of longshore drift, completing environmental quality surveys and conducting questionnaires with members of the public.
The fieldwork provides an important opportunity for students to apply the geographical concepts and investigative techniques they have developed in the classroom. It will also support their preparation for GCSE Geography Paper 3, which assesses their geographical skills and fieldwork knowledge.
The academy would like to thank the many members of the public who generously gave their time to answer students’ questions and contribute to their investigations.
The fieldwork was supported by Mr Jones and Mr Hodgson from Helenswood Campus, and Mr Rogers and Mr Reuter from William Parker Campus. “Our students approached their fieldwork with real enthusiasm and maturity. They represented Ark Alexandra exceptionally well throughout the day, showing excellent behaviour and professionalism while carrying out their investigations in the local community. It was fantastic to see them applying the geographical skills they have developed in the classroom to a real-world setting.”
With their practical investigations now complete, Ark Alexandra’s Year 11 geographers can draw on their first-hand experience of Hastings as they continue their preparation for their GCSE examinations.
