Key fieldwork experiences and techniques
Top ten fieldwork experiences to satisfy GCSE Geography skill requirements
A number of areas of the Key Stage Four Programme of Study lend themselves to fieldwork outside the classroom. In many cases, the traditional fieldwork enquiry framework can be followed and utilised to help students acquire investigative skills and become more confident in the research process. In other cases, core content from the GCSE specifications can be taught directly through time in the field in the environments and situations being studied.
The following ten outlines of fieldwork experiences detail a combination of activities that target key fieldwork and enquiry skills alongside knowledge and understanding of important geographical concepts and issues. Though focused primarily on GCSE Geography, teachers may be able to scale elements of the data collection, presentation and analysis phases up or down to suit other key stages. The ten fieldwork experiences cover a range of subject enquiry areas.
How do different stakeholders feel about the way a local habitat should be managed?
How do the characteristics of a river change from source to mouth?
What are the social and environmental impacts of different coastal management schemes?
What impact might international migration have on an urban area?
How are urban retail spaces changing?
To what extent is there a need for regeneration in an urban area?
What factors influence land use in an urban area?
What are the main challenges facing rural areas?
How do buildings affect different elements of a microclimate?
