Bringing Classroom Learning to Life

Year 8 Geography Students enjoyed a day at West Wittering Beach to bring to life classroom learning on coastal landforms and coastal management. 

Armed with ranging poles, clinometers, tape measures and plant identification sheets, students worked brilliantly as teams to carry out a transect across the sand dunes to see how sand dunes change with distance from the sea.  Drawing on the expertise of the Chichester Harbour Conservancy staff, students also examined coastal management strategies used to protect West Wittering from erosion and flooding and students discussed the pros and cons of groynes, beach nourishment, sand dune regeneration and rip rap. 

After lunch students worked in teams to create some wonderful sand dune sculptures which they expertly presented to a panel of judges.  The knowledge they had gained and the creativity they showed was great to see.

Throughout the day, students impressed staff with their enthusiasm, teamwork, and thoughtful questions. The weather was mostly kind, the views were beautiful, and despite some sandy shoes, everyone returned with a much deeper understanding of coastal geography!

A huge thank you to all staff who helped make the trip possible — and to parents and carers for your continued support. 

Megs Wilburn, Team Leader of Geography