Last week, many students at Bow School had the amazing opportunity to go on a geography field trip to Holkham Hall and Hunstanton. Both within Norfolk and far away from London.

Bow School is a state school within the borough of Tower Hamlets. In preparation for GCSE exams, Year 10s have embarked out to interesting locations to learn more about their course and put their learning into action. Over 2 days, the Year 10s went to Epping Forest, to study Loughton Brook, and Holkham Hall, to understand rural diversification and Hunstanton, to learn about retreating cliffs. 

 

Having asked a Year 10 about their experience, they stated:



“I have never done anything like this before. I truly had fun and will never forget this experience. Not only did I learn about river processes and the formation of cliffs, but I made unforgettable memories with friends.”

 

 

It is wonderful that these Year 10 students, who are usually confined to the urban landscape of London, only visiting places like Stratford, are now able to break away and escape into the refuge of nature for a short stay. Another Year 10 student stated that:


“I would definitely go again.”

 

The importance of the trip

 

Next year, these students will reach Year 11. By that time, they will have to complete their GCSE examinations — some of the most important exams of their life. Geography is a great option to study for GCSEs. However, some elements of it are more practical. In fact, the exam board that Bow School uses for their Geography examinations, have an entire section on their paper about fieldwork. Thus, it is essential that students can get out there and be hands-on. So they are fully prepared for their examinations to the best of their ability.

 

Not only that, but it is amazing that the students had the chance to go on this trip. It allowed them to enjoy a few days with friends and in the countryside, admiring what the subject of Geography is quintessentially about. 

 

One student has told me:

 

“The trip has really enlightened me on the subject. I now enjoy it a lot more and feel completely ready for any questions my exam board can throw at me.

 

It is a lot better to have in-person experience, compared to just being taught it.”

 

Epping Forest is home to beautiful forestry and a fascinating river that the students had the chance to study. Hunstanton is home to stunning cliffs, which the students were able to visit. Not only seeing them with their own eyes, compared to just images at school but truly understanding how they were formed over time and what could likely happen to them in the near future.