Although the sky remained overcast, we were fortunate to have dry weather and no wind to speak of, making it ideal for the tasks we had planned for the day.

The boys enthusiastically set to work (if a little erratically at first), measuring beach width, gradient, and particle size. Once the chaos had died down, they soon got to grips with the equipment and adapted well to the methods required. Their groups demonstrated excellent teamwork, with boys sharing roles and responsibilities—a key aspect that will be reflected in the assessment of their completed projects. Throughout the day, there were many moments of cooperation and problem-solving as they navigated the challenges of working in a natural environment, cliff damage from Storm Amy, local fishermen, A Level students and dog walkers!

Of course, a few predictable lessons were learned along the way: water is indeed wet, trainers are not waterproof, data sheets will not write or carry themselves, ranging poles are not ‘boy proof’ and sand, as always, finds its way into everything! Despite these minor inconveniences, the trip was a success, and the data collected will be at the heart of the project write up as we move toward Christmas.

We look forward to seeing the boys continue to apply what they have learned from this crucial hands-on experience in the classroom.

Steve Leslie
Head of Geography