The field trip to Juniper Hall was a real opportunity for us all, in both academic and social terms. It helped our learning and meant we got to know everyone who is in their first year of A level Geography and not just the people in our own class.

Out in the field we got to experience what it is like for geographers who are engaging in research and collecting primary data.  We visited the market town of Leatherhead where we investigated regeneration and worked in teams collecting data to see if the regeneration carried out so far has been a success.  The practical work we carried out was essential in our understanding of urban landscapes and how places are dynamic and constantly changing as their function changes. Learning practical new skills was extremely useful for us because part of the Geography A level includes coursework based on fieldwork.  The staff at Juniper Hall were amazing and helped us to analyse our data and showed us how to evaluate our data collection methods.

For our coastal fieldwork we went to Newhaven and Seaford.  Luckily it was a dry day but the wind was quite strong, the sea rough and it was chilly.  Everyone, though was motivated and we made the most of the chance to examine the coastal processes operating at both places.  We worked hard in class on our return each day but there was a chance to relax, too, with football games outside and table football and air hockey indoors.  

As I checked my dormitory on the last day (to make sure I hadn't left anything behind) I found myself wondering what other people had thought about the field trip.  I hope to be a journalist so I decided to interview some of my fellow students.  This is what my interviewees said:

 “It was really nice to spend more time with new people – students in my year group who I didn’t know.” Rhea

“It was a new experience. My favourite part of the trip was Leatherhead.” Nicole

“I thought the trip would be good but it exceeded my expectations.  I enjoyed both the work itself, like being on Newhaven Beach and measuring beach profiles, and the relaxation time and mixing with other Y1 students.” Luke

I would personally say the field trip was an exciting experience.  Thank you to Helena and the other members of staff who gave up their time to come along.

Stefania Balint (Student) - October 2018