Ash Manor School

Ash Manor Blog

Learning Outside the Classroom

By Mr Roseveare, Head of Geography

 Geography is about developing a curiosity in the world around us. My favourite lessons are when we take the students outside the classroom to engage in their learning. We are lucky at Ash Manor School to be able to provide this opportunity to complete ‘fieldwork’ in Year 7, Year 9 and Year 11.

 Year 7 Fieldwork: Micro-climates at Ash Manor School

In Year 7 we introduce our students to the concept of a geographical fieldwork enquiry. This involves generating a hypothesis, collecting data, presenting data, analysis of the data and finally conclusions. This is done in the Summer term on the school site using specialist equipment that is loaned to us by the Royal Meteorological Society.

 Year 9 Fieldwork: Ecosystems at Kew Gardens

 For our Year 9 students the fieldwork day involves exploring the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew. In the Autumn term our students study world ecosystems including a detailed focus on areas of tropical rainforest including the Amazon Rainforest as a case study. The students engage in a 90-minute fieldwork session delivered by Kew experts in the iconic ‘Palm House’. Students carry out detailed climate and soil assessments using specialised equipment which allows them to compare the outdoor environment with the environment inside the glass Palm House. This includes taking air temperature, soil temperature, humidity and light readings. 

Year 11 Fieldwork: Two Day GCSE Residential to North Somerset

Our Year 11 students enjoy a residential trip to North Somerset to stay in the Field Studies Centre at Nettlecoombe Court. The centre nestles on the edge of Exmoor National Park and parts of the historic main building are over 400 years old. The centre provides specialist equipment, expert instructors and ensures our students maximise their time in the field.  

Day one: Human Geography – Urban Regeneration
Students carry out detailed environmental quality assessments which allow them to record and then evaluate the success of urban regeneration projects in the market town of Taunton.  

 

 

Day two: Physical Geography – Effects of Longshore Drift on a Shingle Beach
Our Geographers study the stunning shingle ridge at Porlock Bay. They test the hypothesis that physical processes will mean that the beach sediment (the pebbles) will be smaller and rounder at the Eastern end of the beach. They also profile (accurately measure) the beach to establish if the size and gradient changes.

 

We hope that this opportunity to engage in fieldwork outside the classroom leaves lasting positive memories for our students. They are certainly the days that we remember!

 Mr Roseveare, Head of Geography

 

 

Previous Blogs - 2025/26

Culture Day - Nov 2025
Library Blog - Nov 2025
MFL Blog - Nov 2025
Personal Development Day - Oct 2025
Silver DofE Training Expedition - Oct 2025 
English Blog - Sept 25

    

Academic Year 2024/2025

 



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