Nettlecombe Court

FIELD STUDIES COUNCIL A-Level Geography Course Programme Nettlecombe Court

SMALL GROUP COURSE 26th November 2017 – 30th November 2018 or 3rd – 7th December 2018

This set programme is provisional and subject to change Day 1: Day 2: Day 3: Day 4: Day 5:

Arrive: 12.30 Location: Location: Location: Location: Location: Depart: 13.00 (Lunch not Minehead Porlock Bay Minehead Porlock Bay or NC Estate (Lunch provided) Minehead Provided) Transport: Transport: Transport: Transport: Transport: Transport: Transport: Own coach 14.30 – NC Coach NC Coach 10.30– NC Coach 10.30 None req. Own coach 17.00 10.30 – 17.00 13.00 – 17.00

Day AM PM EVE 1 Students will be greeted by their The nature and importance of places Introduction to qualitative tutor, with a welcome talk followed data analysis by a brief tour of the Centre. Creswell (2008) defined place within geography Allocation of wellies and waterproofs. as a ‘meaningful segment of geographical space’. Exploring the town of Minehead, students will be introduced to the concept of Using the data collected in the place and its importance within geography afternoon students will explore through experiential fieldwork. ways to present and analyse their qualitative data. Fieldwork may include: Narratives, sound mapping, field sketching, activity mapping, rephotography, emotional mapping Secondary research: Historical and current census data, historical photographs,

Fieldwork site(s): Minehead

2 Coastal systems and landscapes – Processes and landforms Geographical Skills An investigation into the West Somerset Coastline as a localised coastal system On return to centre: Students will visit the West Somerset coastal landscape to gain detailed knowledge of the

development of the coastline. By analysis of the character of the coastline they will determine possible reasons behind the development of the landform features present and  Chi Squared statistical test the links to system processes. on sediment data  Drawing cliff profiles or Fieldwork can include: Beach profiles, sediment analysis, field sketches, annotated beach profiles. photographs, cliff profiles  Evaluation of Secondary research: BGS Geology maps, FSC Nettlecombe long term beach profile data, methodology and Plymouth Coastal Observatory data investigation process.

 Field site(s): Porlock Bay (40 mins – transport required) Generating potential NEA questions by reviewing the day’s fieldwork. 3 Planning fieldwork investigation Coastal systems and landscapes Students will be introduced to the Independent Investigation requirements and will An investigation into the shoreline be guided through the route to enquiry and the planning process. management plan at Minehead Choose an area of the specification, either physical or human, to focus for the The North Devon and Somerset Coastal independent investigation: (large groups booking may choose two or more areas for Advisory Group (2010) state that the a visit to enable students a wider range of choice of areas of study. Tutors will discuss touristy seaside town of Minehead is the options for NEA data collection sites when designing your program)

managed using a “Hold the Line” Possible areas of the specification to choose to do your fieldwork skills on: approach. After identifying a suitable Coastal systems and landscapes (Porlock Bay or Minehead) hypothesis, students will select

FSC Nettlecombe Court, The Leonard Wills Field Centre, Williton, Taunton, Somerset, TA4 4HT Tel: 01984 640320 Website: www.field-studies-council.org/centres/nettlecombecourt.aspx Email: [email protected] FIELD STUDIES COUNCIL A-Level Geography Course Programme Nettlecombe Court

fieldwork techniques to investigate why Changing places (Minehead) Minehead is managed using this approach, the effectiveness of the Students will be given an opportunity to start planning their Independent management and the effect of the Investigation, developing and researching their chosen area of study and data collection methods in preparation for the data collection day. If completing a practice management on the natural coastline investigation this could be incorporated into an evening session and half day data and the stakeholders. collection.

Fieldwork can include: Flood risk mapping, bipolar evaluations, cost benefit analysis, conflict matrix, questionnaires, field sketch, annotated photographs, beach profiles

Secondary research: BGS Geology maps, Plymouth Coastal Observatory data, NDASCAG shoreline management plans, newspaper articles, Environment Agency flood risk maps.

Field site(s): Minehead (20 mins – transport required)

Geography fieldwork investigation Data Presentation 4 Choose an area of the specification, either physical or human, to focus for the Independent Students will collate and Investigation: (large groups booking may choose two or more areas for a visit to enable process their data, FSC field students a wider range of choice of areas of study. Tutors will discuss the options for NEA teachers provide support with data collection sites when designing your program) appropriate techniques and using digital technologies to Possible areas of the specification to choose to do your fieldwork skills on: create sophisticated data Coastal systems and landscapes (Minehead or Porlock Bay) presentation. Changing places (Minehead)

Field Data Collection During this day students will work individually or within groups, as appropriate, to collect initial primary field data. They will be supported by the FSC field teachers to review data and methods of collection as well as provide guidance on health and safety, equipment and environmental issues. Students will have opportunity to:  Begin data collection, reflecting on and improving the methods used.  Observe and record phenomena and data variables according to their data design framework  Demonstrate their practical knowledge and skill in handing data collection technologies and equipment  Build their understanding of the concepts underlying and processes operating within the real world environment

Fieldwork site(s) will be dependent on students projects and staff availability: , Porlock Bay (40 mins – transport required), Minehead (20 mins – transport required). 5 Follow up from geography Course ends at 1230 fieldwork investigation

Students will have an opportunity to start writing up the investigation including:

 Methodologies  Data presentation (including where possible use of ArcGIS)  Data analysis (including statistics)

What is included in the fee?  Up to 10 hours of tuition a day  Expert tuition, from fully trained staff  Full board accommodation. Catering includes cooked breakfast, packed lunch, homemade cakes and evening meal.  Use of facilities including workrooms, recreational space, ICT and centre grounds  Established health and safety procedures and 24 hour emergency cover  Access to specialist equipment and resources  Support before and following the course 

Tuition is delivered by talented teachers, with not only an expert knowledge of their subject and field work locations, but a passion for the subject being taught. Our education team are fully DBS checked, and undergo a regular and rigorous training process. All tutors have received training in first aid, risk assessment and water safety.

Course options listed in this booklet can be selected to put together a programme designed to meet the requirements of your specification. However, if you need something that is not catered for in the field work investigations, please contact us to discuss possible alternatives.

External Recognition of Quality

Nettlecombe Court has been awarded the Quality Badge by The Council for Learning Outside the Classroom. The badge is awarded to organisations that have demonstrated that they consistently deliver high quality teaching and learning experiences and manage risk effectively.

This means that you will have to complete less paperwork when visiting our centre 

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Email us at: [email protected]

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