During the year the GCSE and A level Geography students travelled to Magilligan Field Centre to collect geographical data first-hand through fieldwork, this data was then used to help prepare them for their public examinations in May/June.

The Geography GCSE class collected data to investigate the changing characteristics of the Curly Burn in order to support their studies of River Environments. They began their study at the river source near the top of Binevenagh Mountain and stopped another four times downstream collecting data on the river width and depth, velocity and load size and shape. They then used this primary data back in the classroom and applied their Geographical knowledge of the Bradshaw model to explain the patterns observed. Apart from getting stuck in the mud a few times, all pupils managed to successfully get back to school without getting too wet.

The AS class travelled to the Benone Umbra to investigate succession from the beach to the back of the sand dunes. They collected soil samples to investigate how moisture, pH and structure changed from one site to another.  They then applied this information to help explain how this provided the conditions required for plant succession to occur.  Again, another successful day and they even made friends with the local herd of cows.

As well as collecting data, all pupils really enjoyed the opportunity to develop and extend their geographical thinking in the real world instead of being in the classroom, and also improved their teamwork, leadership and communication skills.