Mapping Success:  Year 11 Geographers Take on Preston

Year 11 Geography Students Complete Urban Fieldwork in Preston.  A report by Mr Metcalfe, Head of Humanities

Last week, our Year 11 Geography students took part in an exciting and important piece of their GCSE studies: their Urban Fieldwork Study, based in Preston City Centre. With clipboards, maps, and survey sheets in hand, the students set out to investigate two key enquiry questions:
Does the land use of Preston become more varied as you move along a 2km transect from the suburbs into the CBD (Central Business District)?

Does the environmental quality of Preston improve as you move along a 2km transect from the suburbs into the CBD?

Working with exemplary effort, the students showed real respect, maturity, and diligence throughout the day. Their hard work and behaviour were a credit to both themselves and the school. Staff and members of the public alike commented on their positive attitude, enthusiasm, and polite manners.

During the fieldwork, students completed detailed environmental quality surveys at regular points along the transect. These surveys allowed them to assess factors such as litter, building maintenance, noise levels, and overall cleanliness. Alongside this, students carried out RICEPOTS land use surveys – recording and categorising different types of land use such as residential areas, offices, shops, entertainment venues, and public spaces.

Collecting real-world data provided students with valuable insights into how urban areas like Preston are structured and how environmental quality can change between the suburbs and the busy city centre. By gathering their own evidence, they will now be able to draw meaningful conclusion, helping them to better understand key urban concepts in their GCSE course.

The next steps for the students are just as important: they will now be writing up their fieldwork in their Geography lessons, supported by their teachers. This will not only strengthen their overall understanding but will also be vital preparation for their Paper 3 exam in the summer, where fieldwork skills and enquiry-based questions play a major role.

I would like to thank all the students and Mrs Kursitis and Mrs Simpson for accompanying the students and providing essential support throughout the day. Their guidance helped ensure that the fieldwork ran smoothly and safely, giving every student the best possible opportunity to succeed.

We are incredibly proud of how our students represented the school during this important academic experience. Fieldwork is an essential part of becoming a well-rounded geographer, and it was fantastic to see so many students engaging with their surroundings and applying what they have learned in the classroom to the real world.

Well done to all our Year 11 Geography students – we look forward to seeing your excellent fieldwork write-ups and supporting you further as you prepare for your final exams!