Year 11 Geography Field Trip to Christchurch Bay - September 2025

On the 26th, 29th, and 30th of September, 154 Year 11 Geography students took part in an exciting and educational field trip to Christchurch Bay. The trip focused on two key locations: Hengistbury Head and Naish Farm near Barton-on-Sea. The aim was to investigate how coastal management affects both natural coastal processes and the communities living nearby.

Students worked in small groups to complete a range of fieldwork tasks, including drawing detailed field sketches, conducting bipolar analyses, and reviewing the coastal defences in place at each site. One of the highlights was creating beach profiles using specialist equipment such as ranging poles, clinometers, and measuring tapes. These activities helped students understand how longshore drift operates and how it differs between protected and unprotected beaches.

The trip also gave students the chance to explore the local geography in depth. After completing their investigations, they enjoyed a short hike up Hengistbury Head, where they were rewarded with stunning views across Mudeford Spit.

It was a valuable experience that brought classroom learning to life and helps prepare students for their GCSE Geography exams next summer.