Nettlecombe Court Field Studies Centre was the venue for our A Level field work for the sixth year running. The quality of the teaching at the centre is superb and the geographical knowledge of the tutors is always very impressive. Their familiarity with the local field worksites is invaluable and also reassuring, as they are well aware of any potential risks or hazards.

a new take on beachcombing

Our tutor Ben this year was no exception and I am sure that his enthusiasm for his subject and his relaxed style was welcomed by the girls (as well as by Miss Windsor and me). We decided to stick to a tried and tested selection of locations, so once again Kingsley girls graced the beach at Porlock, the roads of Taunton and the valley of the River Holford.

watery investigations

Although the main aim of the visit was to prepare the girls for their examination in Applied Geographical Skills, many other skills became apparent during the trip. Who would have thought, for example,  that Sophie Drewry could do such a good impression of Dick Whittington as she slung her rucksack in her black bin bag over her shoulder and skipped along the River Holford clicking her heels? Or that Amy Griffin and Ellie Ellis would actually enjoy sliding down the very steep slope to the river in Holford village? It is very reassuring, too, that these sophisticated young ladies were so easily entertained on their long journey home with a game of shopping A to Z led by Miss Windsor ( all except Gina Clifford who was engrossed in her iPod and book).

I was impressed by the willingness of the girls to listen and learn, sometimes in very cold and wet conditions, and hope that they are now able to apply their newly gained knowledge to their examinations and to gain the success they deserve. My sincere thanks to Miss Windsor who was making her third trip to Somerset with me. Her support and enthusiasm are always superb.

L6 geographers with Mrs Bailey and Miss Windsor

J Bailey

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