Testing the Waters in the Surrey Hills

Lower Fifth GCSE Geography pupils recently spent three days at Juniper Hall Field Studies Centre in the Surrey Hills with Ms Bower and Miss Costelloe as part of their preparation for the AQA GCSE Geography Paper 3 fieldwork investigations. Set in the heart of the beautiful Box Hill landscape, the centre provided an ideal base for hands-on geographical learning, allowing pupils to experience both urban and physical environments first-hand.

The trip focused on developing essential fieldwork, enquiry, and data-handling skills through two key investigations. In Leatherhead town centre, pupils carried out urban regeneration fieldwork, exploring how the area has changed over time and collecting data to assess the impact of regeneration on environmental quality, land use, and public perception. Pupils used environmental quality surveys, land-use mapping, and questionnaires to build a detailed picture of how successful recent developments have been in improving the town centre.

Alongside this, pupils investigated river processes on the River Tillingbourne, a classic example of a youthful river system within the Surrey Hills. Working in small groups, they applied the Bradshaw Model to examine how river characteristics change downstream. This involved measuring a range of variables including width, depth, velocity, and sediment size using fieldwork equipment such as flow meters, metre rules, and callipers. Pupils also considered how gradient and erosion processes influence the changing nature of the river channel, linking their observations directly to classroom theory.

Throughout the trip, pupils demonstrated excellent engagement with the investigations. They showed strong teamwork, resilience in variable weather conditions, and growing confidence in using fieldwork instruments accurately and safely. Their thoughtful approach to data collection and willingness to refine their methods where necessary reflected a mature understanding of scientific enquiry – key skills for their GCSE assessments. Their conduct both in the field and at Juniper Hall was exemplary, and they were a real credit to the school.

In addition to the academic focus, the trip also gave pupils the opportunity to develop independence and strengthen friendships outside the classroom. Evenings at Juniper Hall provided time to reflect on the day’s investigations, discuss findings in groups, and relax in the peaceful surroundings of the Surrey countryside.

To round off a highly successful trip, pupils gathered together on the final evening for a memorable campfire. As the sun set over the surrounding hills, everyone came together around the fire to toast marshmallows and enjoy a well-earned moment of celebration after two days of hard work in the field. The campfire created a warm and relaxed atmosphere, with laughter, stories from the trip, and plenty of perfectly toasted (and occasionally slightly burnt) marshmallows shared among friends. It was a fitting end to an enriching experience that combined academic learning with lasting memories.

We would like to extend our thanks to Mr Collins for his support throughout the trip, as well as to the Geography and Admin teams at King’s for their help in organising such a successful and valuable experience.