Geography

I have thoroughly enjoyed my term covering the Head of Geography position at Beechwood, and have been impressed with the level of engagement across the year groups in all things geographic at Beechwood. Whilst some year groups have been studying subjects further afield, a particular highlight for me this term has been Top Form’s investigations into micro climates on our own school site.

Top Form Field Work and Micro climates

This term in Geography pupils in the Top Form have been investigating and writing up individual fieldwork projects on micro climates which they researched from around the school grounds.

Working in small groups pupils measured various aspects of the weather at different sites including the back field, Orchard Green and the Astro. They compared these results to readings taken from the roof top weather station over the same period. Pupils used their knowledge of micro climates to formulate hypotheses, such as that the North Courtyard would be less windy owing to it being surrounded by buildings, or that a rain gauge located in the woods would receive less rainfall because the vegetation canopy intercepts the rainfall. Impressively, most pupils predictions were proved correct by their data and the school grounds were found to have very different micro-climates with marked variations of temperature, wind speed, and rainfall readings at each of the sites. Great care was taken over the methods of data collection to ensure the validity of pupils’ results and the accuracy of their conclusions. Pupils showed excellent responsibility and team working skills when collecting data, and great perseverance when writing up their projects.

This experience gave pupils a taste of the fieldwork enquiry process and was thoroughly enjoyed by all.

Top Form Geographers additionally took time out from their Global Location revision to learn about urban greening and the ecological importance of planting trees at the tree planting event this term. What is Urban Greening? It has been defined as “public landscaping and urban forestry projects that create mutually beneficial relationships between city dwellers and their environments”. In short, it’s making urban spaces green. And whilst Beechwood is not considered “urban”, this was an interesting exercise for pupils - and staff - to explore the importance of trees in all environments. Pupils were led on a tour of the Woods by Forest School Teacher, Mrs Le Bas, followed by planting out some young saplings. This experience helped their awareness of the important role of trees in regulating temperatures through providing shade, attracting wildlife, reducing noise, visual screening and lowering the risk of flood risk particularly in built up areas. Pupils thoroughly enjoyed the unusual opportunity to create their own legacy; it is hoped they will be able to return to the school to see the tree they planted well into the future.

Other year groups have impressed me hugely with their work in Geography - Year 5’s global location knowledge is developing brilliantly through their study of the countries of Europe - including locations, capital cities and the relative shapes of different countries, as well as a perennial favourite - flags! Thank you to Year 5 teachers for developing a love of Geography in the pupils!

Mr Orme