10 RIGS FOR GEOGRAPHY EDUCATION CAROLINE MARKHAM The Geography National Curriculum at Key Stage 3 (11–14 years) indicates that pupils should, ‘In their study of countries and themes carry out field work investigations outside the classroom.’ It may help those responsible for RIGS to understand the form that these field investigations may take when using geological and geomorphological sites. Data on site record sheets of particular value to teachers includes details on the geology/geomorphology of the site, access information and hazard assessment. Geological/geomorphological information has obvious benefits for educational visits to sites. The most straightforward field trip is the closed study, exemplified by a visit to Nacton Shore in October 2004 with Amberfield School Year 7 pupils (10–11 years). Here, horizontally bedded London Clay (Harwich Formation) clays, mudstone beds and ash bands exhibit a series of normal faults with downthrow on the east in exposures
Figure 1. An Amberfield School student demonstrates the displacement of a mudstone band by a fault in the London Clay at Nacton Shore. The fault may be seen above and to the left of her and is dipping at about 45°. Note also thin pale coloured beds of decomposed volcanic ash within the clay.