Day 1

After a 4 and a half hour journey we arrived at Nettlecombe Court. After getting settled, we headed into Minehead to be introduced to place geography in the field. Having looked at narratives, 8 ways of thinking and mood mapping we undertook mood mapping in 2 locations in Minehead. Back at the centre students had a GIS workshop using the data they had previously collected to look at trends. After dinner SM taught us how to play Ligretto- a game that became competitive very quickly!!

Day 2

After breakfast we had a briefing before heading to Porlock bay to look at coastal processes. Students undertook beach profiles and sediment analysis at 2 contrasting locations to look at the effect of longshore drift along the coast. Back at the centre we had a session on statistical analysis looking at how data can be analysed using Chi Squared and Mann Whitney U tests. During the evening we played Ligretto (again) and started our championship.

Day 3

We were focusing on coastal management today so after our briefing we headed back to Minehead. We looked at the management that had been implemented before trialling some field techniques. Students did a cost benefit analysis, bi polar survey, flood risk mapping and Hudson’s equation. After some free time and clotted cream fudge acquired we drove back to the centre. Back at the centre students started to work on their field questions and methodologies ahead of collecting their data tomorrow. They worked incredibly hard until 9pm sorting out data collection sheets, risk assessments and making sure they were ready for the following day. After a few rounds of Ligretto (where Miss Berry added 100 points to her total) it was time for bed.

Day 4

Today was the most important day- students were collecting data for their individual NEA. They spent 6 hours in Minehead collecting questionnaires, narratives, footfall data, environmental quality surveys, rurality surveys, clone town surveys, mood mapping and field sketches. It was important they collected enough data to be able to answer their fieldwork question. We were very lucky with the weather- the sun even made an appearance! On our return to the centre students collated their data. It was then our final night of Ligretto with Miss Berry taking the crown with a whopping 477 points. SM in 2nd place, SM in 3rd place and KB in 4th place.

Day 5

After packing up we had a final session looking at coding and deciding which statistical tests students would use to analyse their data before our drive back to school. It was a pleasure to take the students to Minehead- they were a credit to the school and I look forward to reading their completed coursework in a few months time!