Exploring Nature’s Classroom: Year 10 and 11 Geography Trip to Snowdonia
The Studley High School Geography Department recently organized an unforgettable trip for our Year 10 and 11 students to the breath-taking landscapes of Snowdonia in North Wales. This immersive journey allowed our students to step out of the classroom and into the very landscapes they’ve been studying in lessons. From glacial terrains to rivers coursing through the upper reaches, this trip offered our young geographers a chance to connect theory with real-life experiences.
The primary goal of the expedition was to provide students with hands-on experience in the subject, teaching them valuable fieldwork techniques, data collection, and the art of presenting their findings. It was an enriching experience, bridging the gap between textbook knowledge and tangible exploration.
The adventure commenced on a thrilling note. Friday saw a visit to the Fforest coaster, the UK’s only alpine coaster. Students sped through the forest, twisting and turning along rails. It was an exhilarating experience, perfectly setting the tone for the trip. The highlight of the day, however, was the “Velocity 2” zipwire at Penrhyn slate quarry, located near Bethesda in North Wales. This magnificent quarry, with its 1.5km long zipwire, suspended high above a picturesque lake, was nothing short of awe-inspiring. Students reached speeds close to 100 miles per hour!
Home away from home during this trip, was the Field Studies Centre, nestled in the heart of Snowdonia. Two evenings were dedicated to games and challenges in the Centre’s picturesque grounds, fostering camaraderie and team spirit among our students.
The second day was divided into two equally enthralling halves. While one group embarked on a gorge scrambling adventure, donning wellies and overcoats, the teams descended into a gorge and scrambled their way up, guided by experts. They navigated waterfalls, conquered rocks, and overcame various obstacles. The weather was on our side, and the stunning surroundings left an indelible mark on our students. The day’s other half was spent in Betws-y-Coed village, where students delved into the impact of tourism on the town and honed their fieldwork skills. This quaint village provided a beautiful backdrop for our educational pursuits.
As with any adventure, there was a challenge to overcome. On the final day, the weather took a turn for the worse, with relentless rain fall. Undeterred, the group pressed on to the glacial lake, Cwm Idwal. Although the clouds obscured the breath-taking scenery, our students displayed tremendous resilience and determination, scaling the hill to reach the lake.
None of this would have been possible without the dedication of our staff who volunteered their time over the weekend to accompany the group. We also want to extend our heartfelt appreciation to our students, whose exemplary behaviour, good humour, and teamwork made this trip a resounding success.
In conclusion, the Year 10 and 11 Geography trip to Snowdonia was an unforgettable journey of exploration, adventure, and education. Our students not only learned about the wonders of the natural world but also discovered the strength of character within themselves. This trip served as a testament to the transformative power of experiential learning. We look forward to many more such educational adventures in the future.
