Edexcel AS/A-Level Geography Course Options - Field Studies · PDF file ·...

Edexcel A-Level Geography Course

FIELD STUDIES COUNCIL

Nettlecombe Court

Website: www.field-studies-council.org/centres/nettlecombecourt.aspx Tel: 01984 640320

FSC Nettlecombe Court, The Leonard Wills Field Centre, Williton, Taunton, Somerset, TA4 4HT Email: [email protected]

FSC Nettlecombe Court, The Leonard Wills Field Centre, Williton, Taunton, Somerset, TA4 4HT FSC Nettlecombe Court, The Leonard Wills Field Centre, Williton, Taunton, Somerset, TA4 4HT

Edexcel AS/A-Level Geography Course Options

For teaching from September 2016

Nettlecombe Court lies in a secluded valley at the eastern edge of Exmoor National Park. The house is a striking

example of a Tudor and Georgian country mansion set within its own grounds. The Centre has excellent access to

the Somerset coast as well as Exmoor National Park and The Quantocks Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The

centre is half an hour from Taunton and the motorway network. Taunton railway station is less than 2 hours from

London.

Our new courses are designed to fit the criteria of the specifications for first

teaching in 2016. As such they are designed to:

Incorporate a number a qualitative and quantitative core geographical skills that students are required to understand. These include the use of GIS using ArcGIS software.

Cover a wide range of topics from the specification and, in particular, cover the requirement of a minimum of four days fieldwork over the A-level course or two days fieldwork over the AS. This will provide the opportunity for schools to complete the required fieldwork statement. Confirming each student has undertaken two days (AS) or four days (A Level) of geographical fieldwork in relation to processes in both physical and human geography.

Help to deliver a rich practical experience for students that involve: water and carbon cycles; fragile ecosystems (Sand Dunes, Salt Marsh or Moorland); coasts; changing places; and contemporary Urban Environments. We can assist with the Independent Investigations and help students to design and carry out fieldwork towards their own titles.



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Course Options: The following day and half day options have been designed to help guide your programme

of study whilst at Nettlecombe Court. Depending on the length of stay and individual requirements of your course

our experienced tutors will help tailor your programme in the months leading up to your visit.

* Available as AS options. (Specification links are for A-Level)

** Evening options will need to be selected as not all will be covered within time available

Day Options AM/PM EVE**

XX Topic 2. Landscape Systems Processes and Change –

Option 2B: Coastal Landscapes and Change* 1. Why are coastal landscapes different and what causes these differences?

2. How do characteristic coastal landforms contribute to coastal landscapes?

An investigation into the West Somerset Coastline as a localised coastal system

Students will visit the West Somerset coastal landscape to gain detailed knowledge of the development of the coastline. By analysis of the character of the coastline they will determine possible reasons behind the development of the landform features present and the links to system processes.

Fieldwork can include: Beach profiles, sediment analysis, field sketches, annotated photographs, cliff profiles Secondary research: BGS Geology maps, FSC Nettlecombe long term beach profile data, Plymouth Coastal Observatory data

Field site(s): Porlock Bay (40 mins – transport required)

Specification Links: 2B.1, 2B.2, 2B.3, 2B.4, 2B.5, 2B.8b&c

Geographical Skills

On return to centre, follow up options may include:

Chi Squared, Mann Whitney U or Spearman’s Rank statistical test on sediment data

Academic poster using secondary data analysis (Beach profiles, sediment data, cliff profiles) enabling conclusions back to students’ original questions.

Drawing cliff profiles or beach profiles.

Evaluation of methodology and investigation process.

Generating potential NEA questions by reviewing the day’s fieldwork.

XX Topic 2. Landscape Systems Processes and Change –

Option 2B: Coastal Landscapes and Change* 4. How can coastlines be managed to meet the needs of all players?

An investigation into the shoreline management plan at Porlock Weir and Minehead (Also available as half day, visiting Minehead only)

The North Devon and Somerset Coastal Advisory Group (2010) state that the touristy seaside town of Minehead is managed using a “Hold the Line” approach. However, at Porlock weir there is ‘no active intervention’ unless alternative funds to repair defences are found. After identifying a suitable hypothesis, students will select fieldwork techniques to investigate why Minehead and Porlock Weir are managed using this approach, the effectiveness of the management and the effect of the management on the natural coastline and the stakeholders.

Fieldwork may include: Flood risk mapping, bipolar evaluations, cost benefit analysis, conflict matrix, questionnaires, field sketch, annotated photographs, beach profiles Secondary research: BGS Geology maps, Plymouth Coastal Observatory data, NDASCAG shoreline management plans, newspaper articles, Environment Agency flood risk maps.

Field site(s): Porlock Weir (40 mins – transport required) Minehead (20 mins – transport required)

Specification Links: 2B.7, 2B.8, 2B.9, 2B.10, 2B.11, 2B.12

Geographical Skills


Creating choropleth maps on ArcGIS online from Flood risk data

Primary data analysis of bipolar evaluations, cost benefit analysis, conflict matrix, questionnaires and beach profiles, enabling students to begin to make conclusions back to original questions.

Secondary research analysis of geology maps, Plymouth Coastal Observatory data, shoreline management plans, newspaper articles and environment agency flood risk maps.





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AM/PM EVE**

XX Dynamic Places, Topic 4: Shaping Places

Topic 4A: Regenerating Places* OR Topic 4B: Diverse Places* An in-depth study of the local place in which you live or study and one

contrasting place An investigation into characteristics of rural Exmoor villages (Also available as

a half day, visiting Wheddon Cross only)

A comprehensive study focused on the communities and demographics of Exmoor National Park by visiting the villages of Wheddon Cross and Exford. Students will identify questions and hypotheses and select appropriate fieldwork techniques. This day will focus on people's engagement with places, their experience of them and the qualities they ascribe to them through qualitative (and quantitative) investigative techniques and practice-related observation, measurement and various mapping skills. It is intended as an area in stark contrast to students’ place in which they live or study. The study will focus on peoples lived experience of place in the past and present and

either 4a: Economic and social characteristics OR 4B: Demographic and cultural characteristics. One option will need to be selected prior to course.

Fieldwork can include: Environmental quality assessment, rephotography, narratives, walkability assessment, event survey, landscape character assessment, non-participant observations, rurality index, place mapping and many other techniques. Secondary data may include: Census data (old and current), IMD data, Historical photographs, crime maps, historical maps, songs and poems, oral histories Field site(s): Exford (45mins – transport required), Wheddon Cross (35mins- transport required) Specification Links: 4A.1, 4A.2, 4A.3, 4A.5b | 4B.1, 4B.2, 4B.3, 4B.5, 4B.12

Note. We recommend that schools use this day as a ‘Contrasting place study’ to their ‘Local place study’ taking advantage of Nettlecombe Court’s rural location within Exmoor National Park. Data collection techniques and resources can be provided if completing the local place study prior to the fieldtrip. If using the field trip for students to collect data for independent investigations it’s recommended that students investigate place in either Watchet or Minehead.

Geographical Skills


Qualitative data analysis of semi-structured interview using coding.

Quantitative data analysis of IMD values in Exmoor and elsewhere using standard deviation.

GIS data presentation of quantitative data using ArcGIS online.

Using students’ primary data to create a place profile of one of the locations visited.


Generating potential NEA questions by reviewing fieldwork.


Option 4A: Regenerating Places - Urban* How is regeneration managed? & How successful is regeneration?

An investigation into the management and success of regeneration in Taunton (Also available as a half day)

2006 saw the launch of a regeneration scheme in Taunton - ‘Project Taunton’. A study of how, why and how effectively a local urban settlement has been regenerated. Students will investigate whether regeneration has been a consequence of local or national strategies, discover who the stakeholders are and assess the successes of the overall regeneration scheme.

Fieldwork may include: Environmental quality assessments, questionnaires, place

checks, index of decay, annotated photographs, narratives.

Secondary Research: Regeneration documents from various key players, crime maps,

index of multiple deprivation, newspaper articles

Field site(s): Taunton (35mins – transport required) Specification Links: 4A.7, 4A.8, 4A.9, 4A.11

Geographical Skills


Data Presentation of quantitative and qualitative fieldwork data.

Presentation to the rest of the class on ‘The success of Project Taunton’ focusing on economic, demographic, social and environmental measures.




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AM/PM EVE**

XX .Dynamic Places, Topic 4: Shaping places

Option 4A: Regenerating Places - Rural* How is regeneration managed? & How successful is regeneration?

An investigation into the management and success of regeneration in the rural settlements of Porlock and Watchet (Also available as a half day, visiting

Watchet only)

A study of how, why and how effectively local rural settlements have been regenerated. Carrying out fieldwork in both Porlock and Watchet, students will investigate whether regeneration has been a consequence of local or national strategies and discover who the stakeholders for that area and assess the successes of the overall regeneration schemes. Students will also assess how local residents feel about the regeneration scheme and how it has changed both the reality and image of the settlement Fieldwork may include: Environmental quality assessments, questionnaires, place

checks, annotated photographs, events survey, place mapping, non-participant

observation

Secondary Research: Regeneration documents from various key players, crime maps,

index of multiple deprivation, newspaper articles

Field site(s): Porlock (35 mins – transport required), Watchet (15 mins – transport required) Specification Links: 4A.8, 4A.9, 4A.12

Geographical Skills


Data Presentation of Quantitative and qualitative fieldwork data.

Presentation to the rest of the class on ’The success of rural regeneration in a West Somerset village’ focusing on economic, demographic, social and environmental measures.


XX Physical Systems and Sustainability

Topic 5: The Water Cycle and Water Insecurity – Holnicote Catchment

What are the processes operating within the hydrological cycle from global to local scale?

An investigation into the hydrology and management of the Holnicote Catchment

The Holnicote Multi-Objective Flood Risk Management Demonstration Project was set up in 2009 and aims to generate evidence to demonstrate how localised flood risk can be managed through integrated land management. After identifying a suitable enquiry question students will undertake research and fieldwork to investigate how the Holnicote project is trying to alter flows and stores of water within the drainage basin.

Fieldwork can include: Infiltration measurements, woody dam assessments (fieldwork

undertaken by National Trust), field sketches.

Secondary Research: National River Flow Archive catchment maps, Holnicote

catchment project data

Field site(s): Stoke Combe (40 minutes – transport required) Specification Links: 5.2, 5.3

Geographical Skills


Mann Whitney U test to compare mean infiltration rates in two different land uses

Primary data analysis of infiltration rates, and woody dam assessments enabling students to begin to make conclusions that link back to their questions.

Secondary research analysis of catchment maps and Holnicote catchment project data.





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XX AM/PM EVE**


Topic 5: The Water Cycle and Water Insecurity – Nettlecombe Drainage basin

What are the processes operating within the hydrological cycle from global to local scale?

An investigation into the hydrology of a small catchment within the Nettlecombe Estate (Also available as half day)

After identifying a suitable enquiry question students will investigate inputs, flows, stores and outputs of water within subsystems of the Nettlecombe Estate catchment. Students will learn about the concept of a water balance on a local scale, allowing students to relate this to a global scale.

Fieldwork can include: Infiltration measurements, soil compaction, aspect, soil

moisture (antecedent conditions), land use, discharge, throughfall

Secondary Research: Long term data sets of Nettlecombe Estate rain gauge

measurements and Nettlecombe Estate discharge measurements

Field site(s): Nettlecombe Estate Specification Links: 5.2, 5.3

,

Geographical Skills

On return to centre, follow up options will be time permitting but may include the following:

Analysis of secondary data (infiltration measurements and rain gauge measurements) to try and draw conclusions relating back to original hypothesis

Graphing own data and past data using ArcGIS online.




Topic 6: The Carbon Cycle and Energy Security – Sequestration from trees on Nettlecombe Estate

An investigation into woodland carbon sequestration on the Nettlecombe Estate (Also available as half day)

The Nettlecombe estate contains a wide variety of tree species within its 223 acres of undulating park land. Following the geographical process of enquiry, students will identify fieldwork opportunities and construct methodologies for investigating carbon sequestration in different stands of tree species within Kings Wood and Park Wood. Carbon sequestration from trees can then be put into context of students own lives by exploring the wider carbon cycle e.g. using carbon calculators to put amounts of carbon into context.

Fieldwork can include: Measuring carbon content of individual trees.

Secondary Research: Nettlecombe Estate management plan, the wider carbon cycle.

Field site(s): Nettlecombe Estate – Kings Wood (20 minute walk from centre) Specification Links: 6.2, 6.7,

Geographical Skills

On return to centre, follow up options will be time permitting but may include the following:

Calculations of carbon content of trees and carbon sequestration

Graphing carbon content of woodland using ArcGIS online.

Comparison of carbon sequestration between different tree species.


Mann Whitney U test to compare differences in carbon content of trees of different species.



Topic 5: The Water Cycle and Water Insecurity What are the processes operating within the hydrological cycle from global to local

scale?

Topic 6: The Carbon Cycle and Energy Security Exmoor Mires

An investigation into water and carbon cycles within the Exmoor Mires

UK peat bogs are vital stores of carbon and water, however generations of peat-cutting and the creation of drainage ditches has caused the mires to dry out. This has led to the reduction in water-holding capacity of the moors and oxidation of exposed peat, releasing large quantities of carbon into the atmosphere. Following the geographical enquiry process students will investigate the water and carbon cycle at a local scale on the mires. They will also investigate the work that the Exmoor Mires Project is doing to protect water and carbon storage.

Geographical Skills


Calculation of carbon content of areas of peat bog.

Graphing carbon content from primary data with ArcGIS online

Primary data analysis of carbon content, carbon flux estimations, infiltrations measurements, enabling students to begin to draw conclusions that link back to their questions.

Evaluation of methodology and



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Fieldwork can include: Peat probing, estimations of carbon storage in the mires,

infiltration measurements, estimations of carbon flux.

Secondary Research: Exmoor Mires Partnership,

Field site(s): Exe Plain at Blackpitts Gate (45 mins – transport required) Specification Links: 5.2, 5.3, 6.2, 6.7,

investigation process. Generating potential NEA

questions by reviewing the day’s fieldwork.

AM/PM EVE**

XX Coursework: Independent Investigation

Choose an area of the specification, either physical or human, to focus for the Independent Investigation: (large groups booking may choose two or more areas for a visit to enable students a wider range of choice of areas of study. Tutors will discuss the options for NEA data collection sites when designing your program) Possible areas of the specification to choose to do your fieldwork skills on:

Topic 2A. Coastal landscapes and Change (Minehead or Porlock Bay) Topic 5. The Water Cycles and Water Insecurity (Nettlecombe Estate) Topic 6. The Carbon Cycle and Energy Security (Nettlecombe Estate) Topic 4A. Regenerating Places (Watchet) Topic 4B. Diverse Places (Minehead or Watchet)

Field Data Collection During this day students will work individually or within groups, as appropriate, to collect initial primary field data. They will be supported by the FSC field teachers to review data and methods of collection as well as provide guidance on health and safety, equipment and environmental issues. Students will have opportunity to:

Begin data collection, reflecting on and improving the methods used.

Observe and record phenomena and data variables according to their data design framework

Demonstrate their practical knowledge and skill in handing data collection technologies and equipment

Build their understanding of the concepts underlying and processes operating within the real world environment

Fieldwork site(s) will be dependent on students projects and staff availability: Nettlecombe Estate, Porlock Bay (40 mins – transport required), Minehead (20 mins – transport required), Watchet (15mins – transport required)

Note; 1. It is highly recommended an afternoon and evening of planning the Individual Investigation precedes this data collection day. It may also be beneficial to have a morning of follow up to ensure students are happy with their work prior to leaving. 2. Schools who do not wish to carry out the Independent Investigation data collection whilst at Nettlecombe can include this into their 4 days of fieldwork as a mock or practice investigation so students are prepared to carry out their investigations at another time. This could be structured into an evening and half day at the end of a course. (see mini/pilot study)

Data Presentation

Students will collate and process their data, FSC field teachers provide support with appropriate techniques and using digital technologies to create sophisticated data presentation. or

Data Analysis and Secondary Data

Workshop

Students will begin data analysis with FSC field teachers providing small group sessions to meet individual student needs for statistical or other analysis techniques.



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Half Day Options(Also see additional half day options above) Day PM (May also be adapted as AM only options) EVE**

XX Immersive Geography*

Students will use geographical enquiry to investigate Nettlecombe Court as a place and the physical geography of its immediate grounds through a range of activities designed to encourage students to “think like geographers”. To learn how to ask questions of their environment, at differing temporal and spatial scales. This session aims to develop

key skills and concepts crucial to any good geographer.

Fieldwork activities may include:

Geographical orienteering.

Timeline activity (temporal scales looking at key events throughout time)

Asking Questions. A field sketch of questions Issue debates linking to specialised concepts

Field site(s): Nettlecombe Estate

Note This session may be particularly useful for the A-Level Independent Investigation as it will give students opportunity to develop ideas towards Independent Investigation

titles.

Or at the start of an AS course to enable students to add individuality to the fieldwork days in preparation for the AS exams.

Introduction to synoptic concepts in geography

Students will explore synoptic concepts within A Level geography and how they can be applied to areas of their studies and the NEA.

XX Topic 4: Shaping Places Understanding Place – Watchet or Minehead

(Half day lead in option to complement full fieldwork day or NEA investigation)

Creswell (2008) defined place within geography as a ‘meaningful segment of geographical space’. Exploring the local coastal towns of either Minehead or Watchet, students will be introduced to the concept of place and its importance within geography through experiential fieldwork. Fieldwork may include: Narratives, sound mapping, field sketching, activity mapping, rephotography, emotional mapping Secondary research: Historical and current census data, historical photographs, Fieldwork site(s): Watchet (15 minutes) or Minehead (20 minutes)

Specification Link: 4

Introduction to qualitative data analysis

Using the data collected in the afternoon students will explore ways to present and analyse their qualitative data.


Topic 4A: Regenerating Places* OR Topic 4B: Diverse Places* An in-depth study of the local place in which you live or study and one

contrasting place (Also available as a full day incorporating ‘The nature and importance of

place’)

A comprehensive study focused on the communities and demographics of Watchet. Students will identify questions and hypotheses and select appropriate fieldwork techniques. This day will focus on people's engagement with places, their experience of them and the qualities they ascribe to them through qualitative (and quantitative) investigative techniques and practice-related observation, measurement and various mapping skills. It is intended as an area in stark contrast to students’ place in which they live or study. The study will focus on peoples lived experience of place in the past and present and

either changing demographics and cultural characteristics OR economic changes and social inequalities. One option will need to be

Geographical Skills


Qualitative data analysis of semi-structured interview using coding.

Quantitative data analysis of example environmental quality data using Mann Whitney U or Standard deviation.

GIS data presentation of quantitative data using ArcGIS online.

Using students’ primary data to create a place profile of one of the locations visited.




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selected prior to course.

Fieldwork can include: Environmental quality assessment, rephotography, narratives, walkability assessment, event survey, landscape character assessment, non-participant observations, rurality index, place mapping and many other techniques. Secondary data may include: Census data (old and current), IMD data, Historical photographs, crime maps, historical maps, songs and poems, oral histories Field site(s): Watchet (15 minutes) Specification Links: 4A.1, 4A.2, 4A.3, 4A.5b | 4B.1, 4B.2, 4B.3, 4B.5, 4B.12

Note. We recommend that schools use this day as a ‘Contrasting place study’ to their ‘Local place study’ taking advantage of Nettlecombe Court’s rural location within Exmoor National Park. Data collection techniques and resources can be provided if completing the local place study prior to the fieldtrip. Watchet is also recommended case study if students are using the fieldtrip for independent investigations also.

Generating potential NEA questions by reviewing fieldwork.

XX Coursework: Independent Investigation Planning

Students will be introduced to the Independent Investigation requirements and will be guided through the route to enquiry and the planning process. This half day will be essential for groups collecting NEA fieldwork data during their Nettlecombe Course.

Choose an area of the specification, either physical or human, to focus for the independent investigation: (large groups booking may choose two or more areas for a visit to enable students a wider range of choice of areas of study. Tutors will discuss the options for NEA data collection sites when designing your program) Possible areas of the specification to choose to do your fieldwork skills on:

Topic 2A. Coastal landscapes and Change (Minehead or Porlock Bay) Topic 5. The Water Cycles and Water Insecurity (Nettlecombe Estate) Topic 6. The Carbon Cycle and Energy Security (Nettlecombe Estate) Topic 4A. Regenerating Places (Watchet) Topic 4B. Diverse Places (Minehead or Watchet)

Students will be given an opportunity to start planning their Independent Investigation, developing and researching their chosen area of study and data collection methods in preparation for the data collection day.

XX AM EVE**

XX Coursework: Independent Investigation follow up

Students will have an opportunity to start writing up the investigation including:

Methodologies

Data presentation (including where possible use of ArcGIS)

Data analysis (including statistics)

XX 3.3 Geography Mini/Pilot independent investigation An introduction/planning evening session will need to have been completed

on previous day Students will use their final morning to collect data for a pilot or mini investigation using their own hypothesis. Choose an area of the specification, either physical or human, to focus for the Independent Investigation: (large groups booking may choose two or more areas for a visit to enable students a wider range of choice of areas of study) Possible areas of the specification to choose to do your fieldwork skills on:

Topic 2A. Coastal landscapes and Change (Minehead) Topic 5. The Water Cycles and Water Insecurity (Nettlecombe Estate) Topic 6. The Carbon Cycle and Energy Security (Nettlecombe Estate)



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Topic 4A. Regenerating Places (Watchet) Topic 4B. Diverse Places (Minehead or Watchet)

Field Data Collection During this day students will work individually or within groups, as appropriate, to collect initial primary field data. They will be supported by the FSC field teachers to review data and methods of collection as well as provide guidance on health and safety, equipment and environmental issues. Students will have opportunity to:

Begin data collection, reflecting on and improving the methods used.

Observe and record phenomena and data variables according to their data design framework

Demonstrate their practical knowledge and skill in handing data collection technologies and equipment

Build their understanding of the concepts underlying and processes operating within the real world environment

Multiple fieldwork sites possible: Nettlecombe Estate, Minehead (20mins – transport required)

XX EVE**

XX Introduction to Geography fieldwork exam for AS

(Recommended as a first eve activity for AS courses). Students will be introduced to the requirements for fieldwork in the AS exam. This will contextualize the fieldwork days during the course and give students an opportunity to add individuality to the fieldwork days.

XX

Planning Geography mini/pilot independent investigation

Students will be given an opportunity to start planning their Independent Investigation, developing and researching their chosen area of study and data collection methods in preparation for the data collection day.



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What is included in the fee?

Up to 10 hours of tuition a day

Expert tuition, from fully trained staff Full board accommodation. Catering includes cooked breakfast, packed lunch, homemade

cakes and evening meal.

Use of facilities including workrooms, recreational space, ICT and centre grounds

Established health and safety procedures and 24 hour emergency cover

Access to specialist equipment and resources Support before and following the course

Tuition is delivered by talented teachers, with not only an expert knowledge of their subject and field work

locations, but a passion for the subject being taught. Our education team are fully DBS checked, and undergo a

regular and rigorous training process. All tutors have received training in first aid, risk assessment and water safety.

Course options listed in this booklet can be selected to put together a programme designed to meet the

requirements of your specification. However, if you need something that is not catered for in the field work

investigations, please contact us to discuss possible alternatives.

External Recognition of Quality

Nettlecombe Court has been awarded the Quality Badge by The Council for Learning Outside

the Classroom. The badge is awarded to organisations that have demonstrated that they

consistently deliver high quality teaching and learning experiences and manage risk

effectively. This means that you will have to complete less paperwork when visiting our centre

Email us at: [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

Edexcel AS/A-Level Geography Course Options - Field Studies · PDF file ·...

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