Geography KS3
for secondary schools
Getting to grips with fieldwork
Take learning outside the classroom and help your KS3 pupils achieve a deeper understanding of their subject through fieldwork. Our specialist field studies courses take place at one of the finest field studies locations in the UK – the Jurassic Coast.
Using practical examples and case studies, all our field studies courses are designed to meet the requirements of your curriculum and are delivered by our experienced centre teams.
IOL Field Studies Professional Practice Group
PGL is a member of the Institute for Outdoor Learning (IOL), and supports the Field Studies Professional Practice Group (PPG) – a subgroup of the IOL - whose current chair is PGL’s product support manager. The Field Studies PPG is an organisation whose members are engaged in, or have an interest in delivering field studies programmes or environmental education. Its aims are to share good practice and promote field studies and environmental education using the experience and resources at its disposal.
Study modules
Landscapes, rivers, settlements, rocks and fossils; our KS3 Geography fieldwork sessions examine a broad range of topics which benefit enormously from being taken outside the classroom.
Human Geography - click to see module information
Settlement Investigation
Students investigate the changing function of a settlement over time and the issues associated with settlements. Geographical techniques are used to formulate an image of how an area has changed over time, in terms of employment, functions and situation.
People and their Environments - click to see module information
Coastal Management
Students examine the conflicts which arise from coastal erosion and the options for coastal management including the different types of coastal defences available. They then discuss how the coastal area should be managed in the future.
Freshwater Pollution
The level of pollution is measured using sweep samples of invertebrates at strategic places along with abiotic tests. A series of measuring sites is used for comparison and the reasons behind any variation is discussed.
Local Historical Exploration
Students investigate change over time and the differences in the lives of different social classes, in terms of technology, leisure pursuits and living conditions. They do this by visiting a local site of historical interest and examining a relevant period in history.
Map Skills
Students investigate further the concepts of scale, grids and keys. In ‘The Great Map Extravaganza’ students use their developed skills to locate markers around a site leading them to map-related challenges.
Physical Geography - click to see module information
Coastal Processes and Features
The formation of coastal features and their evolution over time is discussed using local examples. Stacks, stumps, wave-cut platforms and caves are clearly visible at the site and if desired a beach profile can be constructed.
Geology, Rocks and Fossils
Students examine sedimentary rocks formed under a range of environmental conditions and discuss the tectonic events that have shaped the landscape and fossil formation.
Rivers and Fluvial Systems
This river investigation involves study of the form and function of rivers from source to mouth. Visiting a selection of sites in order, measuring meanders, floodplains and channel shape, students discuss land use, flooding and human impacts on river characteristics.
Organisms and their Environments - click to see module information
Marine Zonation
Students examine marine life on a nearby beach, collecting organisms from the splash zone and the upper and lower intertidal zones. Students then discuss how these organisms adapt and how they are affected by stress factors.
Sand Dune Succession
A transect of a sand dune system reveals trends in biotic and abiotic factors. Students investigate the human pressures on a delicate system and observe measures put in place to alleviate the impact of humans on the area.
Locations
We have a selection of fieldwork locations near to our Field Studies centre, for which we have prepared and written course materials. Risk assessments have also been carried out to ensure the safety of your group.
Activities
The PGL Adventure Bonus
Choose from our popular on-site adventure activities such as zip wire, giant swing, trapeze, climbing or abseiling to complement your study sessions and tailor-make your course to your requirements.
A typical itinerary for this course
Monday - Friday (5 days / 4 nights)
Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
07.00-09.00 | Breakfast | Breakfast | Breakfast | Breakfast | |
09.00-12.00 | Half day: Geology, Rocks and Fossils |
Full day: Coastal Processes and Features |
Activity: Raft Building |
Activities: Fencing and Giant Swing |
|
12.00-14.00 | Lunch on centre | Packed lunch | Lunch on centre | Lunch on centre | |
14.00-17.00 | Activities: Problem Solving and Aeroball |
Full day: Coastal Processes and Features |
Half day: Settlement Investigation |
Depart centre | |
17.00-19.00 | Dinner | Dinner | Dinner | Dinner | |
19.00-21.00 | Evening Entertainment Snap Shot |
Evening Entertainment Cluedo |
Evening Entertainment Campfire |
Evening Entertainment Disco |
Monday - Wednesday (3 days / 2 nights)
Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | |
---|---|---|---|
07.00-09.00 | Breakfast | Breakfast | |
09.00-12.00 | Activities: Jacob's Ladder and Street Surfing |
Activities: Buggy Building and Abseiling |
|
12.00-14.00 | Arrive and unpack | Packed lunch | Lunch on centre |
14.00-17.00 | Half day: Rivers and Fluvial Systems |
Half day: Marine Zonation |
Depart centre |
17.00-19.00 | Dinner | Dinner and free time | |
19.00-21.00 | Evening Entertainment Wacky Races |
Evening Entertainment Passport To The World |
Wednesday - Friday (3 days / 2 nights)
Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | |
---|---|---|---|
07.00-09.00 | Breakfast | Breakfast | |
09.00-12.00 | Full day: Sand Dune Succession |
Activities: Abseiling and Beach Walk |
|
12.00-14.00 | Arrive and unpack | Packed lunch | Lunch on centre |
14.00-17.00 | Activities: Archery and Zip Wire |
Full day: Sand Dune Succession |
Depart centre |
17.00-19.00 | Dinner | Dinner and free time | |
19.00-21.00 | Evening Entertainment PGL Sports Night |
Evening Entertainment Robot Wars |
Friday - Sunday (2 night weekend)
Friday | Saturday | Sunday | |
---|---|---|---|
07.00-09.00 | Breakfast | Breakfast | |
09.00-12.00 | Half day: Coastal Processes and Features |
Half day: Settlement Investigation |
|
12.00-14.00 | Packed lunch | Packed lunch | |
14.00-17.00 | Activities: Giant Swing and Sensory Trail |
Activities: Low Level Ropes Course and Rifle Shooting |
|
17.00-19.00 | Dinner | Dinner | Dinner |
19.00-21.00 | Evening Entertainment Capture the Flag |
Evening Entertainment Splash |
Depart centre |
Friday - Monday (3 night weekend)
Friday | Saturday | Sunday | Monday | |
---|---|---|---|---|
07.00-09.00 | Breakfast | Breakfast | Breakfast | |
09.00-12.00 | Full day: Freshwater Pollution |
Activity: Raft Building |
Half day: Map Skills |
|
12.00-14.00 | Packed lunch | Lunch on centre | Lunch on centre | |
14.00-17.00 | Full day: Freshwater Pollution |
Activities: Street Surfing and Fencing |
Depart centre | |
17.00-19.00 | Dinner and free time | Dinner and free time | Dinner and free time | |
19.00-21.00 | Evening Entertainment Campfire |
Evening Entertainment Robot Wars |
Evening Entertainment Disco |
Learning outcomes
Our field studies courses are curriculum-linked in order to meet the needs of your KS3 geography group and your required learning outcomes. Your students gain an understanding of certain geographical principles by visiting select locations and getting hands-on experience. Evidence of fieldwork carried out at PGL can be taken back to school to form the basis of further study.
Personal and team challenges for groups that choose to include some adventure sessions, greatly enhance the overall experience, breaking up study periods with activities. They allow students to consider wider issues such as their approach to challenges, learning styles and relationships within the group.
Search for your ideal centre:
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Revision Weekends
Revision the PGL way. Take your group away for a weekend of revision combined with activity breaks keeping them motivated, focussed & engaged.