Geography / Geology

Geography / Geology

The Royal Geographical Society defines Geography as the study of Earth’s landscapes, peoples, places and environments. It is, quite simply, about the world in which we live. Geology is related, mostly focussing on the formation of the rocks, mountains and various crusts of the earth.

Geography combine the physical and human aspects of life and is concerned with the understanding of ‘the dynamics of cultures, societies and economies, and the environment’.

The RGS points out that Geography informs us about:

  • The places and communities in which we live and work
  • Our natural environments and the pressures they face
  • The interconnectedness of the world and our communities within it
  • How and why the world is changing, globally and locally
  • How our individual and societal
  • actions contribute to those changes
  • The choices that exist in managing our world for the future
  • The importance of location in business and decision-making

Most visits associated with geography involve the study of the physical aspects of geography. Many secondary schools organise field studies experiences and visits to coalmines, quarries, mountainous areas, flat lands, geological digs. For the political, social, people-orientated aspects of geography there are even greater opportunities. Enterprising and imaginative geography teachers can, and , do arrange visits to specific museums and other venues. Transport museums are probably the most popular. But census records, military records, factory records and visits to factories figure prominently in some geography teachers’ syllabuses.

Main organisations:

Geographical Association

Royal Geographical Association (with the Institute of British Geographers)

The Geological Society

Geologists' Association who organise the annual Festival of Geology

British Geological Survey

National Association of Mining Organisations

Inclusion: NASEN

Thought of visiting?

Royal Geographical Society London and Regional Events

English Heritage

The Field Studies Council

Earth Centres

Historic Scotland

Lakeland Sheep and Wool Centre, Cockermouth

Museum of British Road Transport, Coventry

The National Tramway Museum, Matlock

Maryport Maritime Museum

National Railway Museum, York

East Anglian Railway Museum, Essex

Kidderminster Railway Museum

Stephenson Railway Museum, Tyne and Wear Museums

Ironbridge Gorge Museums

The London Canal Museum

The Canal Museum, Stoke Bruerne

The National Slate Museum

The National Stone Museum

Venues for this Curriculum

Feed the farm animals, see the miniature Shetland ponies, picnic area and welly walks, zip wire and adventure play fort and dressing up in the manor house. Indoor soft play, cafe and farm shop. Family fun at Oxfordshire Cotswolds historic Witney farmstead.

Bloody, Brutal, Bannockburn

Take your place on the battlefield. Stand face-to-face with fearless medieval warriors. Witness two opposing kings – Robert the Bruce and Edward II – whose tactics in 1314 changed the path of Scotland’s history, forever.

The centre is a world-class visitor attraction marking the 700th anniversary of the battle.

Haden Hill Park is an historical Victorian landscape with a Victorian Mansion and Tudor Hall. The landscape offers stunning views of the surrounding area. The park is a popular venue for historical local events and environmental activities. It has childrens play areas, bowling greens, ornamental lakes and formal garden areas.

Nesscliffe hill is a sandstone escarpment & is now a country park with various footpaths through the woods. To the north of the hill the ramparts of an old hill fort are present. An old sandstone quarry face forms a spectacular cliff, popular for rock climbing. Cut into the cliff face is a cave reputedly the hideaway of the highwayman Humphrey Kynaston & his horse.

Local people see the shape of a sleeping dragon in Earl’s Hill and fiery its beginnings certainly were. This distinctive, humped hill roared forth from a volcano some 650 million years ago. An Iron Age hill fort was built on its lofty summit around 600 BC and if you can manage the very steep climb you will be rewarded with spectacular views.

STA Travel is the world’s largest travel company for teachers, students and young people. With over 35 years’ experience STA Travel Education organises safe, secure and exciting tailor-made trips for Schools, Colleges and Universities.

A 280 acre paradise of sea cliffs, coastal limestone downland, meadows, hedgerows and woods.

Durlston Country Park, National Nature Reserve and Castle is a mile from Swanage in Dorset. This countryside paradise has stupendous views, the Great Globe (a huge recreation of planet Earth), a variety of walks and fascinating geology - there's always something new to see and do.

If you are looking for somewhere that is more like a home from home, with outdoor education programmes that are crafted with care, delivered by quality people, driven by our values of Education, Inspiration and Play; A place rooted in the rich heritage and tradition of learning outside  – Great News! You have just found it.

Experience over 100 years of the Army in the Air

The Museum of Army Flying is home to a unique collection of military aviation history, one of both international and national importance. We give a fascinating and imaginative glimpse of “soldiers in the air” and life on the Home Front.

Trace the history of drinking water, from the time of cave dwellers to present day, through a number of great displays and wonderful working engines. A number of Open Days in Steam throughout the year.

Based in a Victorian pumping station that served Hereford for 120 years, the museum tells the story of drinking water throughout the ages through a number of high quality displays.

Brockholes Nature Reserve offers a unique outdoor learning opportunity. Once an active quarry site, Brockholes has been transformed into a nature reserve with a variety of habitats including wetlands, woodlands and meadows.

The Coleraine Collection stems from the town's remarkable history. Coleraine is a town of several firsts - the first known settlement in Ireland at Mountsandel and the first 'planted' town in Ulster.

Exploring South East Cornwall's history and culture

The fishing villages of Polperro and Looe are ideal starting points to explore this part of South East Cornwall. With a range of walks for all abilities there are some great opportunities for everyone to take in this unspoilt coast along the South West Coast Path.

Bedfords Park is a fantastic place to come and explore with your school. We have a plethora of habitats and wildlife to learn from: from meadows to lakes, woodlands to ponds - and not forgetting our resident herd of Red Deer.

EYFS: 

Exploring Senses, Pond Power, Go on a Bug Hunt, Teddy Bears Picnic, Natural Art

Key Stage 1:

The official visitors' centre of the Geopark way. Attractions include interactive iPads and wall maps encouraging kids to learn all about the geology, archaeology, history and water of the Malvern Hills. The Cafe stocks a wide range of local food and drink and has free WiFi and parking.

The East Anglian Sailing Trust (EAST), provides disabled East Anglians and their carers with regular opportunities to access and enjoy sailing activities whilst promoting enhanced independence, confidence and community involvement.

Wood Lane is a man-made nature reserve on restored quarry workings. A visit here offers the unique opportunity to combine wildlife sessions with a tour of the working sand and gravel quarry, active landfill site and the largest material recycling facility in Europe.Toilets, disabled access, classroom, coach parking.

Activity examples: 

The Boathouse occupies a beautiful spot overlooking The Mere in Ellesmere. Each spring, herons nest on Moscow Island and our cameras catch all the action.  Experts are on hand to answer questions and can provide educational sessions on these amazing birds.

Set in the heart of Normandy this 17th century Chateau is set in four acres of beautiful private grounds.

Features

This beautiful 17th century Normandy Château is located in the idyllic fishing village of Criel-sur-Mer, providing the ideal opportunity for young people to immerse themselves in French culture

Just 90 minutes from Calais and 20 minutes from Dieppe, the Château is surprisingly accessible

A fascinating chance to get closer to nature. Find out about wildlife habitats, biodiversity and climate change.

Explore Ipswich's past with stories that will inspire you. This fascinating and unique museum gives you the opportunity to meet the famous woolly mammoth, the elegant towering giraffe and other wonderful curiosities from the natural world .

Chalk ridge landmark with far-reaching views and rich natural heritage

Commanding the high point on the chalk ridge south-east of Salisbury, Pepperbox Hill is topped by an early example of a brick folly. Thought to have been built by Giles Eyre of Brickworth House, it may have served as a viewpoint for ladies following the hunt, a haunt for highwaymen and a lookout post for the home guard.

Stunning views from this 70-foot high folly

On top of Penshaw Hill sits the Earl of Durham's Monument.

Better known as the Penshaw Monument, this 70 foot high folly is a replica of the Temple of Hephaestus in Athens and can be seen for miles around. It is considered to be Wearside's most beloved landmark, even appearing on the badge of Sunderland Football Club.

Archaeology, lichen rich dunes and the award winning Three Cliffs Bay

Penmaen Burrows and Nicholaston Burrows are nestled between Three Cliffs Bay and Oxwich Bay. A walk through the burrows will take you through heathland, woodland, sand dunes and cliff tops.

Schools Into Europe is a family run business with over 55 years' experience of organising school trips and school tours in Europe, including the UK, France, Germany, Belgium, Spain, Italy and Poland.

Pages

Login/Sign Up

Latest News

Schoolboy Falls From 60ft Cliff on School Trip

A 15-year-old boy fell 60ft over the edge of a cliff whilst on a geography school trip, miraculously only suffering minor injuries.