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

A large coastal nature reserve with easy access routes, bird watching hides, freshwater pools, salt marshes, 2 miles of beach, rare plants and wildlife.

Redgrave & Lopham Fen is an internationally important lowland valley fen with a unique landscape of spring-fed sedge beds, rush and grass meadows, wet and dry heath, woodland and pools. Enjoying views across the fen, the classroom is large and airy with a picnic area, toilets and viewing platform.

Whinfell Forest is nestled in stunning landscape on the edge of the Lake District. Lodges for families and groups of all sizes are set in the 400-acre woodland, with lakes and streams aplenty that are befitting of the picturesque Lake District scenery.

The Idle Valley Rural Learning Centre is the gateway to exploring the beautiful Idle Valley Nature Reserve, a nationally important site for wildlife close to Retford.

Offering a wide variety of bespoke programmes for Early Years/KS1 through to KS4. Groups can be taken on Tuesdays. Whether dipping for creatures that live in our river or kneeling to look at flowers in the meadows - there is an abundance of wonderful new experiences to behold.

EYFS: 

A visit to our stunning and innovative visitor centre built on a former landfill site will be an exciting and educational trip for all ages. With superb views from our roof top over Mucking Flats and the Thames Estuary, our education programmes will inspire your students. 

EYFS: 

300 acre Parc Slip Wildlife Trust Nature Reserve with its Wildlife Trust Visitor Centre has something for everyone. A variety of different habitat types supporting many different species for wildlife enthusiast, a safe area for school parties to discover and enjoy nature.

This splendid 17th century baroque building housed a courtroom for assizes, raised on arches over a market space. It now houses the Abingdon Museum. On sunny days take in the lovely rooftop views overlooking the market square.

An ancient story of vanished oceans and fossilised sea creatures is the reason why the Oswestry Hills are so rich in wild plants, including orchids. 

Activity examples:

Butterfly surveys, tree investigations, bug hunting, pond dipping, habitat investigations, natural art, sensory explorers. John Muir Award (environmental award for KS2 upwards).

The main footpath along the Stiperstones ridge goes straight down the side of The Hollies nature reserve. Few people step off the track to explore this ancient, scattered grove of hollies, but those that do soon fall under its spell. The trees are extraordinary characters, some of them three or four centuries old.

Activity examples:

Steep wooded slopes rise from the banks of the River Teme, leading to open grassland with glorious views across Ludlow to the Clee Hills. Networked with footpaths and flights of stone steps, the Common is easy to explore, with numerous seats for walkers to rest and enjoy the views.

Activity examples:

Throughout Somerset we match you with your closest orchard, often local and rich in wildlife.

Bird adventure trail, Teddy Bear's Picnic, Living things and their habitats, Nature sensory explorers, Orchards (food and farming), Marvellous Meadows, Seasonal investigation, Seasonal crafts.

Throughout Somerset, we match you to your closest reserve!

Bird adventure trail, Teddy Bear's Picnic, Living things and their habitats, Nature sensory explorers, Orchards (food and farming), Marvellous Meadows, Seasonal investigation, Seasonal crafts

Boasting stunning views from the highest point in Essex, the site offers the perfect setting for enjoying our courses and activities, or simply exploring the local environment. 

Enter a world where 235 million years of history is brought to life. From majestic mammoths to Saxon invaders, visitors to the Hull and East Riding museum of archaeology can look forward to an experience that is unique, educational and fun.

A 15 mile limestone escarpment

Wenlock Edge is a narrow limestone escarpment that runs for 15 miles from Craven Arms to  Ironbridge, the National Trust owns 8 miles of this stretch. There is a mix of rich flowering grasslands and ancient woodland along with internationally important sites for geology, making the area an important Special Site of Scientific Interest (SSSI).

A world beneath the waves

Wembury in South Devon is a wildlife magnet. Its rocky cliffs are home to nesting sea birds, while a rocky shore, slate reefs and massive wave-cut platforms provide one of the UK's best spots for marine life.

Magnificent house and grounds in the style of a 19th-century French chateau

Waddesdon Manor has so much to offer young people: beautiful, safe grounds and space to explore, living history, opportunities for learning and fun both outdoors and in. Highlights include the Woodland Playground, Explorer Trails around the gardens, the Children's shop, and the Aviary.

Enjoy a great morning out walking exploring Somerset Wildlife Trust's reserves close to Mendip’s iconic Cheddar Gorge. These wildlife havens are also great places to see how the landscape has been shaped by the areas industrial history.

Hear it, feel it, see it, do it

Be at the heart of the action and explore your industrial past along the scenic walk taking in the ten award-winning Ironbridge Gorge Museums spread along the valley beside the wild River Severn.

See the products that set industry on its path and the machines that made them. Watch and talk to the Museums’ craftsmen and costumed demonstrators.

The eclectic collection at Arlington Court tells the story of a family who lived on the estate for more than 600-years. Discover for yourself the museum-like hoard amassed by Miss Rosalie Chichester, during her 84-years living at Arlington. 

Delightful high Victorian garden - an extraordinary survival from the 19th century

Tunnels, winding paths, a Cheshire cottage that turns into an Egyptian tunnel, fish to feed, a Chinese temple, trees to discover and a new woodland walk to play in and explore.

We started off in 2005 with an overgrown field with lots of brambles, black thorn and docks… Back then we had a vision that we could support some of the most disadvantaged people through transforming the site into a vibrant and innovative demonstration of sustainable land use.

We've come a long way! Our museum is quite small but contains a wealth of exhibits relating to the history of the village and its inhabitants. We have a large collection of documents relating to the population over the years and our curator is happy to help visitors seeking family information.

The National Nature Reserve status of Bradfield Woods recognises the fact that this is one of the most important woods in the country. Bradfield Woods is steeped in history and brimming with wildlife. The award-winning carbon-positive building includes a classroom, covered veranda and toilets.

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