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

The Wash is the largest estuary and the most important wetland site in the UK. The south east corner of the Wash forms the largest National Nature Reserve in England.

There's a natural surprise waiting around every corner

For all lovers of nature and the great outdoors, Escot is a unique experience and offers a great

The Reserve covers 369 acres of the Meon Valley, encompassing a mosaic of natural habitats. River, fen, pools, reedbed and meadow are carefully managed, giving protection to a range of special wildlife.

Educational Visits

Two nature reserves, a huge open field, busy Countryside Centre with cafe facilities, adventure play area and easy access from the city or the motorway, make this site very popular with a variety of visitors. Whether you are looking for birds, swings, coffee, flowers, footpaths or all of these and more, you've come to the right place at Worcester Woods Country Park.

Welcome to the National Botanic Garden of Wales. The first botanic garden of the new millennium is 568 acres of beautiful Carmarthenshire countryside, about an hour west of Cardiff. It is easy to get to but hard to forget.

The natural world is incredible!  And Portsmouth is a very special place for wildlife in Britain. It has many different habitats in a very small area, and at Portsmouth Natural History Museum you can explore them all.

Faringdon’s unique, iconic 100ft tower, the last major folly to be built in England, surrounded by woodland. Kids aged 11 and under get in free.

There are four acres of circular woodland to to enjoy, with some trees that are more than 400 years old!

Over 260 animal species in over 160 acres of stunning gardens and parkland. Giraffe Walkway, Lemur Walk-through exhibit, Train, Adventure Playground, Picnic Areas, Children's Farmyard, Brass Rubbing, Tropical House, Reptile House, Bat House and Insect House.

The Famous Dartmoor Waterfall

No visit to Devon would be complete without a visit to Dartmoor's famous Becky Falls, where we've been welcoming visitors since 1903. The falls are an iconic Dartmoor landmark, and a day out here can be as gentle or as adventurous as you wish. All of our activities and shows are included in the entry price, so there are no extras to pay once you're inside. 

The GWR is a steam and diesel heritage railway in the English Cotswolds. Since 1981, the volunteers have restored over 10 miles of line, together with platforms, buildings, steam and diesel locomotives and rolling stock. In addition to a scheduled service, GWR hosts a number of galas and enthusiast€™ events.

A hidden gem which is well worth a visit

Herschel Park is a unique Grade II listed park, easily accessible in the centre of Slough. Consisting of the recently restored Victorian Pleasure Gardens and a newly created Nature Reserve, it has a rich history and amazing wildlife and plants to explore.

Spectacular late 17th-century mansion, garden and deer park

Explore 270 acres (110 hectares) of ancient parkland, where a historic herd of fallow deer roams freely and magnificent trees and breathtaking views abound.

An outdoor activity centre and campsite, with a dedicated Indoor Climbing Centre. We have climbing facilities for ages 3 year and upwards, dedicated kids’ clubs and sessions and run regular Bushcraft and adventure activities using our low ropes course and trails.

Our huge site has plenty of woodland and parkland for you to explore and play in.

The Folly Farm Centre is an environmental learning centre in the heart of the Chew Valley. Set in Avon Wildlife Trust's 250-acre nature reserve, it is an inspirational place to pick up new skills,  learn and engage with an exciting and diverse programme of courses.

At Queen Elizabeth Country Park (voted the nation's favourite country park) you can:

  • Go on a leisurely walk through the beautiful woods and enjoy the scenery
  • Play on our playgrounds
  • Create mud art
  • Cycle
  • Barbeque
  • Learn about our outdoor habitats
  • Plus much more

Education

175 species, over 600 animals

Enjoy a day out in North Devon experiencing wildlife from around the world by visiting Exmoor Zoo! From the creepy crawlies of the Amazon to the wobbly wallaby joeys of Australia there are plenty of hands on activities with our animals for you to take part in.

Located near Luton, Milton Keynes and Dunstable, you can visit Center Parcs Woburn Forest to enjoy an active or relaxing stay.

So much to explore

Box Hill is the perfect place to discover a family walk and explore the beautiful Surrey Hills. Forming part of the North Downs, Box Hill has breathtaking views across the surrounding countryside. It's home to some fantastic wildlife and plants too, including the Adonis blue butterfly and bee orchid.

Welcome to Clan Donald Skye, a magnificent 20,000 acre estate in south Skye. Enjoy an outstanding holiday experience, exploring the historic gardens and woodland trails around Armadale Castle, learning about highland history in our fascinating Museum of the Isles or staying in our self-catering lodges.

The World's Only Submarium!

The Deep is one of the most spectacular aquariums in the world and is home to a whopping 3,500 fish including Europe’s only pair of green sawfish, spectacular sharks and rays and NEW FOR 2014 - a colony of Gentoo penguins.

What you can expect from a school excursion to WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo:

WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo lets you experience the animals and ecosystems of a range of Australian habitats, allowing your class to identify the different requirements of Australian flora and fauna.

One of the best visitor attractions on the Isle of Wight to bring your school or group to.

Fordhall Farm is an inspiring example of how farming can become a force for sustainable education and change as well as a producer of fine, local organic food. Located on the outskirts of Market Drayton in North Shropshire, Fordhall Farm is now owned by an Industrial and Provident Society made up of 7500 shareholders from across the UK and further afield. 

Distinctive landmark rich in wildlife and archaeology with a tremendous panorama

Once part of the Longleat estate, the hill was entrusted to us by the 6th Marquess of Bath. Ascend the hill to enjoy extensive views of West Wiltshire and Somerset, or to experience uninterrupted views of the sky from this locally famous UFO hotspot.

SEA LIFE Aquarium is designed to be a child’s first interactive guide to the life of the sea, combining active, hands-on learning with fascinating educational talks, and opportunities to have up close and personal encounters with a variety of sea creatures.

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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.