By Mrs McPhail (Geography Teacher)
On Thursday 25th September, the annual trek to Castleton in Derbyshire began. This is a two-day residential trip that is jam-packed and allows our pupils to experience both human and physical geography in the beautiful setting of Castleton in Derbyshire. With many new students joining the year group it was great to see friendships cementing and memories being made.
With waterproofs packed in day bags and walking boots on feet the students boarded the coach ready for the journey north.
Our first stop was Ladybower reservoir in the Upper Derwent valley where Mrs Sadler (Head of History and Politics) gave a fantastic talk about the role the dams played in the preparation for attacks in Germany in WW2. The students also looked at the way in which this tourist attraction is managed.
After a short drive through the Hope Valley to the village of Castleton we began our walk around Mam Tor, and unlike last year when we needed waterproofs this time the blue skies allowed us to really take in the view and admire the rugged limestone landscape. The photos attached will show you the beauty of Winnats Pass on our descent.
Friday saw the sunshine again and the river surveys were completed on two sites. It was great to see so many students well equipped with wellies to carry out fieldwork in the Peakshole stream. This enabled data to be collected for further assessment back in the classroom. After each group had had a guided tour of the caves at Treak Cliff Cavern observing amazing examples of stalagmites and stalactites we regrouped in Castleton for an opportunity to have a walk round the village and continue our fieldwork observations.
As ever the importance of seeing landscapes in the outdoor classroom rather than in a textbook is reflected in the awe and wonder moments of fieldwork and it is what makes Geography so vital. Many students back in the classroom this week have already said how much they enjoyed the trip and loved the area of Castleton. Thanks to all the staff who accompanied the students on the trip and the pupils themselves who worked hard.
Charlotte Holden (Year 9) said: “I really enjoyed going on the Castleton Trip. One of the highlights of the trip for me was walking on Mam Tor. There were amazing views, and it was a really nice hike. This trip has made me quite excited for my DofE expedition as I had a small experience of what it might be like. The activities we did were very enjoyable and they all taught us about the geography of the land. I also found the caverns really exciting and the history of the Blue John very interesting. Thank you for this wonderful trip.”
Kitty Olds (Year 9) added: "It was an incredible experience to explore the outdoor scenery in Castleton. It was a very educational trip with lots of laughter and fun. My favourite thing to see was the “blue John” cave which comes from blue and yellow in French due to the colour. It was a school trip I will never forget, and I am eternally grateful to see the beautiful Mam Tor."
View the scenic photos here.
