Geography in Action

Posted at 12:04 pm on 17th April, 2018

Year 11 learn about flood defenses

The ‘beast from the east’ unfortunately scuppered plans for our Year 11 Geography students field trip to the Peak District on 20th March.

However, staff and students relocated to tour Sale and Stretford to learn about flood defenses on the River Mersey for their GCSE Geography course.

Miss Doolan, Teacher of Geography, said

“On the field trip today, the aim was to discover how prepared the area is to help protect businesses and homes from floods; and the amount of different methods used for this.”

Students first walked from Turn Moss, identifying floodplains and features of the upper course river for example V-shaped valleys.

Later down the river, small streams joined the River Mersey and students identified meanders, slip-off slopes and river course management (rock armour) ending at the reservoir at Sale Water Park.

The main part of the day was to also identify how heavily equipped the area was on flood management and students identified matters of large man-made embankments, flood gates and channels.

Miss Doolan added:

“I’m proud of all who attended the Year 11 Geography field trip; the boys all showed enthusiasm and respect to the subject and surroundings. They saw geography in action and gathered vital information for their subject, while demonstrating a positive relationship with the public.”

Students were enlightened by the day and commented:

James said: “I really enjoyed the trip; I never knew everything that was here to protect us”

Jake said: “'I come here every summer and didn't realise that this was a man-made embankment that prevents floods in the area.”