The changing Chilterns

Last term, to enrich the work they had been doing in the classroom, Year 7 Geographers ventured to Prestwood Nature Reserve for an afternoon of fieldwork. The excursion was designed to help the girls consider the impact of change on the natural environment around them.

In preparation for the exercise the Geography Department at Pipers worked closely with Open University researchers who have been researching the effectiveness of Google Expeditions in promoting higher level questioning skills amongst students. Some of the researchers accompanied the girls on the field trip to see how Google Expeditions could be used in the field. Upon completion of the fieldwork the girls completed an Open University survey which revealed an unanticipated level of depth of understanding as a result of the activities carried out during the afternoon.

Following their visit the girls were tasked with producing a report on their findings from the exercise which they then submitted to the Chiltern Society, a voluntary organisation dedicated to conserving, celebrating and caring for all of the Chilterns’ unique landscape.

Having reviewed the girls’ work representatives from the Society came to Pipers Corner to present general certificates to the group as well as a special award to the girl they felt had submitted the best follow-up work. The winner was Caroline S who was given a voucher for Go Ape at Wendover Woods in recognition of her efforts.

Caroline’s report, entitled “The Changing Chilterns” considered the threat posed to flora and fauna, as well as local wildlife, by HS2 and new housing developments. In particular Caroline wrote about the ways in which the developments may harm the local red kite population and also the specific species of plants found in the area such as the fly orchid. She also debated the impact in terms of noise pollution due to the trains and also an increase in population.

The Chiltern Society commended Caroline on her ability to structure her work well and add her own opinions on the issues being faced, along with evidence of her having completed research outside of the lessons.

Head of Geography, Mrs Collins, said “We are very grateful to the Chiltern Society for their collaboration with us on this project. Enabling the girls to engage with their local environment is a really important way of developing an understanding of both geographical and social issues.”