#GeoSquad Trip to Stratford

#GeogSquad members enjoyed a trip to London to investigate the inequalities in the Stratford area of London, focusing specifically on where regeneration had and had not taken place.

During the morning the group walked around some of the former industrial areas and residential areas of Stratford which had not be benefited directly from the economic investment of the Olympics. There was a lot of excellent geography to take in, including run down tower blocks, an array of more unusual fruits and vegetables at the indoor market, a lack of green space and lots of litter.

#GeogSquad compared their own school environment with that of a school in Stratford with its imposing metal fencing and small site, reflecting that Pipers Corner provided a much more attractive environment for learning.

The group headed off through the Stratford Westfield Shopping Centre, which offered a huge contrast to the area only a hundred meters or so away, and then on through Stratford International to the E20 Village. The visitor centre there offered a chance to view models of the ‘village’ as well as learn about the opportunities for residents living there.

Following this, the group took a short walk to the Olympic Rings for an obligatory photograph and a walk round the Velodrome and the Copper Box, before heading over to Hackney Wick where again the group observed a very different area, currently being redeveloped. They also observed the social conflicts that exists, in the form of graffiti, as locals are resistant to change.

The day continued by walking past the Olympic Stadium towards Canary Wharf on the DLR to observes some of the contrasts in Tower Hamlets before heading home.

The trip was a great success and enabled #GeogSquad members to get more of an insight into the ever changing nature of our capital city, visiting paces that were little off the well-trodden tourist track.