Wymondham Geographer's Visit Cranedale Centre

The time spent by the Year 12 Geographers at the Cranedale Centre was the perfect way to spend our first trip back after Covid. With only two classes going, everybody merged together and really got to know each other well. The Cranedale staff were incredibly welcoming, informative, sociable and just overarchingly great people.

The social area inside was perfectly sized and full of amenities that created ideal opportunities for all of us to socialise. The food, like everything else, was wonderful and the catering team was just as friendly and accommodating as the rest of the staff. The five days we spent in North Yorkshire flew by, and although we were busy non-stop, it was some of the most relaxing time we have ever had.

The break from our busy, technology concentrated lives in the beautiful (and chilly) rolling hills of North Yorkshire was the perfect escape for all of us, no doubt creating many lasting memories. Thank you to our teachers and the Cranedale tutors and staff for a wonderful experience.

- Luke

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I really enjoyed my trip to Cranedale and found it very informative. On the first day we considered ‘Changing Spaces, Making Places’ in Scarborough. We looked at different data collection strategies which will really aid me in creating my NEA project, as I have attempted the different methods, and will therefore be able to replicate them during my own project.

The following day, we went to Skipsea and Hornsea to consider the varying levels of coastal management in the two areas. We used quantitative data to analyse the impact of the coastal defences. This day was especially interesting as it allowed us to collect the data ourselves, and then, in the evening lesson, determine the statistical test that we wanted to apply to the data. This allowed us to consider the different purposes for each test and when they are best used, therefore allowing us to do the same on our own project. I found this session particularly helpful, as I now feel confident that I would be able to select the most effective statistical test for the data that I collect during my NEA.

On the third day, we travelled to Dalby Forest, which was my favourite place to visit. It was very interesting to consider the water and carbon cycles in the afforested and moorland areas. It allowed us to use new equipment that we were unfamiliar with, which may be useful in our own NEA. In the evening lesson, we considered the weaknesses of each method, therefore meaning we could make improvements if we applied these methods to collect our data.

On the final day, we were able to compile all our knowledge and apply it to a mini-NEA project to be completed in Kirby Grindalythe. This was very helpful as it allowed us to follow the same process we will take when completing our full NEA project.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time on the residential, and feel like I now have the knowledge to complete my own NEA project, thanks to the activities completed and the advice given while at Cranedale.

- Emily