Bespoke Field Study School Residentials on the Jurassic Coast
November 9th, 2023
The Jurassic Coast is the perfect location to put classroom learning into practice or, as we like to call it, ‘Learning Without Walls’. The Isle of Purbeck is the ideal outdoor ‘classroom’ and is home to fantastic examples of world famous, geographical and geological features. The coast is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), and it’s where Cumulus Outdoors run bespoke field study school residentials for primary and secondary aged children as well as providing fully catered accommodation for self-led field studies trips.
Understanding the school’s learning requirements
The primary request from St Mary’s Oxted School was for ‘Geography and Team Building’ so our Education Lead, Alex Hodder, designed a bespoke field study programme to meet the required outcomes.
“I reviewed the requirement of the school and then planned according to the learning outcomes of the year group” said Alex.
Our learning outcomes
As part of the bespoke field study school residential, we created a fieldwork plan and identified a number of learning outcomes, which included:
- Learning about the formation of headlands and bays with demonstrations using trays with clay and sand.
- Building models of erosional landforms including coves, caves, arches, stacks and stumps, all landscape features which can be seen along the Jurassic Coast.
- Field Sketching, drawing Swanage seafront sketch maps and comparing these to historic photos of the area.
- Investigating longshore drift and sediment size where pupils collect and record chalk and limestone pebbles at different parts of the beach to compare the size and shape as a group.
The children worked together in teams to gather information and evidence and to discuss ideas of formation and erosion. They were then able to put forward their ideas, based on their gained knowledge, on how the natural processes worked on the landscape.
Visiting Corfe Castle
The school also planned a visit to Corfe Castle for some history input using the Castle as a perfect example of a Motte and Bailey Castle built in the Norman period just after the Norman invasion of 1066. The Castle has an enormous history with stories of prisoners, murders, Kings, Princes and intrigue. Perhaps the most well known is the resilience of the Castle – Lady Bankes and her villagers, as she stood firm against the might of Oliver Cromwell’s Roundheads in the English Civil War.
St Mary’s Oxted were delighted with their trip:
“We love going to Cumulus Outdoors Centre with our Year 5 children. They tailor the programme to suit our needs and the staff are welcoming and friendly. They supported us well throughout from first booking until the end of our stay and re-booking for next year. The food is excellent and the addition of the new coffee machine for the adults is inspired! The children had a wonderful time learning about coastal geography as well as being more independent. The play areas both indoors and out allowed the children to have freedom during the breaks in activities. The programme, which was delivered by well prepared staff, was exactly what we were hoping for. It was well planned and bought the geography from the classroom to life. A highlight was the seagulls eating the long shore drift demonstration! Highly recommended!”
Interested in a bespoke field study programme ?
At Cumulus Outdoors, we provide a variety programmes or day trips to cater to your needs. We pride ourselves in providing top quality school trips and activity days in beautiful locations around the Jurassic Coast, including residentials and field study trips.
We have a talented and friendly team with a wealth of knowledge who will work with you to create a bespoke programme, designed around the needs and requirements of your group, ensuring your children will have an unforgettable experience. Please just don’t just take our word for it though, you can read more about a residential school trip with Cumulus Outdoors from a child’s perspective here.
Get in touch
Get in touch to plan your bespoke field study school residential!