Once again with the coming of the new academic year, the Year 8 Geographers were whisked off to our annual expedition to Snowdonia National Park, North Wales. Our field trip kicked off with the slightly antisocial meet time of 6:35am and with the minibuses loaded to bursting with bags, wellies, chocolate digestives and other assorted items we headed for the Land Rover factory in Solihull. Here we were welcomed with a tour of the factory, including viewing how Land Rovers and Jaguars alike are constructed from beginning to rolling off the production line 3 days later. After lunch, we experienced first hand a production line (in our preferred medium of Lego!) and began the manufacturing challenge.
Heading for Wales after Solihull went suitably well (despite the M6 trying its best to keep us in England) and we arrived in time for tea and a very hearty lasagne. Rather unusually, we were woken on Tuesday morning with some fine weather (even a little sun!) to complete all of our river measuring at Sites 1, 2 and 3. So lots of time to measure, sketch and enjoy the last remnants of the Summer on the river banks. Fish and Chips in the evening went down very well followed by a film with some slightly suspect singing to accompany it!
Wednesday = Zip Wiring (& Slate Mines). The slate mines continue to fascinate both in terms of spectacle and working conditions for children during Victorian times. The zip wiring was once again superfast and slightly competitive, and with 4 heading off at the same time there were equal amounts of heckling and laughter, including the gauntlet laid down by Oscar and Manuel, to Mr Gibb…who at no point took it ‘too seriously!’
The challenge of Mt.Snowdon on Thursday with torrential rain and 60mph winds proved a little too tricky. Though despite not making it to the summit the 5 hour rainy adventure was well received by the children. The mountain guides being hugely impressed by their grit and determination. As much a part of any Geography trip was the traditional visit to Pete’s Eats, where we were well looked after and well fed.
A fabulous week was had by all. My sincere thanks to all the staff for giving up their time and for the occasional prank. Lastly to the children who were brilliant from beginning to end.
Martin Gibb, Head of Geography
