Geography courses

Calshot Activity Centre's Field Study Department provides a wide range of courses for geography students at GCSE and 'A' level. The New Forest provides the perfect environment to study a range of Biogeographical and Ecological principles, using the Heathlands and Woodlands or the area.

The Rivers' Lymington and Beaulieu provide safe and easy access for the study of hydrology and changing stream landscapes. The local towns and villages offer the possibility of studying the impact of Tourism, settlement form and function, aspects of Central Place, and a range of other 'human' topics. The coastlines of Studland, (with its Sand Dunes systems), Christchurch Bay (with Barton on Sea at its centre), and Stanswood Bay (with its easy to understand portrayal of coastal processes) are all easily within reach.

Southampton Docks, the waterside towns and industries provide the perfect opportunity to study a variety of planning and land use impact issues, including the very current issue of Container Port development at Dibden Bay.

Fieldwork at Calshot is designed to achieve three broad aims.

1. To allow students to use and practice a variety of field techniques.
   

2. To allow students to use and increase their subject specific knowledge via the development of focused case studies.
   

3. To allow students to gain from the affective elements of the residential experience.

We adopt one of three possible approaches to fieldwork, depending upon the curricular requirements of visiting staff.

1. A 'hypothetico-deductive' approach where students generate aims and hypotheses based upon prior theoretical knowledge, select appropriate methods, collect data and carry out analysis.
   

2. An 'enquiry' approach, as generally understood in the context of 16-19 Geography. Issues are introduced, Key Questions are raised and students select methods to develop answers to these.
   

3. An 'Individual Inquiry' approach, whereby students have the opportunity to select their own topic, adopt their own approach and complete an independent project or field investigation. Calshot staff act as supervisors and advisors, providing equipment, advice and ensuring safe working.

Whichever approach is adopted, each topic emphasises 'hands on' experience.

Topics currently available include:

• Biogeographical investigations of Sand Dune or Heathland environments.

• Pollution studies involving Lichens.

• Coastal processes and management, involving the classic 'Barton on Sea' location within Christchurch Bay, as well as the local area of which Calshot Spit is a part.

• Hydrological investigations, focusing upon New Forest streams and rivers.

• Conflict of Interest topics, focusing upon 'real' issues such as the proposed expansion of Southampton Docks into the greenfield site of Dibden Bay.

• Settlement and Tourism studies within the new Forest.

• Soil investigations.

• Weather Studies.

  For further details on these and other topics, please contact the department.
  

  Information for Geography Students doing Projects - Calshot Spit and Coastline