Overview

Day 1: Man-made Structures and the Relationship with the Environment

Afternoon Activity: Kenilworth Castle

Discover the connection between geography, geology, and history at Kenilworth Castle. This iconic site offers breathtaking views and an intriguing story of its evolution, showcasing how its location and surrounding geology influenced its construction and preservation. Students will get involved in mapping activities, analyse erosion’s effects, and explore the environmental challenges of maintaining such a historic landmark, connecting geography to real-world applications.

Lunch: Before you start the first day’s activities, stop for a quick packed lunch provided by parents.

• Key Stage 1: Students will use simple mapping and geology activities based on the castle’s setting.
• Key Stage 2: Students will explore the history of the castle and how the local geography influenced its design and use.
• Key Stage 3: Students will study the geological features of the castle’s surroundings, discussing erosion and the impact of time on buildings.
• Key Stage 4: Students will analyse the environmental and geological challenges of preserving historical sites like Kenilworth Castle.

Evening: Check-in at Accommodation and Dinner

Students check into their accommodation and reflect on the day’s discoveries.

Day 2: Exploring Geology and Natural History

Morning Activity: Morning Activity: Brandon Marsh Nature Reserve

Immerse students in the stunning habitats of Brandon Marsh Nature Reserve, a natural haven filled with wetlands, meadows, and woodlands. This diverse ecosystem is a living classroom where students can explore how geological and geographical forces like rivers and glaciation have shaped the landscape. From hands-on soil analysis to studying conservation strategies, Brandon Marsh provides an engaging opportunity to understand the delicate balance between natural processes and human impact.

• Key Stage 1: Students will explore the basic concepts of landscapes, learning how different environments (wetlands, meadows, woods) are shaped by natural processes.
• Key Stage 2: Students will learn about the geographical and geological processes that formed the reserve, including river erosion, glaciation, and the development of wetlands.
• Key Stage 3: Students will analyse the geological formations in the area, studying how landforms such as marshes and wetlands have evolved over time and the processes that continue to shape them.
• Key Stage 4: Students will critically examine the relationship between human activity and natural landscapes, focusing on conservation efforts and the management of geological and ecological resources.

Afternoon Activity: Coombe Abbey Park – Coventry Outdoors

Coombe Abbey Park combines historical significance with geographical exploration, making it an ideal stop for students eager to understand the interplay between natural and built environments. With its range of outdoor education programmes, including Bushcraft and orienteering, students can dive into practical activities that highlight the relationship between geology, geography, and human development. The park’s natural landscapes and rich history provide endless opportunities for critical thinking and active learning.

• Key Stage 1: Students will explore the park’s varied landscapes, identifying geographical features such as hills, valleys, and woodlands. They can engage with simple activities like map reading and recognizing different types of terrain.
• Key Stage 2: Students will take part in Bushcraft activities while learning how geography and geology influence survival techniques in the wild. They can also explore the park’s role in local history and the environment.
• Key Stage 3: Students will focus on the park’s geological features, studying the types of soil, rock, and natural formations within the park, as well as how these have shaped the environment over time.
• Key Stage 4: Students will examine how outdoor activities, like orienteering and bushcraft, link to geography and geology. They’ll analyse the relationship between natural landscapes, human development, and conservation efforts.

Day 3: Understanding Waterways and Environmental Geography

Morning Activity: Conkers and Outdoor Exploration

Morning: After breakfast, head to Conkers in the National Forest for a full day of geography-focused activities.

Nestled in the heart of the National Forest, Conkers is a 120-acre outdoor learning hub where students can explore environmental geography through hands-on activities. From studying biodiversity and sustainability to analysing the site’s transformation from a former coal mining area to a thriving forest, Conkers offers a unique case study in regeneration and conservation. Activities like pond dipping, bug hunting, and map reading engage students in understanding ecosystems and environmental management in a fun and interactive way.

• Key Stage 1: Children will explore the natural environment, looking at different plant and animal species in the woodland and the roles they play in the ecosystem. Activities such as nature walks and simple map-reading help students understand geographical features and locations in the world around them.
• Key Stage 2: The focus will be on more in-depth learning about ecosystems, food chains, and the relationships between living organisms and their environment. Activities such as orienteering, learning about habitats, and participating in environmental regeneration discussions will reinforce geographical skills while enhancing their understanding of the natural world.
• Key Stage 3: Students can explore the principles of sustainability, land management, and environmental impact in greater detail. The history of Conkers’ transformation from coal mining to a thriving forest provides an excellent case study for understanding human interaction with natural landscapes, the importance of conservation, and regeneration projects. Activities such as shelter-building and studying local ecosystems offer practical applications of environmental geography.

Lunch and Departure: Stop and take a break for a final packed lunch in the grounds of Conkers before boarding the coach for your journey back home. 

This three-day itinerary offers an enriching journey through Coventry and its surrounding areas, where geography and geology come to life in both natural and built environments. From exploring historic castles and nature reserves to engaging with conservation projects, students gain valuable insights into how the Earth’s processes and human activities shape our world. Whether studying erosion at Kenilworth Castle, biodiversity at Brandon Marsh, or environmental regeneration at Conkers, every stop is designed to inspire a lifelong connection to geography, sustainability, and critical thinking.

Planning a school trip has never been easier – contact us today to create a tailored and educational itinerary that will leave a lasting impact on your students.