On the 12th February 2025, the Year 11 Geography cohort travelled to Epping Forest to conduct their GCSE fieldwork in Debden Brook. The students were briefed on the theory behind the fieldwork by our guide, whom they amazed with their excellent knowledge. They were given wellington boots, which were a new discovery for some, and taken out to see the source of the river. To say that they saw a fully-fledged river would be a little dramatic, as it was little more than a trickle, with the larger bodies of water coming later in the day.

After returning to the centre and eating some lunch, the students were then taken out to the main river. They were introduced to all the equipment they were to use and split into groups. The prospect of wading into a (very shallow) river was initially daunting for some of the more reserved students. However, almost everyone got in eventually and all were happier for it!

They took several readings at three different sights, without a hitch, other than a single lost cork. Spirits were high until we got back to the centre where the students encountered the Herculean task that awaited them: washing their muddy boots! Despite the initial outrage, every student managed to clean their boots to a satisfactory level. Following this sense of accomplishment, the students wrapped things up in the classroom and clambered back onto the bus.

After an exhausting day, the bus back was blissfully quiet.