Why EVERYONE should take Geography

 So . . . . YOU should take Geography because . . . .
-Geography is a humanity - and so shows an ability to understand the world around you
- It can be learnt in perfect syncronisity with a very wide variety of other subjects - for example 1 student in taking AS Geography may take Art, Psychology and RS, whereas another may take French, Maths and Chemistry :)
- The trip is a definite highlight of the course - you learn about a whole other culture, whilst at the same time embracing french cuisine, studying rivers and settlements - and participating in once in a life time oppurtunities - such as climbing to the summit of a mountain, enjoying fabulous views of things like V-shaped valleys and temperature inversions.
- The course as a whole is highly enjoyable to study.
- The class sizes in school are very small, with the average class size being 9, so the teacher has a good overview of how everyone is doing.
- If you are interested in how the surrounding human and especially physical world is how it is, you will love Geography!!!

During our Lessons . . . .

We cover physical and human geography with 2 separate teachers, so far this year we have covered:
Human : - population (factors affecting population growth, change etc.)
- differences between LEDCs and MEDCs
- migration
-population structure
- aging and youthful populations and their problems
- population pyramids
- underpopulation and overpopulation

Physical: - The drainage basin and hydrological cycle
- factors affecting river discharge
- channel processes
- valley profiles
- channel characteristics (and how they change downstream)
- Landforms of fluvial erosion and deposition
- River rejuvination
- Impact and causes of flooding

Since our Return . . . .

Since our return from the Cevennes - we have been getting very excited about our write up of the trip. We have been producing a written account which includes:
- detailed accounts of our everyday antics
- our hypothesis and methodology from our pilot study and the day we spent meant measuring the river Souteyran
- data collection for analysis of results
- analysis of results including graphs, charts, statistical analysis etc.

Map girl in settlements

Human geography today. Fun. Just kidding Mr M, it was fairly enjoyable :) hehe. Lots of coaching around today - with what was described as a small crash between us and a car. However or expectation were not met as you needed a microscope to see the scratch on the coach!! We were very dissapointed :) though it was the highlight of the day! Meant to be doing drill team practice tonight, and there was no ruler today :( Last day tomorrow. Therefore, I leave you with this military drill movement "Dismiss!" (Turn to the right. Salute. March 3 paces. Go home)

Rural Depopulation

Brilliant day looking at rural depopulation in the Lot valley.

Day was warm and sunny allowing for pleasant wandering around the small villages to identify the feel of each area. We even almost added a member to the group at St. Julien after having a long chat with one of the local residents.

Temperature is falling and the wind is now strengthening! Oh dear! - wind chill is going to be an issue on Friday morning.

Just finishing up the work from the week. The incentive to concentrate is high as a "disco" has been promised within Raymondos for all to attend.

Evening meal in the centre was great tonight, they really pulled out the stops for us! They have been super. The seating was moved around as the other school were out so everyone got to sit around one big table facing each other.

Thursday Morning

Sun is shining again although the temperature has definately dropped!

After a quick briefing everyone is off out to survery rural settlement and population, including recording of services, in Badaroux, Bagnols, St Julian, Le Leymard. Everyone is looking forward to seeing the town of Mende too, hopefully with a small opportunity to explore some of the small French shops.

Fingers crossed for another lunch sitting out in the sun!

Thursday - Towns and Rural Depopulation - Human Geography

After a 13 hour day for all the group yesterday, we are off this morning to study settlements in Lozere. Lozere is one of the least densely populated parts of France. We will begin the day looking at the regional capital of Mende. As the day progresses the group will be investigating rural depopulation in a range of small villages. (Do they know whats going to hit them!)
Spirts are still high, and we loved walking to the source of the Souteyran yesterday. (well I did!!!!!)
Mr Male is leading today! - Human Geography Rules! (well sometimes - sorry Miss Habib)
Mr G