Duration
4 days
Exam board
WJEC
Availability & Prices

Darllen yn y Gymraeg

Students can complete the planning, learning and fieldwork for their write up and submission of the NEA for Unit 2 at GCSE.

4-day residential course 

Enquiry hexagons
Six stages of the enquiry process. Six stages to geographical enquiry by Simon Norman / (c) Field Studies Council.

At Field Studies Council we know that the new WJEC geography fieldwork assessment at GCSE requires schools to change how they deliver fieldwork.  We have worked closely with WJEC subject advisers to plan fieldwork courses to take the stress out of these changes and support Welsh Schools complete the NEA for each year of submission. 

Students are required to undertake a fieldwork investigation on one of two topics released by WJEC as part of the GCSE specifications to complete an NEA. 

Following the 6-stages of enquiry Field Studies Council offers complete GCSE Geography Fieldwork experiences to prepare students for completing the NEA for WJEC from first teach September 2025. 

Delivered by expert, passionate tutors at the forefront of geography fieldwork tuition using the latest methodologies.  

Available at a wide range of contrasting locations in Wales and Shropshire, you can view the choice of topics here.

At Field Studies Council centres, you can: 

  • Complete the GCSE Geography Fieldwork requirements in a relevant location to study a topic from each year’s submission, released by WJEC. 
  • Complete residential courses incorporating full enquiries with skill development and techniques across all 6 stages of the geographical enquiry process. 
  • Receive support and guidance from expert field tutors throughout your stay. 
  • Build students’ confidence in their studies with well-paced learning in surroundings that will support their wellbeing. 
  • Access innovative and creative fieldwork techniques and processes devised by experienced tutors and through collaboration with our strategic partners, such as the Geographical Association, and Awarding Organisations. 
  • Take advantage of options to build in adventure and additional learning opportunities to facilitate broader learning outcomes. 

Example Timetable

Example Program:

This example timetable for a 4-day GCSE field course features an academic focus, detailed enquiry follow-up sessions and multiple fieldwork locations.
Our programmes are bespoke to your school, awarding bodies and student requirements.
Please note that to ensure safe and quality learning experiences, the timetables may alter depending on weather conditions and local factors.

Day 1

Morning

Arrive by Midday - Arrival and settle into centre

Afternoon

Students are led through an introductory classroom session on how to plan their fieldwork, locate a suitable site, choose sampling methods and strategies, relevant to Task 1.  Session to include background info on sites / broad investigation title (and possible threads within this) and possible measurements.

This will include a visit to the fieldwork location and / or a similar site in close proximity to practice a wide range of suitable methods.

Evening

Based on this learning the students will identify an individual hypothesis /key question, from a list of a few avenues of study (and/or adding their own ideas) that they will undertake during fieldwork. This will include them creating their data tables.

Day 2

Morning

Fieldwork pilot study at location: an array of methods can be trialled and designed through student enquiry with method tables for justification and modification notes. Focussed discussion as a class on sample location, size and method. Relevant to Task 1.

Afternoon

Fieldwork undertaken as a class, but in groups to ensure data is collected suitably by individuals, for each individual’s investigation.  Completion of data collection relevant to Task 2.

Evening

Taught session on data presentation techniques and analysis using secondary data. This will prepare students to be able to undertake Task 3 and Task 4 themselves back at school.

Or
Evening adventures: Take time to reflect on the course, support wellbeing, build relationships within the group and have fun! Maybe a campfire, team games or orienteering- whatever would suit your group.

Day 3

Morning and afternoon

Short taught session on developing conclusions and evaluation techniques, ensuring students have experience of the whole 6-stage enquiry process.

Students will collate data and research secondary data sources to support their investigation.  Time will be given for students to begin processing and analysing data.

The day will be broken up with nature connection and/or team building - problem solving activities.

There will be opportunity for students to have time to write up individually, laptop access can be supplied dependent on group size to aid this.

Evening

Taught session on data presentation techniques and analysis using secondary data.

Day 4

Morning

Continued time for write up.  Day 3 and 4 could cover the 7 hours required time for the entire write up so that students leave ready or nearly ready to submit NEA coursework.

Depart from Centre

How this course fulfills the specification

WJEC GCSE Geography - Unit 2 Developing Fieldwork Skills

Added value of this course

Develop skills

  • Communication | Resilience | Independent thinking | Leadership
  • Numeracy | Literacy | Investigative skills | Observation

Enhance Knowledge

  • Ask questions
  • Apply knowledge in the real world and make links.
  • Make sense of new places and understand our place and role within this.

Enjoy

  • Have fun | Make friendships | Connect with nature

Why Choose Field Studies Council?

  • Expert tuition by fully trained staff

  • Stunning locations across the UK

  • Outstanding curriculum knowledge

  • Rigorous health and safety procedures

  • Support before and after your visit

  • Free places for visiting staff