Exploring Coastal Sustainability with Year 10s
The Year 10 Geography students were treated to an amazing educational experience that brought their classroom learning to life. Specialist Geography teacher Michelle Carrick led the students on a captivating journey along Perth’s most renowned coastal destinations. From Hillarys to Port Beach, the students engaged in geographical fieldwork designed to deepen their understanding of the impact of human usage on the natural environment.
Hands-On Learning at the Coast
The fieldwork was more than just a day at the beach. Students explored how various human activities – from tourism to urban development – affect coastal ecosystems. This hands-on experience allowed them to see first-hand the dynamic interaction between people and the environment, making complex geographical concepts tangible and relevant.
One of the key aspects of the day was encouraging students to consider the perspectives of different stakeholders involved in coastal management. Whether it is local councils, environmental groups, or business owners, each has a unique viewpoint on the development and sustainability of our coasts. Through examining real-life case studies, like the completed projects at Scarborough Beach and future plans for Cottesloe Beach, students gained insight into the challenges and compromises involved in managing these vital areas.
A Day of Perfect Weather and Lasting Memories
The weather was on our side, with clear skies and a gentle sea breeze, making it the perfect day for outdoor learning. As you can see from the photos, everyone had a wonderful time. The students returned to school not only with a greater appreciation for our beautiful coastline but also with a deeper understanding of the complex issues that come with balancing development and conservation. This excursion perfectly exemplifies how our innovative education programs bring academic subjects to life, preparing our students to think critically and act compassionately in their future careers.
From the Students
The geography excursion was a brilliant way to see first-hand the content we were learning in the classroom. Another positive is being able to talk to girls I don’t usually talk to and working together to identify the natural processes occurring around us. Layla
The geography field trip was eye-opening, offering me a fresh perspective on the environment and deepening my appreciation for nature and our Perth beaches. Ava
The geography field trip was an incredible experience that deepened my appreciation for the coast’s significance. Seeing its natural beauty up close served as a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving and protecting this ecosystem. It was a truly memorable experience that taught me many valuable lessons. Anahat
I enjoyed the geography excursion as it made us all more educated on what we were learning in class. Seeing it in person was very useful. I found it very exciting, and we all had lots of fun. Beatrice
- Coastal Conservation, CoastalSustainability, Environmental Education, Featured, Geography Field Trip, Perth Beaches, Year 10 Education
Author: Santa Maria College
Santa Maria College is a vibrant girls school with a growing local presence and reputation. Our Mission is to educate young Mercy women who act with courage and compassion to enrich our world. Santa Maria College is located in Attadale in Western Australia, 16 km from the Perth CBD. We offer a Catholic education for girls in Years 5 – 12 and have 1300 students, including 152 boarders.