Year 12 Geography Excursion – Canning River Fieldwork
Standing beside the water at Andrew Thompson Conservation Reserve, our Year 12 Geography students were no longer just talking about ecosystems, land cover change and human impact. They were looking at it, measuring it and asking questions of the landscape in front of them.
That is what made this Canning River fieldwork excursion so valuable. It gave students the chance to step beyond the classroom and apply their geographical skills in a real setting, building the kind of detailed local case study knowledge that strengthens extended responses and exam preparation.
Beginning with the bigger picture
The day began at Andrew Thompson Conservation Reserve, near the Curtin University Boat Club, where students were introduced to the Swan–Canning River Catchment and the way land cover in Perth has changed over time.
With the river right beside them, ideas that can feel abstract in class became much easier to grasp. Students explored ecosystem structure and function, considered the relationship between natural processes and human activity, and saw firsthand how environmental change can be observed at a local scale.
Comparing two very different water systems
Later in the day, the group travelled to Bodkin Park Urban Drain for morning tea before beginning hands-on fieldwork at Drain Site B and the nearby Living Stream.
This part of the excursion gave students a clear and practical comparison. On one side was a traditional concrete-lined urban drain. On the other was a more naturalised living stream design. By sampling water and collecting field data, students were able to examine how different approaches to urban water management affect runoff and water quality.
It was not just a visual contrast. It was an opportunity to evaluate which strategies work better and why.
Geography that students can use in exams
One of the biggest benefits of the day was the chance to gather primary data and turn it into something useful for assessment. Rather than relying only on textbook examples, students now have a detailed local case study they can draw on in their exam responses.
They also practised the skills that matter in Year 12 Geography: observing carefully, collecting data accurately, interpreting patterns and linking evidence to wider environmental issues.
Student Reflections
For one Year 12 student, the value of the day was clear:
"The fieldtrip was insightful and we learnt a lot from industry experts that will help us in our exam'"
Bringing Geography to life
By the end of the excursion, students had done more than complete a day of fieldwork. They had built a stronger understanding of the environmental challenges facing Perth’s river systems and the management strategies being used close to home.
We thank River Guardians (DBCA) and the Canning River Education Centre for delivering such a valuable program. Days like this remind students that Geography is not only something they study. It is something they can see, question and understand in the world around them.
- ATAR Geography fieldwork, environmental science learning, experiential learning Perth, Featured, geography case studies, River Guardians DBCA, Santa Maria College excursions, Swan Canning River Catchment, Year 12 Geography
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.
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