Term 1 has been a busy time for the Geography students and teachers with all year levels participating in fieldwork. Fieldwork is an essential part of Geography as it gives opportunities for learning which cannot be duplicated in the classroom. It greatly enhances students' understanding of geographical features and concepts and allows students to develop an understanding of real-world geography in their local environments.

Year 13 Geography

In class students have been studying how the coastal processes operate and interact along the South Canterbury Coastline to create unique natural features in our geographic environment such as Dashing Rocks and Waitarakoa (Washdyke) Lagoon. Students have also been learning how human modification of the coastline has changed and how the natural processes operate and interact, for example how the construction of the Timaru Port has led to the growth of Caroline Bay and South Beach, while causing erosion at Waitarakoa (Washdyke) Beach.

Students had an informative, but cold day out, on Friday 13 March, visiting areas of interest along the coastline, conducting their own geographic research and listening to expert guest speakers. The knowledge gained from this field trip will assist students with developing their understanding for two NZQA Achievement Standards as well as developing an appreciation of the natural world around them. Many thanks to Mr Collins and Mr McKay for assisting with the trip. A special thank you to Mr Chris Fauth from Ecan and Mr Philip Howe from the South Canterbury Museum for sharing their expertise and time with our Year 13 Geography class.

Year 11 Geography

The Year 11 Geography class has been busy investigating the future of the Highfield Golf Course site as a local geographic issue. Options of what to do with 16ha of spare land at the Timaru’s Highfield Golf Course are presently being considered by the Timaru District Council and our Year 11 Geography class. The Highfield Golf Club course has decided to revert to nine holes leaving available land, which included a hillside and hilltop with spectacular views, for redevelopment by the Timaru District Council.

The area of land available extends from housing bordering the course at Lindsay Street, past housing on Braemar Place, below the former St Vianney’s Home of Compassion property, through to Orbell Street. The hilltop section which covered the former Seaview, Shorty and Ridge holes provides a possibility for housing development, a recreational reserve, a predator-free native tree and bird sanctuary or a golfing hub for the region. The Year 11 Geography class conducted a site visit on Tuesday 3 March to help develop their understanding of the location, size and features of the area of land for redevelopment. Many thanks to Ms Bailey and Mr McKay for assisting with driving the vans for us.

A big thank you also goes to Mr Bill Steans from the TDC Parks and Recreation Department who came and spoke to the class about the wide range of possibilities for redevelopment of the area. Mr Steans also educated the class on some of the history of the area and was keen to hear what our students would like to see in any redevelopment that may take place.

A special thank you to Mr Roger Patterson who also gave up his time to come and speak to the Year 11 Class. Mr Patterson has proposed an eco-sanctuary with a predator-free fence. The students were very interested in the idea of a possible eco-sanctuary being developed in Timaru and now understand the possible positive environmental, social, cultural and economic benefits of having an eco-sanctuary in Timaru.