The Y13s were investigating the sustainability of the coastal defences of the area in preparation for their A-level coursework, so headed off with Mrs Oxley to Mudeford spit, whilst the Y8s headed off to the top of Hengistbury Head for a quick field sketch of Christchurch Harbour.

Back on the beach, the Y8s then started testing all the theories they had been learning about in the classroom with Mr Lewis and Miss Roe.  First they counted waves to find out what type they were, before having great fun measuring the speed of longshore drift by throwing oranges into the swash and measuring how far they travelled in 3 minutes.  As it was a very windy day, the oranges sped off down the coast! 

After a quick spot of lunch, their attention then turned to the pebbles on the beach and whether erosion had been acting upon them and if they changed size and shape along the beach.  After walking all the way along the beach to the spit, they met up with the Y13s who had been busy measuring beach profiles and conducting questionnaires, so it was a relief to all they were able to catch the land train to take them back to the school coach!