Year 10 geographers explore the Swiss Alps

Thirty-eight Year 10 students spent October half term in the Bernese Oberland in Switzerland, swapping the classroom for some of the most spectacular landscapes in Europe.

Based near Interlaken, the group visited the Upper Grindelwald Glacier, where markers along the valley show how far the ice has retreated over the last century. Students measured slope angles, recorded weather data and interviewed visitors about tourism in the region, all of which will feed into their GCSE fieldwork.

Learning beyond the classroom

The trip brought to life the topics students study in GCSE geography, from glacial landscapes to the challenges of managing tourism in fragile environments. Highlights included a cable car ride above the valley, a visit to a hydroelectric power station and a fondue evening that most students declared a great success.

“Seeing how much the glacier has shrunk made everything we learned in class feel real. I will never forget standing in front of it.” Ella, Year 10

Thank you to Mr Shah and the geography team for organising such a memorable week, and to our families for supporting the trip. Information about next year’s visit will be shared with Year 9 families in the spring term.