Year 10 geography students embarked from Etone College on a cold January morning barely after the sun had risen, were they bothered by this fact? Yes, a few were but that did nothing to quell the excitement in the air for their first official field trip into a city and what a city it was! As the students entered the old industrial city eager to unlock the secrets that had since turned it into one of the most modern and prosperous cities on the west coast they had time to also enjoy much of the beautiful architecture. However not all of the trip into the beating heart of the city was wasted on ogling the university or beautiful houses found within, many geographical questions were raised in young and eager minds. Questions we aimed to answer in the coming hours….

The first port of call was the beautiful Cabot Tower located on a large hill in one of the cities many parks. Once we had reached the lofty heights of the tower the whole city could be seen. Several important locations were pointed out including Clifton Suspension bridge and the two football stadiums in the city. One areas of investigation the old docklands could also be seen from the dizzying heights of the tower which did not look like an area in decline but more a bustling area full of bars and restaurants, was this evidence of regenerations perhaps? Upon reaching firm ground again, some legs were shaky from the many stairs or the sheer height of the tower perhaps, but either way we departed to the park eager to carry on our journey having scouted the area out.

A group photo was taken outside of the cathedral and many locals were questioned on their opinion of the regeneration work that had gone on. Students and teachers alike enjoyed the vibrant area that had been turned from sooty working docks to a modern and vibrant area just of the harbor. Environmental surveys were filled in and many interesting questions were asked (some more relevant than others). As the day drew on we visited many of the cities green spaces and took note of our environment all the while building a picture of how far the city had come.

A wonderful if brisk day of geographical enquiry and urban adventuring was rounded of nicely by a trip to the famous Cabot circus were students had little time explore before the trip back to Etone. The time was filled with shopping, eating, drinking (coffees and shakes) and even a round of mini golf. When our ride back to school finally arrived the shopping center had been all but spent, the local JD will take several weeks for its stock to return to normal no doubt. As the students trudged solemnly back onto the couch one of them looked at me and said “sir, what a great trip. Thanks”.

In all, the trip was a magnificent day of explorations and the students of Etone college did their school proud by not only showing a great interest in the task at hand but also by maintaining and exemplifying the school’s code and ethos. I’m sure the city of Bristol will be glad to see us again next year.