Hello, KS3 students! Today, we’re going to dive into a journey that a group of students took along the beautiful coastline of Seaford. We’ll learn how to read maps, understand directions, and describe the route they walked. Let’s break it down step by step.

The Route Description

  1. Starting Point: The group began at Seaford seafront. They walked along a footpath towards Seaford Head, being very careful to stay away from the edge of the cliff because there was a warning sign.
  2. Following the Path: Next, they walked along the cliff top path down South Hill. They stopped to enjoy the stunning view of the Seven Sisters cliffs to the east and moved on to the groynes at Cuckmere Haven.
  3. Observations: At the beach, they took some time to record their observations. After that, they continued their walk along Vanguard Way, which follows the valley of the River Cuckmere.
  4. End Point: Finally, they ended their walk at a public house next to the bridge that crosses the River Cuckmere, where the A259 road goes over it.

Key Concepts to Remember

  • Map Reading: You can use a 1:50,000 OS map to follow the route.
  • Grid References: A six-figure grid reference helps to pinpoint a location on a map.
  • Field Sketches: Drawing what you see helps to record important features of the landscape.

Questions

Easy Level Questions

  1. What is the starting point of the students’ walk?
  2. Which direction did the group walk towards after Seaford seafront?
  3. What natural feature did the students stop to admire?
  4. What path did the group follow after visiting the beach?
  5. Where did the group finish their walk?
  6. Why did the students stay away from the cliff edge?
  7. What is the name of the river they followed?
  8. What is a footpath?
  9. Why is it important to observe your surroundings during a walk?
  10. What type of map did the students use?

Medium Level Questions

  1. Describe the view the students had of the Seven Sisters cliffs.
  2. What are groynes, and why might they be important to the beach?
  3. What is the significance of the A259 road in this walk?
  4. How would you describe the landscape they walked through?
  5. Why is it useful to take photos during a field trip?
  6. What could be some key features to include in a field sketch?
  7. How would you find the six-figure grid reference for Seaford seafront?
  8. What does it mean to follow a valley on a walk?
  9. How does a public house contribute to the local area?
  10. Why might students conduct fieldwork near their new secondary school?

Hard Level Questions

  1. Rewrite the route description to include six-figure grid references at key points.
  2. Compare the photograph taken at grid reference 491982 with the OS map. What are the key features you notice?
  3. What two towns could the students label on their field sketch and why?
  4. How can you use an OS map to plan your own walking route?
  5. What might be some safety considerations when walking along cliff edges?
  6. Discuss the environmental impact of walking in natural areas.
  7. Why is it important to record observations during fieldwork?
  8. How do groynes help prevent beach erosion?
  9. What tools would you need to conduct a similar fieldwork study?
  10. Explain how you would present your fieldwork findings to your classmates.

Answers and Explanations

Easy Level Answers

  1. Seaford seafront is the starting point.
  2. The group walked up to Seaford Head.
  3. They stopped to admire the Seven Sisters cliffs.
  4. They followed the path along Vanguard Way after the beach.
  5. They finished their walk at a public house next to the bridge.
  6. They stayed away from the cliff edge due to a warning sign indicating danger.
  7. The river they followed is the River Cuckmere.
  8. A footpath is a narrow path for walking.
  9. Observing your surroundings is important to appreciate nature and note important details.
  10. The students used a 1:50,000 OS map for their walk.

Medium Level Answers

  1. The students had a stunning view of the high cliffs with their unique white chalk formations.
  2. Groynes are structures built to prevent erosion and help maintain the beach.
  3. The A259 road is significant as it connects important areas and provides access to the region.
  4. The landscape included cliffs, valleys, and a river, showcasing natural beauty.
  5. Taking photos helps to capture memories and provide evidence of what they observed.
  6. Key features in a field sketch could include cliffs, the river, and vegetation.
  7. To find a six-figure grid reference, you locate the specific area on the OS map and note the coordinates.
  8. Following a valley means walking downhill alongside the river or low land.
  9. A public house contributes by providing a place for refreshments and community gathering.
  10. Students might conduct fieldwork near school to familiarize themselves with their new environment.

Hard Level Answers

  1. The route description would include specific six-figure grid references at each key location.
  2. Comparing the photograph shows similar features as marked on the OS map, like cliffs and paths.
  3. The two towns could be Seaford and Cuckmere Haven, as they are nearby.
  4. You can use an OS map to plan a route by identifying landmarks and pathways.
  5. Safety considerations include staying away from edges, keeping a safe distance, and being cautious on uneven ground.
  6. Walking in natural areas can cause soil erosion and disturb wildlife, so it’s important to tread carefully.
  7. Recording observations during fieldwork helps to document findings and understand the environment.
  8. Groynes help prevent beach erosion by trapping sand and reducing wave energy.
  9. Tools for fieldwork could include a map, camera, and notebook for recordings.
  10. Presenting fieldwork findings can be done through posters, presentations, or reports to share experiences.

This structured approach helps you understand geography better and prepares you for your own fieldwork adventures!