SIXTH form students from Beaminster School and the Sir John Colfox School showed ‘grit and determination’ during a geography field trip.

Students visited four sites along the River Piddle and focused on sediment size and angularity.

Their results were then compared to MJ Bradshaw’s model of a typical river.

Flow meters, tape measures and metre rulers were used to gather data about velocity, river depth and width.

Matt Curtis-Dyke, group leader and head of geography at Beaminster School said: “Field trips form an invaluable part of the A-level course in the joint sixth form, and we are already preparing for another field trip in the summer.

“Geography provides students with an understanding of the forever changing complexities of the world around us, while preparing students for the world of work through their team work and organisational skills, and it is a great pleasure to be able to work with Sir John Colfox School geography teacher Nick Preston and the students from Sir John Colfox School.”

Beaminster student Will Aburrow said: ‘This geography field trip has really enhanced my map and navigational skills, which has helped me with my pilot training, and I also enjoyed working collaboratively with students from Sir John Colfox School.”

Students visited Swanage Beach to see the issues of coastal erosion and mass movement at first hand. They then went on to Worth Matravers to investigate rural deprivation and the problems associated with rural to urban migration.

Mr Preston said: “Having a joint sixth form with Beaminster School has many plusses. Students from both schools integrated well and worked as a team. The benefits of working closely together means that year on year the geography departments gain great results with plenty of opportunities to share good practice.”

The group was based at Leeson House Field Studies Centre near Swanage where staff praised them for their attitude. A spokesman said: “I was impressed by the students’ grit and determination to get detailed data even in the autumnal conditions.”