Resource #V111122

Précis

This is a geography resource which engages students with the human and physical Geography of Portsmouth Harbour and the surrounding area of the Solent, while on their ferry crossing to/from the Isle of Wight. It includes pre-visit, on-site, and post-visit activities.

Contextual Summary

This resource focuses on students learning about the physical and the human characteristics of the ?geography? of the settlement of Portsmouth and the wider area on this stretch of the Solent coast. The resource leads students through knowing what the key terms associated with the topic area are, and understanding what they mean. Students learn the meaning of the term ?site?, and they examine what makes a good, and not such a good, site for a settlement. Through map work and photo interpretation students then examine the physical and human geography of the site of the settlement of Portsmouth. They also learn a little about the human geography features and characteristics of Portsmouth Harbour today, prior to seeing them whilst on the ferry.

Curriculum Relevance

Geography → Human and Physical Geography → Coasts

Implementation

While on the ferry crossing, students will be able to observe what the Harbour and Solent is like today and compare it to what it was once like using information given on the resource. A variety of tasks enables them to investigate the human and physical geography of the Harbour, the Solent crossing and, also, Fishbourne on the Isle of Wight. On their return to school, students then work in small groups to summarise, in the form of a presentation, all that they have learned about the physical and human geography of the area, and how and why it has developed over time into a major port and naval base.

Key Skills Practised

• Recognition of key physical and human geographical features
• Use fieldwork to observe and record human and physical features of an area
• Use OS maps, photos and sketching
• Development of literacy skills
• Carrying out independent and collaborative group activities.

Learning Opportunities

Pre-Visit

Students will learn what the key terms (physical and human Geography, site and land use) mean, and will also learn about the physical and human characteristics of Portsmouth as a settlement.

On Site

Students will make observations from the ferry in order to understand the physical and human geography of Portsmouth, and Portsmouth Harbour specifically, and the wider Solent area.

Post-Visit

Students summarise what they have learned through a group work task to develop and deliver presentations.

Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to define what physical Geography and Human Geography is, and also the terms ?site? and ?land use?. Students should be able to describe the physical and human geography of Portsmouth Harbour and the surrounding area of the Solent, including the role of defence both past and present. Students will make and record observations about what the harbour and Solent is like, both the physical and the human features. Students will develop presentations in groups to summarise what they have learnt.