A curated section of guidance, research and practical resources to support purposeful rigorous and manageable geographical fieldwork
Fieldwork Links
Fieldwork planning, geographical enquiry, data collection, methodologies and practical guidance.
Books
Fiona Sheriff — 100 Ideas for Secondary Teachers: Geography Fieldwork
Sheriff, F. (2024). Bloomsbury Education.
A practical collection of ideas for developing fieldwork across secondary geography. It includes approaches to local and on-site fieldwork, more traditional river and coastal enquiries, the use of secondary data, GIS and virtual fieldwork, with a strong emphasis on making fieldwork inclusive and achievable in different school contexts.
Explore book →
https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/100-ideas-for-secondary-teachers-geography-fieldwork-9781801994804/
Andy Owen — GCSE Geography Fieldwork
Owen, A. (2019). Insight & Perspective Ltd.
A practical series supporting students through the geographical enquiry process and the fieldwork requirements of GCSE Geography. Separate editions are available for AQA, Eduqas, OCR and WJEC, covering fieldwork methods, data collection and analysis, evaluation and preparation for assessment.
Explore books →
https://insightandperspective.co.uk/geography-1
Andy Owen — A Level Geography Independent Investigation: A Practical Guide
Owen, A. (2019). Insight & Perspective Ltd.
A step-by-step guide to planning, carrying out and writing up the A-level independent investigation. It supports students with developing an enquiry focus, reviewing literature, selecting primary and secondary data, designing methodology and completing the final investigation.
Explore book →
https://insightandperspective.co.uk/publications/a-level-geography-independent-investigation-a-practical-guide
Alan Parkinson & John Widdowson — Fieldwork Through Enquiry
Parkinson, A. & Widdowson, J. (2020). Geographical Association.
A Geographical Association publication built around the principle that fieldwork should involve students actively observing, questioning and investigating the real world. The second edition provides enquiry-based fieldwork activities alongside guidance for developing geographical investigation and thinking.
Explore book →
https://portal.geography.org.uk/shop/view/P020740
Chloë Searl — Methods of Fieldwork series
Searl, C. (2021). Geographical Association.
A three-part Geographical Association series supporting students and teachers through the collection, presentation and analysis of fieldwork data. The books consider qualitative and quantitative approaches, appropriate method selection and the use of GIS within geographical enquiry.
The series includes:
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Methods of Collecting Fieldwork Data
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Methods of Presenting Fieldwork Data
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Methods of Analysing Fieldwork Data
Explore series →
https://portal.geography.org.uk/shop/view/P020780
Websites and Articles
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Geographical Association — High-quality Geography Fieldwork for All
A major 2025 GA research report drawing on consultation with more than 400 teachers as well as evidence from schools and other stakeholders. It sets out principles for high-quality fieldwork and a framework for thinking about progression. I think this is now an essential inclusion on your page.
Explore report →
https://geography.org.uk/high-quality-geography-fieldwork-for-all-report/
Geographical Association — Geography Fieldwork
The GA’s main fieldwork hub brings together guidance, research and practical resources to support high-quality fieldwork across the geography curriculum. It includes material on progression, enquiry, the National Festival of Fieldwork and the GA’s national work on strengthening fieldwork provision.
Explore fieldwork resources →
https://geography.org.uk/curriculum-support/geography-fieldwork/
Geographical Association — Planning Fieldwork for Geographical Learning
A useful guide to thinking about fieldwork as part of geographical learning rather than simply an activity or trip. It includes guidance and further reading on fieldwork planning, enquiry and the development of procedural knowledge.
The Island Geographer — Fieldwork Resources
Chloë Searl’s extensive collection of freely available fieldwork resources, including data-collection sheets, fieldwork activities, support for geographical enquiry and resources for the A-level NEA. Particularly useful for practical ideas that can be adapted to different locations and contexts.
Explore resources →
https://www.theislandgeographer.co.uk/resources
Field Studies Council — Geography Resources
A substantial collection of free geography and fieldwork resources for secondary teachers and students, including support for GCSE and A-level enquiry, physical and human fieldwork, GIS and the different stages of the enquiry process.
Explore resources →
https://www.field-studies-council.org/resources/geography-resources/
Royal Geographical Society — Fieldwork in Schools
The RGS fieldwork hub brings together support for planning and delivering fieldwork, including fieldwork techniques, local and low-cost approaches, inclusive fieldwork, resources and professional development.
Explore resources →
https://www.rgs.org/schools/fieldwork-in-schools
Royal Geographical Society — Key Fieldwork Experiences and Techniques
Ten fieldwork experiences designed to develop important geographical enquiry and fieldwork skills. Although primarily focused on GCSE Geography, many of the approaches can be adapted for different key stages.
Explore fieldwork ideas →
https://www.rgs.org/schools/fieldwork-in-schools/fieldwork-planning/key-fieldwork-experiences-and-techniques
Royal Geographical Society & Chloë Searl — Self-led Fieldwork CPD
A great set of free professional-development modules hosted by Chloë Searl. The modules can be used individually or with geography departments and include supporting activities and resources.
The series includes:
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The Characteristics of High-quality Fieldwork
https://www.rgs.org/schools/resources-for-schools/self-led-cpd-the-characteristics-of-high-quality-fieldwork -
Integrating Fieldwork and Enquiry Skills into Curriculum Plans
https://www.rgs.org/schools/resources-for-schools/self-led-cpd-integrating-fieldwork-and-enquiry-skills-into-curriculum-plans -
Progression in Fieldwork
https://www.rgs.org/schools/resources-for-schools/self-led-cpd-progression-in-fieldwork
Rob Chambers — Making Geographical Enquiry Explicit at KS3: Building Disciplinary Thinking from the Ground Up
I explore why geographical enquiry needs to be explicitly taught rather than simply experienced through occasional activities or fieldwork. The article considers how students can progressively understand the process through which geographers ask questions, collect and interpret evidence and construct geographical knowledge.
Read article →
https://robgeogchambers.substack.com/p/making-geographical-enquiry-explicit
More Inclusive Fieldwork — Free Virtual Field Trips
A collection of free, self-guided and immersive virtual field trips developed through the More Inclusive Fieldwork project. The resources include locations such as Glen Roy, Coire Ardair, Slapton, Prawle Point and Seatown, and can be used to support teaching, preparation for fieldwork or greater accessibility and inclusion.
Explore virtual field trips →
https://fieldwork.wp.worc.ac.uk/wordpress/free-virtual-field-trips/