The Earth Sciences Department at King Edward VI College played host to Dr Andrew Carr from Leicester University who gave a fascinating insight into the impacts of climate change on coastal regions.
The department, which has a 100% success rate, also welcomed students from others schools, including Etone and St Thomas More, to hear about Dr Carr’s research in South Africa. The talk was part of the Earth Sciences Department’s ongoing programme of visiting speakers from local universities and environmental organisations. The 60 strong audience included geography and environmental studies students from KEGS, as well as the invited guests.
Dr Carr showed students how they could apply their own studies on coastal regions to explain the landforms found on the southern coast of the African continent. He told the audience about the research techniques his team have used to investigate previous changes in sea level and the impacts on the coast. They were amused to find that the high tech approach included the use of lengths of drain pipes from local DIY stores! Dr Carr’s enthusiasm was infectious and the students were enthralled as he showed them photos of one of the largest sand dunes on the planet! Questions asked by the audience were relevant and interesting, relating to the impact of future sea level change on the area.
KEC student Lucy Davies said: “Andy’s presentation and advice helped cement my decision to study Geography at Leicester – it sounds fantastic.”
Dr Carr was joined by Emma Evans, a Royal Geographical Society “Ambassador” who gave an insight into university life and the advantages of doing geography and related subjects at A level and as a degree. She gave an amusing and informative talk showing lots of aspects of student life. Both Dr Carr and Ms Evans chatted with students afterwards.
Last year almost two thirds of the KEGs geography students went on to do geography related degrees so the subject is very popular.
Faye Whittley, Charlotte Cripps and Shreya Modha all agreed that “the talk helped with what we are currently doing in class, giving us an insight into how it can be applied to a real life situation.”
Kate Phillips, who organised the event, said “it was great for the students to see how their own studies can be applied and the opportunities that they can pursue in the future. I think they liked the idea of sitting in the sunshine on sand dunes to do research! The department is planning a trip to Italy again next spring so perhaps we can get some practise in!”