Year 12 Geography Students Explore Urban Regeneration in Manchester

Our Year 12 A-level Geography students recently took their learning beyond the classroom with an exciting three-day fieldwork experience in New Islington, Manchester. On Monday, 24, Tuesday, 25, and Thursday, 27 November, students immersed themselves in the heart of the city to complete their Human Geography fieldwork, bringing their ‘Changing Places’ case study to life.

The visit began with a guided walking tour showcasing the area’s fascinating transformation. Students explored heritage mill buildings, the vibrant Cutting Room Square with its striking Italian-inspired architecture, and the modern marina. Along the way, they investigated evidence of New Islington’s past industrial roots and its present-day connections, observing firsthand the impact of urban regeneration on the local community.

This hands-on experience allowed students to collect primary data, strengthening their confidence and skills ahead of starting their coursework in the spring. The trip was not only educational but also highly enjoyable, offering a real-world perspective on topics studied in class.

“Seeing the theory come to life was amazing. It really helped us understand how regeneration changes a place over time and gave us a chance to practice the data collection techniques we’ll need for our coursework,” said one Year 12 student.

We are proud of how engaged and enthusiastic our students were throughout the fieldwork and look forward to seeing the insights they bring into their upcoming projects.