Y12 Geography trip to Khlong Toei community and Hua Hin

Our Year 12 Geography students recently completed a two-day fieldwork trip focused on human impacts on mangrove ecosystems.

Our Year 12 Geography students recently completed a two-day fieldwork trip focused on urban inequality, regeneration, and human impacts on mangrove ecosystems.

Day 1: Urban Inequality in Khlong Toei

On the first day, students visited the Khlong Toei community in Bangkok to investigate the impacts of small-scale regeneration in an area experiencing significant social and economic challenges. This provided a real-world context for topics studied in class, particularly urban problems, planning and regeneration. Students collected primary data through observations, surveys, and interviews. This allowed them to analyse living conditions within informal settlements and consider the challenges faced by the community.

They also spoke with two local NGOs: the Duang Prateep Foundation and the Bangkok Community Help Group, who shared insights into their work supporting education, housing, and social development. Students also visited the Montessori school where they served the kindergarten children lunch and set-up for a special parent teacher event. They also had the opportunity to work as volunteers to prepare and pack food for 200 people in the local community. This encouraged students to reflect on social responsibility and the role of community support.

Day 2: Mangroves and Coastal Environments in Pranburi

On day two, the group travelled to Hua Hin and Pranburi Mangrove Forest Park to investigate human impacts on coastal ecosystems. The focus was on the effects of shrimp farming and salt harvesting on mangrove environments along this Thai coastline.

Students explored the mangrove forest by boat, collecting data and observing tree density, species diversity and sediment depth. The visit helped students understand the role of mangroves in coastal protection of fishing communities and biodiversity, as well as learning all important skills in teamwork and data analysis.  We also visited Takiab and Sanae Beach to see our learning of coastal landscapes in real-life, considering the formation, changes and measuring of the bays and beaches.

It was a pleasure to see them play on the beach and enjoy the peace that the sea and fresh air bring.  Trips are so important in building relationships with our peers and students, and for them to become independent contributors to the societies they live in.