
Over the course of this term the Yr10 Photographers have been on two trips to collect the visual data they need to complete their project on ‘Norfolk Landscape’.
This particular project is the largest and most involved of all the GCSE coursework and requires the students to have an understanding of the different types of landscape that is found in our county, together with the animal and plant life that inhabits that area.
The first trip was to Ranworth and Malthouse Broads, to look at fresh water habitats, reed beds, plant and animal life and the inland tourist effects. Students were able to spend time at Ranworth Village Staithe before walking through the Norfolk Wildlife Conservation Centre, to Ranworth Broad. There they were able to go into the floating thatched Visitor Centre, with it’s excellent views across the Broad.
Walking back through the reserve one of the wardens showed just how dangerous the area was, should anyone stray from the boardwalks, when he lifted a 10’ post from the side of the path, to show tha
t the soft mud was covering all but 2’ of it. Easily deep enough to drown a human.
From the Broads we went to North Denes, in Yarmouth, to provide the opportunity for beach and coastal margin images to be taken.
It was not the clearest of days but students all managed to collect images of both interest and quality.
The second trip was to Morston, in North Norfolk, where there was the chance to photograph marine landscapes and the salt flats. Students went out to Blakeney Point on one of Beans Boats, which pulled into the shore to allow another party to dis-embark at the Point. We went on and were lucky to spot one seal – for some reason the seals were not there in numbers this year – but the weather was hot and clear – for the first time ever. Just ask Ms. Palmer what it can be like!
There were, however, thousands of sea birds; nesting and diving for food around the boat. Students were taken in close to the pebbly shore, where they could see Oyster catchers nesting among the stones.

Having reached dry land again, students had to find suitable areas in which to take ‘Joiner’ images. Joiners are a photographic skill where a series of small images are placed together to create a large picture – similar to a jigsaw, but with overlapping edges. It was at this point that a student went too near the edge of a mud pool and slid in – dirty, smelly and wet! There’s always one – but on this occasion, it was not the ‘one’ you might have imagined.
Images have all now been downloaded and there are some excellent results.
Apart from the image at the top of the page, all images are by the Oriel Yr10 Photographers.