Personal Statement: Eva Irving (BSc Physical Geography)
My interest in Physical Geography was first sparked whilst taking part in a two day Bronze Duke of Edinburgh award expedition in the Lake District. Across the weekend the region received exceptional levels of rainfall in excess of 130mm, resulting in the River Derwent bursting its banks and severely flooding the area. I was astonished by the extreme effect this weather event had on the environment and was intrigued to understand more about the fluvial processes involved. When it came to selecting GCSEs, I did not hesitate to pick Geography, and as I continued to learn more it became clear that I was most fascinated by the many complex physical geographical processes that have shaped our
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planet. I am confident that my selection of advanced subjects will provide me with the skills required to be successful in a BSc Physical Geography degree. In terms of specific geographical skills, I have become confident in using and carrying out various data collection methods as well as statistical analysis through both teaching as part of A-level Geography and fieldwork; such as various river studies I have completed at Keskadale Beck, the River Gelt and the River Souteyran. A-level English Language has improved my essay writing skills, and BTEC Applied Science has improved my ability to work independently and manage my time to adhere to deadlines. In addition to this I have really enjoyed gaining many valuable skills including; teamwork, dedication, commitment, leadership and map reading through completing Bronze and Silver Duke of Edinburgh awards, I am also in the process of completing Gold Duke of Edinburgh. Whilst at a university open day I attended a lecture by Dr.
Jonathan L. Carrivick. In his lecture he described some of the research he had carried out on Icelandic Jökulhlaups, with his aim being to determine the extent and severity of the impact glacial melt would have on the surrounding Icelandic settlements. I found this fascinating and since, has strongly influenced me to consider a career in the research branch of geography after my degree, particularly as it involves global travel. I have visited many destinations across the world from a young age, a significant factor fueling my enthusiasm towards expanding my geographical knowledge.
Outside of education, my hobbies have extended the experiences I have developed in Geography. On a recent fieldtrip I investigated the impact of skiing on the landscape at Mont Lozère Ski Resort in the Cévennes, Southern France. I found this research particularly interesting as I could consider my own impact at locations where I have skied. In addition to this, my keen interest in rock climbing has given me the chance to climb outdoors in locations such as the Honister Slate Mine Via Ferrata in the Lake District, reaffirming me of my love of the outdoors and desire to understand the
landscape. Another activity I take part in is hockey. It is a sport I first started playing in secondary school, but soon proceeded to join both the school hockey club and my local team. I really enjoy the teamwork, excitement and competitive nature of the matches. I hope that by getting involved in hockey at university I will be able to meet new people and get stuck into the spirit of university life, making an effective transition. Currently I work part-time as a kennel assistant. My role and the reliance placed on me by my co-workers has taught me the importance and rewards of commitment, hard work and responsibly. Qualities which I feel are of a great importance in order to achieve and be successful at university. The study of Geography is potentially the most relevant discipline in our ever-changing diverse planet. It is our responsibility to educate ourselves on the vital role geography has had and will continue to have in shaping the Earth and the sustainability of its future. I am excited for the opportunities geography will help me to obtain in my future and I am eager to begin the challenge.
Now that we’ve made our way through the journey of Ken Jennings’ incredible book I feel as if it’s important for me to try to sway you to become more involved in geography. It’s a truly fascinating subject and can take you places you never thought you could ever visit. If you don’t want to leave your home, at least buy an atlas, map, or visit Google Earth. You never know what you could discover in your journey. If you don’t think maps or an atlas is your thing, you never know if you never try. Jennings created a journey, for me I would have never cared to take had it not been assigned as a college class assignment, but now I’m so glad I did. Jennings shined a different light on geocaching, and map hunting. He made it fun, interesting, and overall thrilling.
Hess, D., McKnight, T. L., & Tasa, D. (2011). McKnight's physical geography (Custom ed. for California State University, Northridge ; 2nd Calif. ed.). New York: Learning Solutions.
In the book “Why Geography Matters More Than Ever”, the author, Harm de Blij, discusses the importance of geography, how it can affect us in any place or any time, and why it matters. But most importantly, he succeeds to advance our perception of the world’s geography. Throughout the book de Blij highlights the many benefits of being educated about geography. He explains that it is important that we are informed about this topic so we can be more prepared for the events happening around the world. This book illustrates just how essential it is to be well-educated when it comes to geography.
The main ideas presented in “Why Geography Matters…More Than Ever!” revolve around what exactly geography is, and the implications of the subject. Geography is the study of the physical world and human actions, it also covers the affects of human actions. Geography influences a plethora of topics and geographers do research on numerous subjects. “Geographers do research on glaciations and coastlines, on desert dunes and limestone caves, on weather and climate, even on plants and animals”(7). The author stresses how underrated geography is the present times, and how the introduction of social studies have doomed the subject of geography for future generations. In a section detailing the teaching of geography
In his stories the women were not portrayed as nice. Women were usually nagging and would fight with their husbands. Some critics felt that Irving took an anti-feminism approach to his writing. However some critic feel that The Legend of Sleepy Hollow shows importance of marriage. Some critics also argue the quality of his work. Some pieces of his work are considered remarkable. While other pieces of his work are considered not to be that good.
I believe that geography is a significant subject in the primary national curriculum because it supports children to develop an understanding of the places in the world and the diverse range of people who live in it. For me, this is an important aspect to learning because it enables children to be globally aware. According to the DFES (Great Britain. Department for Education and Skills, 2005a) education plays a vital role in helping children to recognise their contribution and responsibilities as citizens of the global community and equips them with skills to make informed decisions and take responsible actions. In a recent geography seminar, I collaboratively planned a lesson for KS2, involving children taking a visit to Seaton, a local beach in Cornwall to compare and contrast the area through photographs after recent storm damage. The Royal Geographical Society (2014) suggests through the use of enquiry-based fieldwork, children can gain first hand experiences of physical processes. Having planned this activity I now realise that the use of first hand experiences will support children to develop attitudes and opinions. This is important because in my future geography teaching I can challenge children by using t...
Gibbs, G (1988) Learning by Doing, A guide to teaching and learning methods. Cheltenham: The Geography Discipline Network. (GDN).
In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, there was not a significant amount of scientific information known about the character of glaciers and therefore these travelers would not have had nearly the same exposure to factual information as a visitor in modern times. Even without the modern knowledge, the four writers make a diligent attempt to formulate words to describe the indescribable and unfamiliar, and to explain the nature, formation and behavior of glaciers.
I think today the fascinations about nature have a great influence from entertainment to education. But Davis states that the importance and value of such ‘nature entertainment’ differs by race and class.
Growing up in England by the Peak District my Dad would often take us on short walks through the heather to look at the rolling hills; I fondly remember falling into the heather on an autumn day or seeing mounds of snow over the embankments on the sides of the roads. My Mum lived across from a wooded area that sprawled for miles, it started as a slope leading to trees and the small stream that I would walk along in my Wellies, during the winter my brother and I would trek out there for hours of sledding and fun to return to hot chocolate made for us. Since moving to America, I have witnessed nature but never to the raw extent that I did as a child. This past summer I found myself backpacking, the type where you put a third of your body weight
My other hobbies are equally varied, including Palaeontology, Geology and Snowboarding. For seven years I have been involved in the treatment of casualties, and administration at the Highland Wildlife Hospital Trust, run primarily by my parents.
Fouberg, Erin Hogan., Alexander B. Murphy, and Blij Harm Jan De. Human Geography: People, Place, and Culture. 10th ed. Hoboken, N.J: Wiley, 2012. Print.
De, Blij Harm J., and Peter O. Muller. Geography: Realms, Regions, and Concepts. New York: J. Wiley, 1997. 340. Print.
There's always something new to research in geography: new nation-states are created, natural disasters strike populated areas, the world's climate changes, and the Internet brings millions of people closer together. Knowing where countries and oceans are on a map is important but geography is much more than the answers to trivia questions. Having the ability to geographically analyze allows us to understand the world in which we live.
Hart, Diane. Geography Alive! Regions and People. Palo Alto, CA: Teachers' Curriculum Institute, 2006. Print.