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7 February 2025
Read time: 5mins
‘Geography is deeply embedded in everyday life, yet sometimes we rely on traditional, pre-defined methods. There are 15 fieldwork methods shared within Creative Fieldwork 2 and each linked to existing methodologies within academic research or industry.’
Robyn Landy
Broadening creativity in NEA fieldwork
The recent NEA moderator reports point to recurring challenges in the breadth of titles, methodologies, data presentation techniques, and analysis in student submissions.
Creative Fieldwork 2 directly addresses these issues by offering a wide range of practical examples designed to inspire and challenge students. This resource encourages individuals to develop varied, creative methodologies and inquiry topics, moving beyond conventional approaches.
The accidental introduction to creative fieldwork
My introduction to creative fieldwork methodologies happened by chance in my first year as a Field Studies Council Tutor. On arriving at the beach, I realised I’d forgotten the recording sheets!
Improvising with some scrap paper I’d found in the school minibus; I challenged students to create their own methods for recording pebble roundness. They enthusiastically produced photo keys, sketches, and numerical scales, all tailored to our hypothesis and environment.
This mistake ultimately led to more engaging and memorable learning, than had I remembered the off the shelf ‘Powers Index of Roundness’ that we are all familiar with from our own school days.
Scaffolding creativity with relevant models
While improvisation has its place, we probably shouldn’t, however, start with nothing!
Students benefit from structured guidance when tackling creative tasks. Frameworks and models provide essential support for students as they develop innovative fieldwork approaches and methodologies.
In Creative Fieldwork 2, three key models underpin the creative enquiry process:
- 15-Minute City or 20-Minute Neighbourhood: This urban framework focuses on creating communities where essential services are accessible within a 15–20 minute walk or bike ride, fostering sustainability and quality.
- Global Designing Cities Initiative: Streets for Environmental Sustainability: This model emphasises streets designed for environmental sustainability, highlighting their role in climate resilience and urban liveability.
- Culture-Led Regeneration: Based on evidence from local authorities, this model showcases the economic, social, and environmental benefits of regeneration projects driven by cultural initiatives.
Victoria State Government (2023) 20-minute-neighbourhoods: www.planning.vic.gov.au/policy-and-strategy/planning-for-melbourne/plan-melbourne/20-minute-neighbourhoods
These models serve as touchpoints throughout the geographical enquiry process, from developing suitable questions to evaluating data and conclusions against the criteria of the chosen framework. They also allow students to engage with real-world applications of geography, linking their work to tangible challenges and solutions.
Bridging secondary and real-world fieldwork
Geography is deeply embedded in everyday life, yet sometimes we rely on traditional, pre-defined methods. There are 15 fieldwork methods shared within Creative Fieldwork 2 and each linked to existing methodologies within academic research or industry.
Some methods, like a cyclist toolbox checklist for assessing urban bikeability, are accessible and straightforward, but might need to be adapted to a local area.
Others, such as valuing ecosystem services, are more complex but encourage students to explore advanced concepts by adapting specific elements.
These methods bridge the gap between classroom geography and its real-world applications, helping students see the relevance and potential impact of their work. Examples of analysis techniques and use of Geographical Information Systems are also demonstrated.
Empowering student creativity
At its core, the NEA is not about handing students a selection of pre-prepared data collection sheets to fill in; it’s about scaffolding and empowering them to design their own methodologies, inspired by existing models, research, and practical examples.
Creative Fieldwork 2 provides a starting point for this process, offering a toolkit of ideas and approaches that teachers can adapt to their specific contexts. By fostering collaboration within the geography community, these methodologies can be refined, shared, and expanded, ensuring students are inspired to approach fieldwork creatively and confidently.
Creative Fieldwork 2 is written by Janine Maddison and Robyn Landy and is published by the Field Studies Council in collaboration with Newcastle University and the Geographical Association. View Creative Fieldwork 2 in the GA Shop here.
Written by Robyn Landy, Education Team Leader at Field Studies Council
Robyn is the Education Team Leader at Field Studies Council, Nettlecombe Court in Somerset. Robyn has 12 years experience of fieldwork delivery across a range of key stages as well as a PGCE in Secondary Geography.
© Robyn Landy, and the Geographical Association, 2025
