Page 110 - Bellfort Magazine 2024

GCSE Field Trip to Magilligan Field Centre—One of the highlights of our year is the annual GCSE
field trip to Magilligan Field Centre. This excursion provides our students with hands-on experience
in geographical fieldwork, allowing them to apply classroom theories to real-world situations.
Magilligan is an ideal location for studying various geographical phenomena, including river
processes and formations. Students collected data, and engaged in critical analysis of the
landscape. This immersive experience not only bolstered their understanding of physical
geography but also honed their analytical and problem-solving skills.
Year 8 - Year 8 students have been diving into the fascinating world around us starting off the year
with developing their locational knowledge. We even get to have some fun in lessons!
Volcanoes - This topic has captivated their imaginations as they learn about the structure of
volcanoes, types of eruptions, and the effects of volcanic activity on humans and the environment.
Through interactive lessons, creative projects, and multimedia presentations, students explored
famous volcanic eruptions like Mount Vesuvius, Mount St. Helens, and Eyjafjallajökull. Some also
created their own volcanic models and simulations, providing a hands-on understanding of these
powerful natural phenomena.
We hope this gives you a glimpse into the vibrant activities of the Geography Department. Here’s
to another year of discovery and learning at Dunclug College!
Dunclug College Geography Department: Building a Sustainable Future Through the Eco Club - The
Geography Department in Dunclug College has been thriving with students leading the way in
fostering environmental consciousness and sustainable practices. At the heart of this success is the
department's outstanding Eco Club, which promotes ecological awareness, conservation, and
positive change. The Eco Club meets every fortnight and between 15 and 20 pupils regularly
attending. The goal for the Eco club is to initiate numerous sustainable practices in school, to
reduce of the school's ecological footprint. A variety of activities engage pupils from planting
carrots to decorating plant pots! The Eco Club has helped the school in a number of ways. The
introduction of the new printer network for staff and pupils has reduced this significantly, saving
money as well as reducing the environmental impact. The eco club has successfully implemented a
recycling program, promoting the importance of waste segregation and responsible disposal.
Additionally, the club tried to raise awareness through discussion on energy conservation,
encouraging students and staff to adopt energy-saving practices, such as turning off lights and
electronics when not in use. These initiatives have not only reduced our environmental impact but
also saved the school significant costs. Recognizing the importance of community involvement, the
Eco Club took the initiative to extend their impact beyond the school grounds. The club engaged in
a community clean-up drive, continuing the partnership with Mid and East Antrim to promote
environmental stewardship using the litter pickers kindly donated by the local council. The Eco
club’s efforts have transformed neglected spaces into beautiful green areas, fostering a sense of
pride and encouraging the community to take ownership of their surroundings. The Eco Club
made significant strides in promoting sustainable agriculture practices on site. Working closely with
Dunclug Primary School, they established an organic community garden where students could
learn about cultivating sustainable crops like carrots. The garden will not only provide fresh
produce but also serves as an educational tool to highlight the importance of organic farming and
its positive impact on the environment and personal health. Recognizing that sustainability is a
multidisciplinary endeavour, the Geography Department and its Eco Club is actively seeking
collaboration with the Shared Education Programme to extend its reach in school. The
achievements of the Eco Club throughout the academic year have been inspiring. Their
commitment to fostering environmental consciousness, improving the local area, and promoting
sustainable practices is a testament to their dedication and vision for a better future. Through their
initiatives, they have not only improved the aesthetic of the school but also instilled a sense of
responsibility and activism in the students, ensuring a generation of environmentally conscious
leaders. With such remarkable achievements, the Geography Department and its Eco Club have
set a high bar for sustainability initiatives within the school and beyond.