GCSE Paper 3

What was the title of the case study

The presence of coastal defences will increase the size of the beach at Walton on the Naze

What are the advantages of the location

Walton On The Naze has clear examples of both a managed and unmanaged beach so it is effective for data comparison and hypothesis testing. The beach is also easily accessible and close to the school.

Why did we use beach profiles

Allowed measurement of size and shape of the beach at both managed and unmanaged sites which allowed effective comparison between sites to answer hypothesis
Clinometer readers at systematic intervals along a transect was accurate and a representative comparison

What are the strengths of a line graph

Can easily depict and represent data so effective conclusion
They are a clear visual representation of beach size and shape
3 transects taken so more accurate

What were the weaknesses of line graphs

Specific measurements are hard to distinguish
More effective to represent 3 lines as an average on a single line graph
Managed and unmanaged could be different colours on same graph

Intro for 9 marker on the extent of results of enquiry helpful?

Enquiry was to see if presence of coastal defences would increase beach size.
By collecting beach profile measurements at both sites we came to conclusion they do due to build up of material and so a steeper gradient at the managed site which supports hypothesis

What was helpful(9 marker)

Multiple transects at both site meant less chance of missed anomaly and more representative of beach profile (reliable)
3 line graphs drawn and clearly larger beaches in managed area which address hypothesis
Clinometer readings at systematic intervals along transect at 2m which ensures reliable and consistent data
Ranging poles on sand surface to maintain accurate slope angle reading
Surveyed beach at low tide so 30m of beach not less than 10 m at high tide which is more representation of beach profile so more reliable

What are the weaknesses?(9 marker)

Human error with Clinometer readings as single degree differences
Wind disrupted transect tape so not systematic intervals
Sample size could be improved if more than 2 sites surveyed
Data not fully reliable as only collected on one day
Beach dynamic and regularly changes

Risk assessment of Walton

Slip, trip and falls due to uneven surfaces-sensible footwear and clothing for outdoor environment
Weather could cause sunburn-sun cream, water and suitable clothing
Sea with waves and tides could cause drowning- tide times checked , work down at low tide and min of 3m from waters edge
Cliff collapse- Min of 3m from top and base of cliff

Human geography fieldwork name

Colchester High Street has been significantly changed by globalisation

Advantages of location(Colchester)

High street gave large enough sample for statistical analysis
Very close to school so easily accessible

What was the secondary data collection (Colchester)

1981 GOAD maps showing building use so comparison of clone index and chain stores and diversity to answer hypothesis

Why did we collect data like we did? (Colchester)

Recorded use of shop, independence and country of origin and created a table and clone town rating calculated
Country of origin data is evidence of increased globalisation( supports hypothesis)
Data collected in groups at many locations so more representative

Advantages of bar graphs

Easy comparison of total shops, independency, types of shop, globalisation from 1981-2024
As data easy to interpret and discrete data on type of shop appropriate for bar graph
Could be used to calculate clone town rating so move from border to clone town

Weaknesses of bar graph

Bit basic and better if bars in maps were more complex and show locational information
1981 + 2024 bars could be on same graph