In September, we took our Year 13 students on an enriching trip to Valencia, where they engaged in hands-on learning about key geographical issues. At the Oceanogràfic, students explored the complex relationships between sustainability, tourism, and conservation, gaining insights into how these factors can be investigated.

We also visited L’Albufera, where a boat trip on the lake offered a close look at local biodiversity, including an unexpected encounter with a fish that jumped into the boat, much to everyone’s excitement. Afterward, we toured the surrounding rice fields, learning about traditional agriculture and the impact this has on water security in the local area.

The final day saw us walking through the vibrant neighborhood of El Cabanyal, examining gentrification and the conflicts between locals and tourists, particularly the impact of Airbnbs on the community. Throughout the trip, students practiced techniques that will be valuable for their independent investigations, and they used this experience to refine and develop their own proposals for their NEA.