ERMYSTED’S Grammar School pupils learnt about flood and coastal risk at an interactive geography day aimed at sharing knowledge in an ‘exciting and engaging’ way.

Organised by the JBA Trust charity, based at Broughton, and the University of Nottingham, 120 year eight pupils at the Skipton school took part, with some, it is hoped, encouraged to pursue their studies in geography.

Demonstrations involved the use of three interactive models including a Projection Augmented Relief Model (PARM) of Skipton, an augmented reality sandbox and a coastal wave tank, followed by activities to help put into practice what the students had learnt.

Volunteers from JBA Consulting also supported the event by demonstrating the models.

Robert Beresford, a former Ermysted’s pupil, who now works at JBA Consulting, said:”Studying at Ermysted’s furthered my interest in geography, which convinced me to pursue the subject at university.

“This led to my job at JBA Consulting, so it was fitting to return to the school to help deliver interactive activities to increase interest in the environment.

“ I enjoyed seeing the range of landscapes the pupils modelled in the augmented reality sandbox to test the effects of dams, embankments and natural flood management schemes.”

The physical model demonstrations were complemented by presentations from university students, Kiera Waters, undergraduate student from the University of Leeds, and Emily Richardson, who is studying for a master’s degree at the University of Nottingham.

Both talked to pupils about the subjects they studied at school, why they chose to study geography and their plans for the future.

Kathryn Suter, the school’s assistant head of humanities, said it had been a successful day. “The students were so enthused by the interactive models that JBA Trust brought in to school. They really bring to life the work we do in school and allow the boys to see the relevance of this in the real world.”

Dr Gary Priestnall from the School of Geography at Nottingham University, added: “It was great to see the enthusiasm of the pupils for exploring the geographies of the local area. They were very engaged when we then projected various maps, images and animations over the landscape model to explain the flood hazard in the area.”

The JBA Trust is an independent charity that supports research and promotes the development of knowledge and skills in environmental risk management, especially in the water environment.