Rural and Urban Places
Yr 12 Geography
Investigation of a rural place - Berry NSW
During this excursion, students will use various geography fieldwork tools to assess the impacts of population growth and tourism on Berry’s social, economic, and environmental character. They will look for signs of Berry’s identity, including how it caters to tourists, how its heritage is preserved, and how residential expansion is balanced with rural life.
Fieldwork activities include:
Streetscape analysis: drawing and annotating a streetscape to understand Berry's visual character and layout
Shop transect: recording shop types to analyse the shift from agricultural to tourism-oriented businesses
Visitor interviews or observations: gathering insights into why people visit Berry
Environmental quality survey: evaluating Berry’s environmental standards, including maintenance and green spaces
Traffic survey: counting vehicles (cars, motorbikes, small trucks, semi-trailers) and noting the average number before the bypass
Character assessment: using senses to document Berry’s atmosphere and appeal
Heritage building use assessment: recording how historical buildings have been repurposed over time
This data will inform students' assessment task (research report and strategic plan), allowing them to critically evaluate Berry’s transformation and propose sustainable strategies to maintain its unique identity amidst growing tourism and residential developments.
Supporting Resources
- Unit of work Google Site (pre-learning, with sample assessment task)
Location: Berry township, NSW
Cost: FOC
Drop off and pick up locations
- South Coast Line - Berry train station
Notes
This is a self guided excursion for classroom teachers to host.
Syllabus outcomes
Geography Yr 12 - Rural and Urban Places
Outcomes identified
Syllabus content - Investigation of a rural and urban place
During an excursion to the rural town of Berry, NSW, students investigate:
The location and character of the place
Geographical processes, both physical and human, that have shaped the identity of the place
Links to other places
The nature of changes affecting the place, including social, economic and environmental
Responses and strategies, including for sustainability