News Lower Sixth Geographers Investigate Urban Social Inequality in the Borough of Kensington 08.05.2026

The Geography department recently took the Lower Sixth to the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea for their Human Geography fieldwork. The students investigated the range of urban social inequality within the borough by employing various primary fieldwork methods. These included environmental quality surveys, traffic counts, and questionnaires designed to understand local perceptions of crime. To gather more technical data, they also used air pollution monitors to investigate variations in particulate matter and sound meters to determine levels of noise pollution.

The students demonstrated a high level of independence by choosing their own study sites and formulating their own research questions. Although they faced a few bruising rejections while conducting their questionnaires, the fieldwork progressed smoothly. A particular highlight of the trip was a serendipitous encounter with a local councillor who has worked in the area for over 40 years. He provided an impromptu interview that served as both a useful data source and a fascinating oral history of how the borough has transformed over the decades.

The Geography students are heading to the Lake District this weekend. There, they will pivot to physical geography as they begin their investigation into glaciation and its impact on the landscape.