On Friday 14th February, students will be conducting fieldwork to explore the question:
Why are there variations in life expectancy in Gateshead?
To prepare for this investigation, students have already analysed secondary data from the national census in school. Now, they will enhance their understanding by gathering primary data through firsthand observations and surveys.
Fieldwork
Students will spend the full day on foot, walking between XPGateshead, Felling Square, and Durham Road (Low Fell High Street) to examine inequalities in the local area. The data they collect will contribute directly to their final reports.
This fieldwork will also be a physical challenge, covering approximately 10km, providing excellent preparation for the Duke of Edinburgh Award (DofE)!
What Students Need to Bring:
✔ Full School kit
✔ Comfortable trainers or walking shoes
✔ At least one full water bottle (no refill points available during the day)
✔ A rain jacket (weather conditions may change)
✔ Packed lunch (provided for students on Free School Meals)
Important Notes:
This is an essential part of the students’ studies. If you have any concerns or questions, please contact your child’s Crew Leader or Miss Jones as soon as possible.
Below are two extracts from students’ report introductions—showcasing the fantastic work they have already begun! Stay tuned for updates on their findings! ♂️
‘The study had been created to highlight the vast differences in life expectancy within Gateshead. The two areas of the study are Gateshead and Felling. These areas have been chosen because they are in our local area and areas in contrast. We looked at the indices of multiple deprivation and found that Felling is in the 10% most deprived LSOA ( Lower layer Super Output Areas) compared to Low Fell which is within the 50% least deprived. On this study we expect to see Low Fell will have a higher life expectancy due to lower level deprivation. This study will have a focus on the impact of smoking and vaping on health’ – Hallie
‘This study is to underline the vast variations of life expectancy in gateshead. Our 2 areas we have chosen to study are Felling and Low Fell, because of the amount of contrast they have, almost a 10 year life expectancy gap, which is also shown in the map below. We have also chosen these 2 locations as they are in a close proximity to our school, which allows us to be able to complete both locations in 1 day. This study highlights how more deprived areas have a lower life expectancy, and how smoking and vaping connects to this. To do this we are going to be using both primary and secondary data, such as a field sketch and a litter count, which can tell us how much smoking and vaping connect to areas of deprivation. More deprived areas might have more litter than less deprived areas, therefore impacting the life expectancy as there would be more pollution. We are also going to be looking at how levels of deprivation can impact the services available to the people living there, such as health services and access to healthy food.’ Scarlett