To link in with the Olympics scheme of work, Year 9 went to Docklands in September to see how it has transformed over the years and to reflect on how the Olympics coming to London might lead to further changes in East London.

Armed with their workbooks and cameras the students set about investigating the area. Apart from walking, the main mode of transport was the DLR ? the trains were met with no less excitement than might be expected when encountering an alien spaceship. Students enjoyed travelling around London almost as much as they did watching the planes come in to land at City Airport. We managed, somehow, to keep each group together, taking them throughout the day to three sites.

The main aim of the day was to come up with an idea for redeveloping the derelict Millennium Mills site so that it would improve the economy, environment and social provision in the area. These principles are the same that the Olympic Committee must comply with.

On rotation, the groups did a sensory survey of the Wave Garden at Pontoon Dock and checked out the Thames Barrier. They also drew field sketches of their ?development site? at Custom House and carried out land use surveys of Canary Wharf.

The result was a melting pot of interesting ideas for developing the Millennium Mills site. Students followed up the trip, back at school, by producing development proposals individually and then in groups, eventually pitching their ideas to the rest of the class.

By N. Robinson, Year 9 Geography student