Stretford Grammar School A-Level Geography students broadened their horizons by attending a fascinating online lecture focused on the current struggles facing the Amazon rainforest. This educational session, hosted by the Gloucestershire branch of the Geographical Association, offered a deeper look into one of the most critical global ecosystems and reinforced key elements of their A-Level specification.

The lecture was delivered by Dr. Harry West, a Senior Lecturer in Physical Geography at the University of West England (UWE Bristol). Dr. West specialises in a range of environmental issues, including sustainable water management, river basin processes, and the impact of human activity on physical landscapes. His research often takes him into the field, providing a real-world perspective on the complex interaction between environmental science and social geography.

Dr. West engaged the students with a discussion on the multifaceted challenges currently impacting the Amazon. He covered:

• The crucial influence of changing government policy on deforestation rates.
• The escalating threat posed by wildfires and extensive land clearance.
• The devastating effects of recurring droughts exacerbated by climate change.
• The broader, long-term impact of global climate change on the rainforest biome.

The detailed content will significantly enhance the students' understanding of their existing A-Level case study on tropical rainforests, giving them a wider and more nuanced view of the issues for their upcoming examinations.

Miss King, Geography teacher at Stretford Grammar, highlighted the value of connecting classroom theory with current academic research.

"Hearing directly from a specialist like Dr. West provides an invaluable perspective that goes beyond the textbook. It shows our students how dynamic and interconnected the challenges facing the Amazon truly are, which is essential for developing high-level analytical skills in Geography."

The department looks forward to integrating the insights gained from this lecture into future lessons as the students continue to prepare for their exams.