As part of the Learning Programme, NLA welcomed Year 12 A Level Geographers and other sixth-formers from The Harris Federation for a day at The London Centre. They learnt about the priorities, challenges and solutions for London’s urban planners in the past, today, and into the future. 

The day kicked-off with a fascinating overview of development in London through the centuries by NLA Director Benjamin O'Connor, who took the group on a tour of The London Centre’s huge 3D table models of London. Students heard from speakers including representatives of LendLease, the company behind the Elephant Park regeneration, as well as urban planners for the City of London Corporation. A sunny afternoon was then spent trialling some human fieldwork techniques on Cheapside including random sampling, mood mapping and land use surveys.

What were the sixth formers’ key takeaways?

For Beatriz, it was the stunning models of London that were the highlight of the day: "I enjoyed seeing the models demonstrating regeneration where you can see the timeline of the regeneration process across London through the colour coding of the different buildings." 

For Anissa and Isabella, it was learning about the history and transformation of the former Elephant and Castle that stuck in their minds: "I enjoyed getting to learn different reasons of why areas had to be regenerated over the years. For example, the original Elephant and Castle regeneration came about after destruction suffered during the World War II Blitz on London.

Being able to undertake independent fieldwork really helped Amira and Jasmine. Amira commented: "I enjoyed being independent and carrying out my own fieldwork - this helped me understand how to carry out my work for the NEA", which is the fieldwork investigation that the students will be carrying out during the summer.

Read their full article of the day here.