Geographical skills are integrated throughout the course following a brief introduction at the start of Year 12. They include geographical information (data, maps, diagrams, and graphs), geo-located data, qualitative skills and quantitative skills (measurement and sampling, statistics). Exam board fieldwork requirements: ‘Fieldwork is an integral, compulsory part of the A level examination. Fieldwork of at least four days throughout the A Level course is required. Additional fieldwork may be required in order to complete the Independent Investigation. Fieldwork will be assessed in the Independent Investigation, a written report.’ Currently in Year 12 students undertake fieldwork days at Southwold and Stratford. Students usually complete the data collection for their independent investigation on a residential fieldwork course either at the end of Year 12 or early in Year 13. Recently this has been in Southwold.