The document is a poem about a school field trip that did not go entirely smoothly. Some students were unprepared for the trip and lacked proper clothing or supplies. Others had medical issues or got sick. There were also complaints about the accommodations and lack of amenities like mobile phone signals or bathrooms. However, by the end of the trip the students realized they had bonded and learned despite the challenges.

1. Fieldtrip We’re going on a fieldtrip. Do you all know what you need? A mumble and a grunt But they don’t take any heed.

2. Darren’s not got wellies. Nina’s in high heels. Both of them are starving ‘ Cos they wouldn’t touch their meal.

3. ‘ Where exactly are we?’ Says Steven in my ear. ‘ Where’s the nearest shop, Sir? Is there a KFC round here?’

4. ‘ The bed was made of concrete’. Jenny holds her back. She’s focusing on her i-pod, Not on the coastal stack.

5. Peter’s on the mini-bus Away from all the fun. With a nasty stomach bug Which threatens to run…and run.

6. Alex is wearing thirty layers And took my comments literally. All very well, but just what if He needs to take a….toilet break?

7. Ellie’s jaw dropped open When she heard there’s no ensuite. Michael had a shower But claimed there was no heat.

8. There was no mobile signal. No Facebook, MSN. When will there be a signal Sir? I’m not coming here again.

9. On the bus, heading back You’d think it had been a year Since some of them had last seen home As they quickly disappear.

10. Somebody has left their coat, Hung over the seat. Perhaps it was poor Alex Who succumbed to all the heat?

11. Only two weeks later In a lesson (one afternoon) They’re saying how they loved it, Can they go again there soon?

12. Going away was magic, Sir. Going away was cool. Going away was awful But it beat coming to school.

13. I just smile right back at them The best way to respond For there’s nothing quite like fieldwork To forge a stronger bond. M F Cowan 2008: For more, try www.poemsforgeography.blogspot.com