Joint sixth formers from Beaminster School and the Sir John Colfox School Joint sixth form spent three days in water – from top to toe.

The students were at Leeson House in Swanage studying the River Piddle in the rain.

The pupils were collecting data from the river comparing it to the Bradshaw Model, which is a geographical model that shows how a river’s characteristics change and vary between its lower and upper courses.

They were using a range of specialist equipment and the expert knowledge of Leeson House staff member, Ben Keen.

Sir John Colfox head of geography, Miss Elizabeth Crowelle, said: “The joint sixth form is a great way for staff from both schools to share their expertise and knowledge.

“Year on year we get good results at AS and A2. However, it’s not just about the results.

“It’s always a great pleasure to see students putting their knowledge into action and gaining new skills.”

Matthew Curtis-Dyke, head of geography at Beaminster said: “Throughout the day students measured the river’s width, depth, bedload size, gradient, hydraulic radius, discharge and wetted perimeter.”

Student Elle Goodall said: “I really enjoyed using the theodolite and tripod to get the river’s gradient.

“It is an extremely accurate piece of kit.”

Fellow pupil Beth Gerrard added: “This is a chance for students from both schools to get to know each other through teamwork. We are aiming to complete a piece of coursework so that we can revise for the exam in May, and therefore we are all keen to help each other to get the best grades.”