GeoResources - Geography website [National Parks]

KS3
and
G.C.S.E.
Level

Decision Making Exercise - Tasks

Teachers: There is a Microsoft WORD version of the tasks which can be downloaded by clicking HERE.

Students: Choose a task or follow the instructions of your teacher...

TASK 1: Letter
Take the role of the farmer, Peter Barton, and write a letter to the Planning Officer (Andrew Swift). In your letter, explain:

why you and your wife want to make changes at Dalecourt Farm
what changes you would like to make at the farm

TASK 2: Questionnaire
Take the role of the Planning Officer (Andrew Swift) and design a short questionnaire which could be given to all of the people living in the village of Bringleton and a sample of visitors to the area. The aim is to find out whether the local people would support the changes at Dalecourt Farm or not and whether visitors to the area would use the new facilities. (Remember to include age group and gender questions)

TASK 3: Question and Answer
Answer the following questions in full sentences:

why does the local mother, Vicki Hill, feel so strongly about rejecting the proposal?
why does the local shopkeeper, Maria King, support the changes at Dalecourt Farm?
why, in spite of wanting to protect the environment, does Tom Carlton support the changes?
why would the retired farmer, George Ramsley, prefer to see Peter Barton concentrate on farming rather than tourism?
how might other people in the village feel about the proposed changes - do you think the majority of the villagers would support or oppose the scheme?

TASK 4: Poster
Imagine you live in Bringleton - design a 'protest poster' to put up in your garden - use a slogan or show in drawings why you oppose the changes at Dalecourt Farm.

TASK 5: Letter to newspaper
Write a letter to Alison Henwood, the editor of the local newspaper (The Limely Echo) giving your opinion for or against the proposed changes.

TASK 6: Newspaper Article
Imagine that Peter and Sarah Barton have been given planning permission to make the changes at their farm. Write a front page article for the local newspaper (The Limely Echo). It should contain:

a headline
a map of the farm showing the changes
photos
an interview with Peter and Sarah in which they explain why they wanted to make the changes and how they feel about being given planning permission to go ahead.
some quotes from other local people living in Bringleton.

TASK 7: Role Play and Report
Work in groups of six, taking one role each - have a short debate about the planning proposal with Andrew Swift chairing the meeting. Keep a record of all the points made under the headings 'For' and 'Against'. Write a short report with the following sections:

Background information - location of farm, proposed changes
Points in support of the proposal
Points against the proposal
Whether planning permission should be given or not (with reasons)

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