Geographical Association

This free CPD conference for all teachers of GCSE geography was held in London on 5 February 2008. It was a very popular and over subscribed event and as such we would like to make the materials available to all teachers, especially those who were unable to attend.

Overall, the day helped teachers to reflect on their own practice at GCSE level. It is hoped that teachers will find the materials and resources available to download here useful and thought provoking.

The resources here will give you an idea of the discussions that took place at the event and could be used individually to develop some of your own practice.

Keynote Address by Leszek Iwaskow, Ofsted
Leszek Iwaskow highlighted the key messages for geography from the recent OFSTED report, noting not only the areas of positivity for GCSE classrooms but also the importance of progression throughout the key stages if we are to achieve well-rounded global citizens.

Elizabeth Rynne, St Helen’s School, Middlesex and Paul Weeden, University of Birmingham
Paul Weeden and Elizabeth Rynn explored the idea of progression within geography and how best to develop clear routes of progression with our students to ensure that they develop an awareness of the 'big picture' as well as issues at a local and regional level. Their resources are complimented by a document that reproduces the brain storming and discussion that took place with the delegates. Perhaps their thinking will stimulate your own questions and departmental reflections.

David Lambert, Institute of Education, Chief Executive of GA
To ensure that delegates were on task after lunch David Lambert shared with the conference his vision for Living Geography. He stressed the importance of recognising that geography is all around us and that we therefore have an obligation to encourage students to become more 'geo-capable'.

Bob Digby, Community Geographer, GA
Bob Digby led a session on the Olympics. The Olympics offers us a great opportunity to interrogate the entwined notions of sustainability and community development. As well as the sporting aspect of the Olympics, Bob highlights the many varied paths that the resources created around large scale events can produce. He also asks how we can engage students with these issues even if our school catchment area is a long distance from where the event and redevelopment is taking place.

David Holmes, External Geography Advisor, Field Studies Council
David Holmes offered some clear and relevant thoughts on the issues currently surrounding fieldwork. At a time when many schools and departments are fighting to retain out of class fieldwork on the calendar, David's resources and presentation provided stimulus for discussion and debate. They should similarly prove useful within your own departments and schools.

Judith Mansell, Education Officer
Finally, Judith Mansell explored the resources and opportunities offered by the RGS-IBG, showing the potential of the variety of online resources and publications to engage with students in new ways. Judith also highlighted the various opportunities available to schools and teachers including the Ambassador Scheme and Chartered Geographer Status.

It is hoped that the resources contained on this page give you a flavour of the event and the quality of thinking that took place. These events generate great community energy with teachers sharing their experiences and practices.

Look out for more quality CPD in the Events area of the website.

(Page updated 21.07.09)