Geographical Association

PowerPoint Presentations and workshop handouts for many of the sessions at the 2011 Annual Conference are available to download below.

Lectures
Workshops
Field Visits
Research Papers
Forums
PGCE/NQT Event
Teacher to Teacher

Photos

Once again we have a fantastic set of Conference photographs courtesy of Bryan Ledgard. View a selection on Flickr or contact Anne Greaves if you're after something specific.

GA Awards

Find out which publishers, schools and individuals won GA awards at the 2011 event.

Presidential Lecture: Progress in geography

All Key Stages
Dr John Hopkin, GA President, 2010-11

This year's Presidential Lecture explored ideas about progress for young people as they develop geographical understanding; progress in our teaching of geography and the importance of our subject specialism; and our role in the development of geographically literate citizens who can contribute to human progress both locally and globally.

Download: Full lecture notes (PDF, 352k)

Lecture 1: Teaching physical geography in four diagrams

P16
Professor Robert Allison, Professor of Geography, University of Sussex

A prerequisite of good teaching and learning is to challenge and stretch students of all abilities. Using four diagrams (with accompanying examples), Professor Allison presented an approach to encouraging students to think about complex issues in physical geography. Although the focus was Post-16, the approach can be used for a wide range of ages.

Download: Chair's lecture summary (PDF, 6k)

Lecture Plus 1: Connecting HE and schools

KS1-P16
Steve Rawlinson, Principal Lecturer, Northumbria University and Cath White, Senior Lecturer, Northumbria University

This session looked at the success the GA Tyneside Branch in linking with local schools: how events were planned and delivered, and how the models we employed could be universally applied. It also highlighted the value of ensuring there is a strong link between the university geography department and local ITT providers, and how this might be nurtured.

Download: PowerPoint Presentation (PPT, 298k)

Lecture Plus 2: A celebration of GA branch activity

KS2-P16
Alan Parkinson, Secondary Curriculum Development Leader, Geographical Association and John Davidson, Chair, GA Branch Working Party

A celebration of some of the activity that has taken place at GA branches in the last year. Delegates went away with ideas for developing an engaging annual programme of events, suggestions for contacts and updated support materials. This session was aimed at anyone interested in supporting or starting up a GA branch. Presented by the GA Branches Working Party

Download: PowerPoint Presentation (PPT, 4.7M)

Lecture 3: Progress in development 1: 'Does aid work?' and 'Reducing disaster risk'

P16
Members, GA Post-16 & Higher Education Phase Committee

These short lectures focused on routes to development: 1. How well does aid for development work? And could it work better? (Gill Miller, University of Chester). 2. Linking relief, rehabilitation and development to reduce disaster risk: enabling communities to become more resilient (Richard Kotter, University of Northumbria). Presented by GA P16HEPC

Download: PowerPoint Presentation - Gill Miller (PPT, 931k)

Lecture 4: 40 ideas in 40 minutes: websites

KS3-P16
James Riley, Teacher of Geography, Lawrence Sheriff School

A quick-fire tour outlining how to use dozens of new, innovative, simple, practical, geography-related websites (for both teacher-led and student-led activities). Starters, activities and plenaries, as well as ideas to bring lessons to life, spice up tired schemes of work, inspire geographical interest and enhance ICT skills.

Download: Lecture notes - 40 websites (PDF, 95k)

Lecture Plus 4: Place making: from local to global

KS1-4
Cara Courage, Head of Learning, Architecture Centre Network and Janet Clark, Head of Learning, The Building Exploratory

In this session Architecture Centre Network, Beam and The Building Exploratory presented models for engaging young people with the built environment and place making. Using examples from their schools programmes and projects, they explored methodologies that link the local with the global that can be adapted for teaching. In partnership with Architecture Centre Network

Download: PowerPoint Presentation (PPT, 4.9M)

Lecture 5: Progress in development 2: 'Foreign direct investment' and 'Tourism development'

P16
Members, GA Post-16 & Higher Education Phase Committee

These short lectures focused on routes to development: 1. The ethical and moral geographies of 'FDI-led' development and the impacts of out-sourcing within global production networks (Simon Oakes, Bancroft's School). 2. The role of tourism in development: enhancing foreign exchange earnings (Alan Marvell, University of Gloucestershire). Presented by GA P16HEPC

Download: PowerPoint Presentation - Alan Marvell (PPT, 1.1M)
Download: PowerPoint Presentation - Simon Oakes (PPT, 1.6M)

Lecture Plus 6: Geography's place in the IB

P16
Richard Allaway, Teacher of Humanities and IB Geography, Simon Oakes, Chief Examiner for IB Geography

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) is growing in popularity. Does your school teach the IB? Is your school considering teaching the IB? Simon Oakes will outline what the IBDP is and geography's place within it. Richard Allaway will facilitate discussion upon what this all means for classroom geography teachers. Sponsored by the International Baccalaureate Organisation

Website: Geogalot (workshop presentations)

Lecture Plus 7: What makes a geography lesson good?

KS3-P16
Margaret Roberts, External Examiner

This session outlined what Margaret considers to be essential characteristics of a good geography lesson and was illustrated with examples from observations of lessons as an external examiner. It argued that observers should evaluate lessons as a whole rather than against a tick-list of component parts. Presented by GA TESIG

Download: PowerPoint Presentation (PPT, 2.2M)

Lecture Plus 8: Using Gapminder

KS3-P16
Bob Lang and Paula Cooper, Geography Teachers, King Edward VI Five ways School,

This session gave participants an insight into how the Gapminder Foundation's Gapminder World trendalyser and resources can be used in the classroom with an opportunity for questions and idea development. Linked to Keynote Address

Download: PowerPoint Presentation (PPT, 946k)
Download: Gapminder Casino Top (PDF, 78k)
Download: Gapminder World Map 2010 (PDF, external website)

Lecture Plus 9: Curriculum making in primary geography

KS1-2
Professor Simon Catling, Professor of Education, Oxford Brookes University

Drawing on the outcomes of the Young Geographers Project and other recent work, this session focused on the key elements that support curriculum making for primary geography. It considered how curriculum making might be fostered in the light of curriculum developments in primary geography. Presented by GA EYPPC

Download: PowerPoint Presentation (PPT, 568k)

Lecture 10: Young people as school space creators

KS3-4
David Rogers, Curriculum Leader for Geography, Priory School, Southsea

Priory School's geography department has been helping students take an active role re-imagining and reconstructing school space in order to improve learning and student progress. This lecture told the story of the project and how to get your students involved in change on any scale.

Website: David Rogers Blog (contains workshop introduction, presentation and videos)

Lecture Plus 10: P16 progress: Cambridge Pre-U Geography

P16
Claire J Sladden, Chief Examiner, Cambridge Pre-U and Chartered Geographer, and Peter Price, Head of Geography, Charterhouse School and Chartered Geographer

As a standalone Principal Subject instead of A-Level, or as part of the Pre-U Diploma, Cambridge Pre-U Geography, first examined in summer 2010, is both new and different. This session introduced the qualification and looked at the ways that it is being taught and assessed.

Download: PowerPoint Presentation (PPT, 3.4M)

Lecture 11: How much water do we eat?

KS4-P16
Dr Tim Hess, Reader in Water Management, Cranfield University

This session considered the impact of global food consumption on water resources in the context of rising population, changing diets and climate change, and what we might do to reduce the amount of water we eat.

Download: PowerPoint Presentation (PDF, 1.9M)
Download: Chair's lecture summary (PDF, 5k)

Lecture 12: Putting ourselves on the map

KS2-3
Louise Francis, CEO, Mapping for Change and Maggie Hewitt, Learning and Place Specialist

A look at place-based learning in practice within three primary schools in Tower Hamlets. We report on the processes employed and associated curriculum opportunities. Using pupils' words, images, video and online interactive maps from the project, issues that came up will be explored.

Download: PowerPoint Presentation (PDF, 4.5M)

Lecture 15: Exploring weather systems

KS4-P16
Dr Pete Inness, Teaching Fellow, Department of Meteorology, University of Reading

Due to unforeseen circumstances this lecture was cancelled. However, a video of the tutorial and several downloadable resources are available from the MetLink website.

This session explored the processes and features of mid-latitude weather systems, using up-to-date case studies and imagery, with a view to enhancing the teaching of meteorology in the classroom. The tutorial is available as a YouTube film, with many of the materials available for use in the classroom. In partnership with the Royal Meteorology Society

Website: MetLink (video and downloadable resources)

Workshop 2: Stepping out…

EY-KS4
Sam Woodhouse, Associate Adviser for Geography, Somerset CYPD

Venturing beyond the tourist bubble is both a privilege and a geographers' dream - but how, with limited time and budgets, is that possible? This session explored opportunities for teachers to briefly enter different worlds, to bring back vivid, first-hand perceptions for teaching. Vignettes from three continents contributed to an experiental workshop! Presented by GA ISIG

Download: PowerPoint Presentation (PPT, 5M)
Download: Useful websites (Word, 32k)
Download: India and the Global Community Scheme of Work (Word, 108k)
Download: Indian recipes (Word, 137k)

Workshop 5: DIY weather charts

KS4-P16
Dr Sylvia Knight, Head of Education, Royal Meteorological Society

In this session BBC shipping forecasts were used as a basis for exploring weather systems and weather maps. Participants were guided through the process of turning the shipping forecast into a weather map, thereby developing an understanding of the basic principles of weather systems. In partnership with Royal Meteorological Society

Website: MetLink (workshop notes and associated resources)

Workshop (IT) 9: Introduction to Google Earth

KS3-P16
Richard Treves, Educational Developer, University of Southampton

This session covered the basics of using Google Earth - no previous experience necessary. The session primarily focused on giving hands-on experience of using Google Earth but also covered the practicalities of using the tool in real educational situations.

Website: Google Earth Design (links to workshop slides and other session materials)

Workshop 10: Geography - it tick(les) the boxes others cannot reach

KS3-P16
David Rogers, Curriculum Leader for Geography, Priory School, Southsea

This session had two aims: to share ways in which geography can contribute to wider curriculum aims, such as community cohesion and off-timetable days; and to showcase a learning technique that can be used in your classrooms. Presented by GA SPC

Website: David Rogers Blog (contains workshop presentation and introduction)

Workshop 11: Does aid work?

KS4-P16
Dorcas Erskine, Head of Public Affairs, ActionAid UK

This workshop explored the global debate around the efficiency of international aid. Looking at what works and how to avoid aid dependency, it also included information on ActionAid's campaign to stop multinationals avoiding taxes in Africa and India.

Download: PowerPoint Presentation (PPT, 1.6M)

Workshop 14: Land grabs and food security

KS3-P16
Alan Parkinson, Secondary Curriculum Development Leader, Geographical Association and John McLaverty, Youth & Schools Campaigner, Oxfam GB

This session (the third in a series on the topic of food) explored the contentious issue of land grabs: the purchase of fertile land in many African nations by richer countries, securing future food and water resources. Opportunities for curriculum making were be explored and resources were provided.

Download: PowerPoint Presentation (PPT, 3.6M)

Double Workshop (IT) 15: A beginners' guide to GIS

KS3-P16
Bob Lang, Geography Teacher, King Edward VI Five Ways School

This session gave participants an insight into what GIS is and how online versions can be used within the curriculum. It was aimed at participants with little or no experience of using GIS. Presented by GA ICTSIG

Download: PowerPoint Presentation (PPT, 2.4M)
Download: Workshop Booklet (PDF, 8.8M)

Workshop 18: Creative global learning

KS3
Cathryn Gathercole, Director, Tide~ global learning

This session explored how geography can support young people's understanding of global issues through cities. With activities based around four themes - climate change; health and wellbeing; community cohesion; and economic regeneration - the session shared ideas from teachers in Birmingham who have been involved in the Tide~ Cities project. In partnership with Tide~

Download: PowerPoint Presentation (PPT, 594k)

Workshop 19: Health, disease, death and geography

P16
John Lyon, Programme Director, Geographical Association

Developing a concept-mapping approach to studying the complex geography of malaria and obesity. Participants created two concept maps using images, information and Gapminder and Worldmapper resources. A great idea to use with your students!

Download: PowerPoint Presentation (PPT, 1.3M)

Workshop 22: Geography – let's make it!

KS3-4
Rebecca Kitchen, Head of Geography, Aylesbury High School

Fed up with the same old written assessments? Want to make them more exciting, practical and creative? Come along; let's make it happen! Presented by GA SPC

Download: Creative Ideas (Word, 197k)

Workshop (IT) 23: Advanced Google Earth

KS3-P16
Richard Treves, Educational Developer, University of Southampton

This session covered advanced techniques for using Google Earth and was suitable for those able to create simple maps with Google Earth. Topics covered include: using tours, customising other people's work, street view for fieldwork. The focus was on practical, usable skills.

Website: Google Earth Design (links to workshop slides and case studies)

Workshop 24: Progress in development 3: resources and strategies for teaching

P16
Members, GA Post-16 & HE Phase Committee

Following the two lecture sessions on progress in development, this session explored hands-on classroom activities designed to enhance learners' understanding of development issues. Participants considered some of resources and teaching strategies that may be used to deepen 16-19 year-old students' appreciation of development issues in a globalising world. Presented by GA P16HEPC

Download: Workshop summary (Word, 49k)

Workshop 27: New KS3 textbook series

KS3
David Rayner, PGCE Tutor, Institute of Education and Alan Parkinson, Secondary Curriulum Development Leader, Geographical Association

This session explored an exciting new KS3 textbook series published by HarperCollins. Delegates had the chance to meet the authors and hear about the innovative support materials developed in association with the GA. Sponsored by HarperCollins

Download: PowerPoint Presentation (PPT, 1.3M)

Workshop 31: Britain's got talented and gifted

KS3
Stephen Schwab, Head of Geography, Neston High School and GA Consultant

This session responded to the lack of G&T resources available, with a promise that delegates would leave with 20+ ready-to-use classroom tested ideas and resources. The workshop ran as a swap shop and participants took along ideas/resources to share with others. Look out for ideas from participants coming soon! Presented by GA SPC

Download: PowerPoint Presentation (PPT, 145k)

Workshop 32: Resourcing IB geography

P16
Richard Allaway, Teacher of Humanities and IB Geography

There is no one perfect solution to resourcing the IB geography course. This session was a hands-on opportunity to 'cloud-source' a set of resources. Participants brought contributions to share, looked through printed resources, and heard the presenter's top ten online resources. Sponsored by the International Baccalaureate Organisation

Website: Geogalot (workshop presentations)

Workshop (IT) 38: Success with AEGIS: progression in GIS - beginners

KS3-P16
Helen Young, Geography Teacher, Friary School, Lichfield

This hands-on IT session was based on the Nine GIS Lessons at KS3 and GCSE kit. The workshop enabled teachers of all skill levels to teach GIS using ready-made lessons and student materials. Sponsored by The Advisory Unit

Download: PowerPoint Presentation (PPT, 817k)

Double Workshop 41: Assessing, progressing and achieving in fieldwork

KS3-P16
Nick Lapthorn, Chair, GA Learning Outside the Classroom Special Interest Group and Andrew Turney, Head of Centre, Field Studies Council

This session looked at assessing geographical skills through fieldwork and strategies to ensure that progression is embedded into your fieldwork. Outdoor practical activities showed techniques for integrating assessment for learning into fieldwork activities. Presented by GA LOtCSIG

Download: PowerPoint Presentation (PPT, 3.2M)
Download: Progression in Fieldwork Scaffold (Word, 42k)

Workshop 44: A different view

KS3-4
John Lyon, Programme Director, Geographical Association

A chance to explore new activities using the images from the GA's manifesto, A different view, and an opportunity to work together to create new resources.

Download: PowerPoint Presentation (PPT, 6.7M)

Workshop (IT) 45: 21st century skills at post-16

P16
Helen Hore, Subject Leader for Geography and Geology, Central Sussex College

Have you lost sight of graphs and statistics? This practical session was designed for teaching about water poverty and development. It involved using the World Resource Institute database and Excel spreadsheets to produce charts and calculate Spearman's Rank Correlation Coefficients.

Download: PowerPoint Presentation (PPT, 828k)
Download: Statistical enquiry into water and wealth (Word, 201k)
Download: Water and wealth graphs (Excel, 133k)

Field Visit: Mission:Explore

All Key Stages
David Rogers, The Geography Collective

Mission:Explore is a book that aims to get young people 'doing' geographical missions in their own time and challenges Britain's risk averse culture. This energetic and psychogeographical outdoor guerrilla geography event helped participants discover new, engaging, critical, creative and alternative activities for themselves and their students.

Website: David Rogers Blog (contains explanation and photographs)

Research Paper: How useful might the concept of 'capability' be in assessing the purpose of geography in education?

KS3-4
Richard Bustin, Geography Teacher, Bancroft's School

The notion of 'geo capabilities' has begun to emerge in geography educational literature as a possible means to articulate the aims, purpose and value of geography in the school curriculum. This session reported on the very early stages of Doctoral research into geo capabilities, defining the concept and setting out the future stages the research might take.

Download: PowerPoint Presentation (PPT, 2.6M)

Research Paper: Threshold concepts within secondary geography education

KS3-4
Jonathan Slinger, Geography Teacher, Friends' School, Saffron Walden

This research paper applies a threshold concepts framework to secondary geography education and investigates its usefulness in enhancing the development of 'geographical thinking'. It suggests that both the discipline's organising conceptual schemas as well as its ways of thinking and practising may serve as thresholds that transform and integrate students' geographical thinking.

Download: PowerPoint Presentation (PPT, 853k)
Download: Research Paper Summary (PDF, 369k)

Research Paper: How far can young people's voices be heard in geography today?

KS3
Lucy Morgan, Teacher of Geography, Downend School, South Gloucestershire

This research unravels the complexities of the roles teachers and students play as they become mediators between educational policy and practice. One of the key questions focused on is 'How far could the new KS3 geography curriculum be student led and student devised?'. The research found that the ideal curriculum is one in which learners are given the opportunity to investigate a range of pathways, co-constructing and researching their own learning.

Download: PowerPoint Presentation (PPT, 514k)

Research Paper: How do KS3 students perceive geography?

KS3
Rebecca Kitchen, Head of Geography, Aylesbury High School

This research will explore KS3 students' perceptions of geographical knowledge and try to identify the origins of those perceptions. Students will be interviewed to draw out key elements of their thinking and to determine how these perceptions originated – whether through the media, primary or secondary school teaching, parental viewpoints or another source.

Download: PowerPoint Presentation (PPT, 3.8M)

Research Paper: Learning virtually or virtually learning?

KS3-4
James Mutton, Geography Teacher, Featherstone High School

Can computers be used more effectively to help students of different ability levels reach their potential? This project followed 22 students through a six-week scheme of work on 'Risk'. They used a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) and other computer-based tools at the centre of their classroom experience. The results showed that all students made progress and those interviewed felt the work was appropriate for their ability level.

Website: Prezi (session presentation)

Research Paper: The south/north educational linking process: southern perspectives revisited

KS3-4
Alison Leonard, Geography Teacher, Westminster School London

This research seeks to understand how the school linking process affects schools in developing countries. How do teachers in Ghanaian and Ugandan schools utilise these links in their teaching and learning? Is the students' knowledge and understanding enhanced through the partnership? Are these links sustainable?

Download: PowerPoint Presentation (PPT, 1.9M)

Research Paper: Young people's perceptions of Africa

KS1-3
Richard Borowski, Schools Project Co-ordintaor, Leeds University Centre for African Studies

Research at the Leeds University Centre for African Studies (LUCAS) has found that there is still a widespread belief among young people that nearly all Africans are poor, helpless and in need of Western charity. This paper shares the results of the research, explores some of the reasons for these negative perceptions and demonstrates how students from Africa can help present a balanced perspective of the continent.

Download: PowerPoint Presentation (PPT, 1.3M)
Download: Research Paper (PDF, 793k)

Forum: iGCSE - an alternative to GCSE?

P16
Chair: Paul Baker, GA Independent Schools Special Interest Group

Panel: Robert Morris, iGCSE Ning Leader and Geography Teacher, Shrewsbury School; Peter Price, Head of Geography, Charterhouse School and Lianne Aherne, Geography Teacher, Wycombe Abbey School.

The Coalition Government's announcement that all schools were free to choose the iGCSE in June 2010 has meant that there is an alternative to conventional GCSEs. This forum examined the advantages and disadvantages of following the iGCSE course with a panel consisting of experienced iGCSE teachers and examiners.

Download: PowerPoint Presentation (PPT, 2.3M)

PGCE/NQT Keynote: Teaching the geographies of consumer society

All KS
Dr Charles Rawding, Geography PGCE Course Leader, Edge Hill University

This session discussed how recent changes in the nature of society can be effectively incorporated into the geography classroom. The session focused on contemporary approaches to urban, rural and tourism geographies.

Download: PowerPoint Presentation (PPT, 9.7M)

PGCE/NQT Workshop: Making geography personal

KS3-P16
Mark Jones, PGCE Geography Tutor, UWE Bristol

This session explored different approaches to personalising geography for young people. It examined how geography's contribution to the curriculum should take account of young people's geographies alongside preparation for critical engagement with the major environmental, economic and societal issues of the day.

Download: PowerPoint Presentation (PPT, 3.9M)
Download: Accompanying notes (PDF, 102k)

Teacher-to-Teacher: My PGCE and NQT survival kit

KS3-4
Lisa Whiting, Geography NQT, Priory School, Southsea

In this session Lisa explored the tools and strategies that she used to successfully negotiate her PGCE training and NQT year so far. She also shared some of the resources that she has found helpful.

Download: NQT Survival Kit Spider Diagram (JPEG, 197k)

Teacher-to-Teacher: Abu Dhabi: Rebranding and progress

P16
Emma Rawlings Smith, Geography Teacher, The British School - Al Khubairat, Abu Dhabi

This session discussed the remarkable transformation of Abu Dhabi from 'desert outpost to economic paragon'. Delegates discovered how Abu Dhabi has rebranded and is being marketed on a global scale.

Download: PowerPoint Presentation (PPT, 1.8M)

Teacher-to-Teacher: A teacher's perspective of the geography IB

P16
Sarah Coulton, Teacher of Geography and Mark Poulsum, Leader of Geography, English Schools Foundation, Hong Kong

Through innovative and inquiry based approaches this session explored practical questions such as: How do you teach the IB? How different is it from A-level? How will it benefit my pupils? Sarah and Mark aim to seek out the IB's place in a time of exciting change within our subject and our world.

Download: PowerPoint Presentation (PPT, 923k)
Download: Session handout - Filipinos in Hong Kong (JPEG, 191k)