Subject Leadership in the Secondary Phase
Introduction
This course has been written to provoke thought and discussion about how geography is taught and managed at Key Stage 3.
QCA's Big Picture of the curriculum paints a vision of a coherent curriculum for the learner, which enables all young people to become successful learners, confident individuals and responsible citizens.
Geography as a subject is in some ways threatened by these changes but it also has great potential to contribute to this wider vision. Geographers have always responded to change in a very positive manner and the QCA-defined process of 'disciplined curriculum innovation' is one that geographers should confidently embrace.
These changes to the curriculum have afforded geographers much scope to develop localised curricula that best meet the needs of learners. They give subject leaders the opportunity to think abou what they are trying to achieve, how they are organising learning and how well they are achieving their aims.
Working through the course
You may choose to work through the units in a linear fashion, or may prefer to select only those that are most relevant to you at any particular time. You will have the opportunity to consider:
- What constitutes 'Living Geography'?
- What can shape your 'vision' for geography?
- How KS3/4 transition can be best managed
- How you can enthuse colleagues
- How quality geography could be recognised and evidenced
- How you could disseminate quality geography
- How the impact of geography could be measured in your school?
- How you can celebrate and gain recognition for quality geography?
Course units
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Getting Started An introduction to the course and an opportunity to consider your current level of subject leadership. |
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Living Geography What constitutes 'living geography' and how would you need to adapt your curriculum to fit in with its ethos? |
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Your School, Your Vision What is your vision for the geography curriculum? Is geography in your school dynamic and relevant to the students? |
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Managing KS3/4 Transition How to prepare students for the transition between Key Stages, ensuring that they see geography as enjoyable and valuable. |
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Enthusing Colleagues A vital ingredient for success in any organisation is the ability of the leader to inspire and enthuse colleagues. |
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Recognising Quality Geography What typifies quality geography and how can it be recognised? Is it happening in your school? |
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Evidencing Quality Geography How to measure quality geography and applying for the Secondary Geography Quality Mark. |
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Disseminating Quality Geography How quality geography approaches can be shared between schools to raise the profile of the subject. |
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Plenary: Celebrating Geography Celebrating and promoting the quality geography taking place in your school. |
Gain recognition for engaging with these courses
The Teacher Learning Academy (TLA) is the first national system for teacher learning and has been set up to support, recognise and celebrate the professional achievements of teachers. It actively encourages teachers to share knowledge, ideas and best practice.
The GA is a TLA Support Partner which means that if you are working towards TLA Stage One or Two verification you can use one or more of these courses to provide the focus for your learning journey.
