Plenary and Conclusion
Where next?
This course has focused on sustainability and how geographical thinking contributes to this through three sets of examples and ideas on sustainable energy, and two on fieldwork. The examples link to the 'Sustainable Schools' doorways and core components of care across campus, community and curriculum. Key approaches have included enquiry, participation and 'living geography'.
If you would like to investigate further examples of living geography in action, see all the case studies on the Young Geographers project and read some of the evaluations from the participants.
The Teaching Ideas page in the Curriculum Making area of the GTT website contains schemes of work created by teachers attending the GA's Curriculum Making courses during 2007 and 2008, some of which are based on the concept of sustainability. If you would like to share ideas and resources with other primary teachers then please join us for free at the Geography Champions Ning.
The GA has created a variety of online CPD courses for primary teachers and geography subject leaders. The full list is available on the Online CPD front page.
Professional Recognition
If you are committed to the ideas shared here and have used the course as a distance-learning CPD opportunity you might wish to gain personal validation for the learning that you have undertaken. It is now possible to do this through the General Teaching Council's Teacher Learning Academy (TLA). 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.
Alternatively you may be a geography subject leader who has been working through this course in order to provide support for other members of staff. Perhaps you have used some of the ideas on a staff training day. If so you might be interested in gaining recognition for your school through working towards the Primary Geography Quality Mark (PGQM).
Key References
DFES (2006) Learning Outside the Classroom Manifesto, Nottingham: DfES Publications. Download.
DfEE / QCA (1999) The National Curriculum Handbook for Primary Teachers in England, London: Stationery Office Books.
GA (2009) A different view, Sheffield: Geographical Association.
Hicks, D. (2006) Lessons for the Future: The missing dimension in education, Victoria BC: Trafford Publishing.
Martin, F. (2006) 'Everyday Geography', Primary Geographer, Autumn 2006, pp. 4-7. GA Members can access this article online.
Martin, F. & Owens, P. (2008) Caring for our world: a practical guide to ESD for ages 4-8, Sheffield: Geographical Association. Buy the book online from the GA shop.
OFSTED (2008) A Climate for Change, London: HMI.
OFSTED (2008) Geography - Changing Practice: making fieldwork a focus, London: HMI. Download.
Key Websites
Ashden Awards
Teaching Ideas
Young Geographers
A Different View
Sustainable Learning
Sustainable Schools
COURSE ENDS
Course Menu
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