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FAQs
| The Geographical Association |
What has the GA got to do with me?
If you are a teacher of geography, the GA enables you to keep up to date with developments in the subject and teaching methods. We like groups to join - as departments (secondary) and schools (primary) because we place great value on 'communities of shared practice'
Is the GA only for teachers?
Not at all – membership is open to all with an interest in the GA’s aims and we welcome support from all who share our enthusiasm for the teaching and learning of geography.
How is my subscription spent?
A significant proportion goes on the journals to which you choose to subscribe. A smaller chunk on other 'communications' such as this website and GA News. A smaller portion is spent on policy matters - lobbying government, making links with government and non-government agencies - to ensure a healthy understanding of geography and its contribution to education. And of course administration, projects and the Annual Conference.
What do I get for my money?
Being a member of a worldwide community of geographers; 30% discount on publications; discounted entry to the Annual Conference; CPD opportunities including a discount on our Professional Development Units; your journal(s) and GA News posted to you three times a year and access to them online.
I would like to meet other members of the GA with similar interests
Contact a committee or working group, come to the Conference or get in touch with your local branch. You can also chat to other geographers on our forums.
How do I get involved with the GA?
Ask about committees and specialist working groups. Ask about Teacher Consultants. Consider writing an article for one of the journals or the website. Look out for project opportunities. Involve your students in Worldwise. There are lots of ways.
How do I book a place at the Annual Conference?
A full conference programme and booking form can be downloaded here or contact Lucy Oxley to receive copies in the post. Payment information is printed on the reverse of the booking form. Low entrance fees entitle delegates to full access to lectures, the resources exhibition and day-time receptions. Places on individual workshops can be booked for an additional fee. Please note that places on workshops are limited and will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis. To secure your places please pre-register.
Who runs the GA?
The GA is a charity with a board of Trustees, referred to as our Governing Body - this is an elected body chaired by the current President. The Education 'think tank' is the Education Committee while the day-to-day running is the responsibility of the Chief Executive. More information about the structure of the GA can be found in the About Us section.
What is the difference between Group membership and Personal Membership?
Group membership is for several people working in the same school or other institution, and makes it straightforward for the institution to place orders with the GA for publications and other services. Personal Membership is for one individual.
Where is my nearest Branch? What is my local Branch doing this term?
There are currently 37 branches affiliated to the GA throughout the UK. Information about branches including contact details and forthcoming events can be accessed here.
If the GA didn't exist, would it have to be invented?
Absolutely, yes. It was founded in 1893 and its reason to be has grown rather than diminished. In a healthy civil society an independent subject association plays a significant role in providing inspiration as well as checks and balances.
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I can't find ..... on the website. Can you help?
Try using the search box in the left hand navigation bar which can search the whole site or specified areas by keyword. The site map located in the Help section lists every page on the website. If you still can't find what you're after, contact Anne Greaves who will try to point you in the right direction.
Why can’t I get into the journals I subscribe to?/Why isn’t it giving me a members’ discount?
Check that your membership is up to date and paid, and that you are using the right membership number. If you are still having problems contact Ted Ellis or Anne Greaves.
What is my membership number?
It’s the number (without the initial zeros or the, e.g. ’ /TG’) on your address label or membership card. If in doubt, contact GA Headquarters on 0114 296 0088.
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| Joining the GA/Registering to this website |
I'm a GA member but cannot log onto the GA’s website. Help!
You can use your membership number to get a password reminder or to create a new password if you've never used the site before. Visit the Login page for details.
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Where can I buy maps, globes, National Geographic magazine, etc?
Try browsing our Links listings for useful websites. Our journals carry reviews and advertising for products currently available, and the Annual Conference exhibition is a great opportunity to see what is available first hand.
We are hoping to become a Specialist Humanities school. What kind of support can the GA offer?
Have a look at our Past Theme on ‘Specialist Schools’ or contact Frances Soar for further information.
How can I obtain a copy of the Mexico pack mentioned in the QCA Schemes of Work?
The Tocuaro pack is published by the GA and can be purchased in our GeographyShop.
We have an Ofsted inspection coming up and I want to make sure our geography teaching looks good. Can you help?
What lies at the heart of excellent teaching, we think, is a lively relationship with pupils and the subject. Make geography lively! Try to ensure some topicality, and show that your teaching and the curriculum are 'developing'. How can the GA help? Well, we have a great range of posters for your classroom. We have good learning resources that can enhance certain aspects of teaching, but most of all we have materials that can underpin CPD - notably the Handbooks (Primary and Secondary), Margaret Roberts' brilliant 'Learning though Enquiry', and the 'Theory into Practice' series. These can all be purchased in the GeographyShop. You may also find other interesting information on the website such as the Lead Department materials.
I'd like to set up a school linking project. Can you help?
Have a look at this Past Theme written by the co-ordinator of a successful link project. The Theme also includes weblinks to a number of organisations offering help and advice on setting up your own school link.
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| Professional Development/CPD |
What CPD opportunities does the GA offer?
Virtually everything the GA does can be classified as CPD: the Annual Conference, Professional Development Units, books, journals and various parts of this website. Our rapidly developing Project work is also 'CPD'. More information on the GA’s Professional Development Units can be found here.
What is the GA approach to project work?
We organise 'CPD-led curriculum development projects’. These place great value on local solutions to geography teaching provided by teachers working face to face with each other in stimulating surroundings.
Why do 'projects' get listed under CPD?
Because the teachers who get involved always say how much they have learned in their evaluations - about themselves, geography and geography teaching.
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How can you help me persuade my year 9 pupils to continue studying geography?
Visit our Option Time page for help with this - it includes a number of downloadable leaflets and information on Going Places, our geography careers resource pack.
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I'm looking for a geography teacher to undertake some advisory work for my company, can you recommend someone?
Because the GA receives many requests like this we now operate a system whereby we maintain a register of our members who are both qualified and available to undertake paid curriculum development or advisory work - both small and large scale. Contact Richard Gill (0114 296 0088) and ask about 'Teacher Consultants'.
Can I reproduce an article/photograph/illustration from one of your publications?
If you are a GA member, one benefit of your membership is that you are free to use materials from GA journals and books with students in your institution. If you wish to use GA materials for any other purpose, please contact Dorcas Turner for all copyright enquiries including material published in books and journals, CD-Roms and on the website.
I’d like to advertise in your journals/on your website. How much does it cost?
A list of rates for advertising in the journals can be downloaded here. Contact Anna Grandfield to discuss advertising space or website rates.
Would the GA like to advertise in our publication?
Please contact the Publications Manager Fran Royle.
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