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January 2008
On the Map is a new exhibition at Sheffield Millennium Galleries, running from 19 January - 15 June 2008. On the Map uses craft and design to examine the notion of mapping, exploring what a map is, what can be mapped and how maps can be used and manipulated. The exhibition also features an interactive map - look out for GA HQ! Half-term activities for children will run during February.
(21.01.08)
Futurelab needs your ideas to support learning outside school. They plan to develop tools and practices to help children recognise, build on and showcase their learning in an informal setting. The Ideas Incubator will be open 21 Jan - 29 Feb 2008.
The latest edition of Futurelab's free magazine on innovation in education, Vision, is also available to download from their website.
(18.01.08)
Geography in Schools: Changing Practice
An Ofsted report published today states that geography in schools is not doing enough to help children develop a picture of climate change, learn to lead sustainable lives and find their feet as global citizens of the 21st century.
The report shows that in primary and secondary schools, although there are many good lessons, too much teaching and learning is mediocre and pupils' achievement is weaker than in most other subjects. Many children interviewed in Key Stage 3 said they found geography boring and irrelevant, and the number of children choosing to study the subject at Key Stage 4 (age 14-16) continues to fall.
Ofsted's report describes good practice which, if adopted more widely, could help to reverse this trend. It also highlights the way successful geography teachers are using outdoor fieldwork activities to boost understanding of the subject, raise standards, and motivate pupils.
The full report is available on the Ofsted website.
Press coverage:
BBC News
The Independent
Guardian
Telegraph
TES
Guardian - Chris Hamnett Blog
Professor David Lambert, Chief Executive of the GA says:
'... I hope teachers, parents and others interested in the education of young people will be able to read beyond the headlines, for this is an exciting time to be a teacher of geography in school.
The Report makes clear the significance of geographical learning in a curriculum that is designed to help children and young people think carefully and productively about the world. Geography is the first subject in the school curriculum to take futures seriously - helping young people envision possible and desirable futures in their lifetimes.
The Report also shows geography as a subject that encourages "real world" learning - learning directly in and through environments outside the classroom.
The Report really shows that teaching geography well is challenging. For a start, teachers need to keep up with a rapidly changing and eventful world. Geography tries to keep in mind all the interrelated economic, social, cultural and environmental processes that bring change, which can be complicated! Therefore, teachers need professional support, and not only through their subject association. This is why the Action Plan for Geography has been so significant. We hope it will continue into the future, and help geography teachers take advantage of the 2008 curriculum changes especially at KS3. ...'
A Teachers TV news report featuring an interview with Professor Lambert can be viewed here (6m 20s).
Discover how the Geographical Association is supporting geography and encouraging the development of a more relevant and engaging curriculum:
These are just a few examples of how the GA is working to support geography and geography teachers. We rely on membership subscriptions to carry out most of our work. Join today to support us in supporting you...
(17.01.08)
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A new page has been added to the official Barnaby Bear website, all about Geocaching and Barnaby's adventures in Australia. Geocaching is a relatively new sport which involves searching for hidden treasure using a GPS device. There are thousands of caches hidden all over the world, and there's even a miniature Barnaby travelling between them...
Visit www.barnabybear.co.uk to find out more.
(16.01.08)
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