Geography
Teachers at all key stages will find useful information
about teaching geography in this section. For more detail on
classroom material, there is also a dedicated geography resources page.
The GSCE Geography pilot
A lively and innovative GCSE geography pilot is now in its second
year. This QCA-developed project helps pupils to understand the
complex, interconnected nature of our world with its natural beauty and global
problems. The central concepts are:
- interdependence
- uneven development
- futures
- sustainability
- globalisation
David Bell, Chief Inspector of Schools, emphasised in November 2004 how these areas of study are key to broadening the relevance and value of primary and secondary Geography.
Environment, sustainable development and field
trips
Geography offers the chance to undertake field work, and to study the
natural world and the changing environment with its impact on the
population. Two TeacherNet articles show how schools can become involved
in recycling and creating a greener environment. Read about the Growing
Schools programme which aims to reconnect young people with
their environment, and its project Learning through Landscapes. At TeacherNet you can find
information on geography in Education for Sustainable Development in the
curriculum and sample letters for giving parents field-trip
information.
Teaching about natural disasters
Coastal management, travel and tourism, living with floods, geography
in the news and investigating culture are all options on the new geography
GCSE pilot. Recent disasters such as the tsunami in the Indian Ocean
and Hurricane Katrina provide the opportunity to reflect on these serious
issues. Visit TeacherNet's article on Natural disasters for information and resources.
Teachers' recommendations
Forums and chat rooms are a great way to share ideas with fellow geography
teachers and pick up tips. Visit The Education Forum, The Virtual Teacher Centre and the Staffordshire Learning Net which all host discussions
on geography, offering the chance to chat about curriculum issues, pick up
useful-site suggestions and ask for advice.
ICT in Geography teaching
QCA has developed support materials for the Teacher
Assessment Activities series in geography and ICT. These materials are
fully integrated with the national curriculum, and provide examples of
assessment activities to help identify, track and enhance pupil progress. Each
book includes activities and teacher guidance.
ICT helps pupils learn in a stimulating and inspiring way. If you need ideas on how to integrate ICT into your teaching, visit the Becta site and the National Curriculum's Geography in Action site.
Continuing professional development (CPD) in
geography
An Ofsted report on geography in Autumn 2004 highlighted the need for
professional development opportunities for primary school teachers.
TeacherNet's CPD page advises on how to make progress in your
teaching career. It includes any activity that increases teachers'
knowledge or understanding and improves their effectiveness in schools.
The QCA site offers CPD units, written by practising teachers,
which demonstrate how you can use the web to add value to your geography.
Both the Geographical Association and the Royal
Geographical Society highlight CPD events, conferences and courses.
TeacherNet's events calendar also
gives details of CPD events and conferences.
Overseas teachers
TeacherNet's Teaching in England site has a dedicated geography page to
accustom teachers from other countries to the curriculum and teaching methods
when preparing for a move to England.
Teacher training
Geographers into Teaching aims to raise awareness of
the importance of recruiting geographers into the teaching profession.
Don't forget you can also search for resources by
subject in TeacherNet's useful sites directory.
Last updated: 25 November 2008
