Quality Geography Conference

The Geographical Association held one of its Quality Geography conferences in London today and it was a real pleasure to meet so many committed primary geographers. One of the real issues that came up was Fieldwork - and it was interesting to hear about some constraints and issues from different schools. Do have a look at the wealth of resources on http://www.geography.org.uk/ and http://www.geographyteachingtoday.org.uk/ .

I have uploaded a 'Risk Assessment' powerpoint as an example of what could be legitimately used with pupils in curricular time. It was interesting that those teachers who did this kind of thing with pupils prior to a field trip didn't necessarily view it as the kind of thing you could include in the formal curriculum. I found it really helpful to devote quality time to this with pupils to:

• determine what they already knew, in terms of language, spatial undertanding, misconceptions etc;
• prepare them for what they would encounter and raise questions before the trip;
• rehearse the sequence of the day / session;
• practise and develop visual literacy and speaking and listening skills;
• provide good and relevant content for focused geography and literacy (the latter through speaking and listening and perhaps note taking skills);
• develop self esteem and participation;
• evidence aspects of ECM (be safe).

Some of you asked me to upload the other powerpoints we looked at and I think that thee may be on the main GA site shortly. I do have some other relevant powerpoints about starting to plan with Geography that may be of use or may prompt discussion. I have put these below.