1. The magic of Geography- session 1
Sharon Witt
January 2012
PGCE

2. Introduction to the Geography course
To gain knowledge and understanding of the Geography National Curriculum
To consider how children learn in a geographical context, including the enquiry process
To provide a range of teaching and learning strategies to promote good quality geographical experiences within the classroom
To explore appropriate resources, including ICT to support children’s learning in Geography
To understand Geography’s role within the wider curriculum.

3. Magical geography is not …
Completing unnecessary worksheets!
Colouring in!
Watching television
Cutting out and sticking on !
This has been described as
“Joyless Geography”
by Margaret Mackintosh

4. In praise of Geography…
“Geography is of immeasurable importance . It just gets into everything. Everything we do, we do in a context that involves a complex web of people and places with all sorts of implications. All our lives are just one big geographical puzzle and I believe that when we try to relate ourselves to the bigger picture we can make sense of our place in the world more easily . Geography offers us the skills to understand and tackle many of today’s big issues , such as poverty, inequality, pollution, multi-cultural understanding and energy needs”
(Owens, 2006,p.12)

5. Geography is where we are at!
Routes and journeys to school, work and other places.
Choice of clothes we make according to the weather
Choice of games / activities we play or undertake
Jobs people do and role playing of these jobs E.g. grocers , dentists, undersea world , doctors
News
Holidays and special days out
The food that we eat
Considering day to day information / tables – decision making

6. PRIMARY GEOGRAPHY IS IN TROUBLE ( nationally)!
Low achievement in both key stages in two-thirds of schools
Lack of subject knowledge, low expectations and poor planning
Poor leadership of the subject
Assessment is weak
Use of outdoor learning ,such as fieldwork, is underdeveloped
Views of geography are at odds with perspectives on children’s learning
Good primary geography exists and should be emulated
According to David bell, the Chief Inspector of schools , geography is the worst taught subject in primary schools
( better position in secondary schools but not much !)
Summary of findings here
Suggest go and read for yourself
Google “Geography in Primary Schools”

7. Geography is ‘alive’ in Hampshire!
Hampshire is only one of three Counties that have an Inspector for Geography
Jeff Stanfield
Supported by Advanced Skills Teachers
Area support network meetings
Primary Geography News
Training for teachers

8. Action Plan for Geography
“Beginning to see signs of change”
Leszek Iwaskow HMI Specialist Adviser for Geography and Education for Sustainability – March 2007
Geography is at a crossroads!
Interested? E mail

9. Learning to make a world of difference OFSTED - February 2011
“There was a marked polarisation in the quality of teaching and learning as well as the geography curriculum in the primary schools visited “
“The best geography seen as usually in schools which were participating in the professional development programme offered through the Action Plan for Geography”
Focus strongly on developing core knowledge , particularly their sense of place.
(OFSTED,2011,p. 7)

10. You are not alone………..

11. Geography is… Where on earth would we be without Geography?
This is a good point for us to think about what good primary Geography is?
What is its purpose
What is important in geography
What areas do we cover ?
Finding out what you know already ?( good assessment for learning technique)
Next slide
Where on earth would we be without Geography?

12. Geography is … knowledge and understanding of patterns and processes
enquiry and skills
knowledge and understanding of places
knowledge and understanding of environmental change and sustainable development
Patterns and processes – patterns both physical and human – spatial 9 layouts
Reoccurring patterns daily routines journeys weather
Processes both physical and human that shape our world- weather, water, wind, building houses
.. the study of place, space and environment

13. What geography should we teach ? The new curriculum ?
Greater focus on ‘knowledge’ with the curriculum being underpinned by the idea of ‘core knowledge’
Fewer statutory subjects programmes of study specifying essential knowledge for each subject
Greater professional freedom/responsibility to teach
Important to consider what is geographical knowledge ?
Balance of knowledge, understanding , values, attitudes and skills?

14. A different view- What is geography ?
Geography as a curriculum resource
Thinking geographically
Living geography
Geography and young people
Geography and the real world
Investigation and exploration
Curriculum making

15. Geographical knowledge …
Core knowledge – information typically found in maps and atlases (pub quiz geography?). Core knowledge is essential if we want to know about the world
Are You Smarter than a 5th Grader, featuring Kellie Pickler, Country singer and star of American Idol.
Bill Bailey and FACE

16. How can you develop your geographical knowledge?
Sporcle- geographical quizzes
Geo Master – an Iphone app.

17. Teaching about place is not just about facts but also feelings and attitudes
(Wiegand,1994)

18. Geographical knowledge …
Content knowledge- the main content of the curriculum – the concepts

20. Geographical knowledge …
Procedural knowledge: thinking geographically.
Making sense of the world by learning through geographical enquiry

21. Touching Geography – helps to demystify the subject

22. Children’s experiences need to be multi- sensory

23. Geographical / Environmental detectives
Unravel the mystery of places
Read the geography of landscapes
Read the landscape story board
The TECHNICAL Story
The EMOTIONAL Story
Aim: to create a true sense of place
to provide real life skills
Jeff Stanfield

24. Teaching and learning in Geography
“Geography teaching and learning should be an enjoyable , creative , stimulating and magical experience for pupils and teachers alike. Geography is about places, people and issues both locally and globally , all of which are of interest and concern to everyone…First hand experience and practical work should underpin much of what we do in the name of geography and the wide boundaries of the subject should allow us to provide pupils with a wonderful learning opportunity”
Richardson, P.( 2004)”Planning the geography curriculum in Scoffham, S. Primary Geography handbook, Sheffield: Geographical Association.

25. Geography needs you!

26. The Geography we deliver must be:
Relevant
Dynamic
Challenging
Emotive
Motivating
Radical
Progressive AND …

27. Fun to teach
and
Fun to learn!
Jeff Stanfield

28. Every new day is a geographical adventure waiting to happen …

29. Room 33 St Grimbalds Court
Contact Details
Room 33 St Grimbalds Court

30. Independent Study Tasks
Explore the Learning Network resources posted for geography
Join in with the forum: Special Places. Post a photograph if you are able!