It's easy to feel that in the classroom you're on your own (which, literally, you are....)
It's important to 'meet' with other teachers: starting with those in your department (both formally and informally), those in neighbouring schools (try and arrange a local 'cluster' get-together) and those in the 'wider' area, perhaps in association with a local authority adviser (if you are lucky enough to have access to one). Opportunities are provided by subject associations like the Geographical Association for teachers to meet: ranging from branch events, to regional conferences, to the national conference.
There are 3 books that I have read recently that have all provided important detail on the power of collaboration. There are thousands of geography teachers, who make up a huge collective body of wisdom and creativity. Social networking has the power to bring these people together in one virtual 'space'. My website always acted as a conduit for reaching colleagues local and global.
Any of the books below would make recommended reading:
This is a theme which I shall return to on numerous occasions in this blog.
When I was still teaching, the word 'OFSTED' was not my favourite one: although I experienced 3 inspections during my teaching career, and they were all 'positive' experiences to some extent.
OFSTED published a report in January 2008 called "Geography in Schools: Changing Practice" (click the link to download your own copy in PDF or WORD format)
You can explore what OFSTED had to say about geography teaching. You may have your own opinions on what they say.
On the 5th of FEBRUARY, a conference was held in London.
Follow the link to access all the resources from the conference, hosted on the GA website.
The keynote is detailed below:
Geography in schools: changing practice Keynote Address by Leszek Iwaskow, Ofsted
Leszek Iwaskow highlighted the key messages for geography from the recent OFSTED report, noting not only the areas of positivity for GCSE classrooms but also the importance of progression throughout the key stages if we are to achieve well-rounded global citizens.
It's also worth reading the information on what we are calling LIVING GEOGRAPHY in David Lambert's presentation.
In preparation for a number of forthcoming events, I read through the OFSTED report
Interestingly, networks are mentioned in the text on several occasions:
"Local authorities should encourage the development of networks in schools in order to share and develop good practice in geography." (p.6)
If you're a GA member in your first year or so of teaching, get in touch and we'll send you an invitation to join...
To see an existing NING in action, check out the EDEXCEL GEOGRAPHY NING.
It's important to 'meet' with other teachers: starting with those in your department (both formally and informally), those in neighbouring schools (try and arrange a local 'cluster' get-together) and those in the 'wider' area, perhaps in association with a local authority adviser (if you are lucky enough to have access to one). Opportunities are provided by subject associations like the Geographical Association for teachers to meet: ranging from branch events, to regional conferences, to the national conference.
There are 3 books that I have read recently that have all provided important detail on the power of collaboration. There are thousands of geography teachers, who make up a huge collective body of wisdom and creativity. Social networking has the power to bring these people together in one virtual 'space'. My website always acted as a conduit for reaching colleagues local and global.
Any of the books below would make recommended reading:
This is a theme which I shall return to on numerous occasions in this blog.
When I was still teaching, the word 'OFSTED' was not my favourite one: although I experienced 3 inspections during my teaching career, and they were all 'positive' experiences to some extent.
OFSTED published a report in January 2008 called "Geography in Schools: Changing Practice" (click the link to download your own copy in PDF or WORD format)
You can explore what OFSTED had to say about geography teaching. You may have your own opinions on what they say.
On the 5th of FEBRUARY, a conference was held in London.
Follow the link to access all the resources from the conference, hosted on the GA website.
The keynote is detailed below:
Geography in schools: changing practice Keynote Address by Leszek Iwaskow, Ofsted
Leszek Iwaskow highlighted the key messages for geography from the recent OFSTED report, noting not only the areas of positivity for GCSE classrooms but also the importance of progression throughout the key stages if we are to achieve well-rounded global citizens.
It's also worth reading the information on what we are calling LIVING GEOGRAPHY in David Lambert's presentation.
In preparation for a number of forthcoming events, I read through the OFSTED report
Interestingly, networks are mentioned in the text on several occasions:
"Local authorities should encourage the development of networks in schools in order to share and develop good practice in geography." (p.6)
"Successful departments usually have good networking systems to support the subject, perhaps through subject associations, the local authority or partnerships with geography departments in other local schools. The gradual increase in the number of schools with geography as a lead or subsidiary subject as part of their humanities specialist status has the potential to provide a network for disseminating effective practice to local primary and secondary schools." (p.26)
Source: "Geography in Schools: Changing Practice" (OFSTED, 2008)
The GA today launched a new service for Early Career Teachers who are GA members: a social network known as a NING.If you're a GA member in your first year or so of teaching, get in touch and we'll send you an invitation to join...
To see an existing NING in action, check out the EDEXCEL GEOGRAPHY NING.
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