Geography

Welcome to the geography pages of shropshire.gov.uk:

From these pages you can view all the latest updates for geography. The pages include details of schemes of work and links to various web based resources. Please use the links on the main navigation menu to browse the site.

LATEST NEWS

A New National Curriculum for Key Stage 3

The new national curriculum programme of study for geography has been launched. This becomes a statutory requirement from 1 September 2008. Schools can phase the new requirements in over a three year period starting with year 7 from 1 September 2008. Follow the link for the full programme of study.

Global Learning in Secondary Schools
Day Conference

Global Learning and the New KS3 Curriculum (TIDE - Global Learning)

Thursday 26 June 2008
Millennium Point, Birmingham

This conference responds to the introduction of the new secondary curriculum in September 2008. It provides and opportunity to explore the potential it offers for new ways of planning and teaching, and what it means for enabling learning in a global context. For further information and booking details see the information on the publications section of this page.

Geography Matters

David Rayner has produced an excellent powerpoint presentation which makes the case for geography in the curriculum. The presentation is available as a download from the publications section on this page. The presentation works well to Michael Jackson's Earth Song.

Shift Happens – Geographical Futures

There has been lots of discussion about this thought provoking video. It has the potential to stimulate critical thought and discussion in secondary geography lessons. Follow the link in the useful websites section to a website where it can be downloaded.

Y9 Option Choices – Promoting Geography
Geography Ambassadors on the TV

Follow the link in the useful websites section to a video on Teachers TV launched in January 2008 to promote geography. This is part of the Geography Ambassadors Programme.

Writing in Geography - A New Publication from Shropshire County Council

Written by Juliet Andrew-Evans, this book and CD ROM exemplifies forms of writing in the context of secondary geography. The text types, subject vocabulary and connectives which combine to make quality extended writing are outlined in this publication. It looks at a number of writing styles and examples are drawn from secondary geography lessons. The materials are set out in a form that is easy to duplicate and use with geography students in the classroom. Further details are available from the Publications, Design and Webpage team at www.shropshire.gov.uk/pdw.nsf (follow the link on this page).

Become a Fairtrade School

The Fairtrade Foundation has launched ‘Fairtrade School’ status for Primary and Secondary Schools in the UK. The Fairtrade mark guarantees a better deal for farmers and workers in the developing world. For schools, Fairtrade provides the opportunity to learn about farming, trade and developing countries and as well as the chance for children to make a real difference by promoting or buying Fairtrade. Fairtrade is an ideal topic for subjects such as geography and citizenship, or promoting Fairtrade could be a project for the school council. The Fairtrade School scheme compliments also Eco-Schools Status. For more information about becoming a Fairtrade School and to register for the scheme visit the Fairtrade Foundation website on www.fairtrade.org.uk (follow the link in the useful websites section of the page). Bridges Development Education Centre providing practical support and guidance to schools in the West Midlands who are working towards Fairtrade status. Contact Davina at Bridges by email at Davina@shropshirebridges.org.uk or telephone 01952 255526.

Museum on the Move 2008 - Climate Change

This mobile exhibition is touring Shropshire from 11 February to 2 May, and 12 August to 10 October. Using specimens and artefacts from the museum collections, the exhibition explores climate changes over geological time and to the present. The exhibition is housed on a purpose built bus which can be booked for a school visit - contact Justeen Stone on 01584 813665, or email: justeen.stone@shropshire-cc.gov.uk.

Assess Your School's Carbon Footprint

The Carbon Detectives' Kit is live. Designed for children and young people to use, this web based package enables detective teams to assess their school's carbon footprint and identify ways to reduce this. Follow the link in the useful websites section to visit the site.

The Shropshire GA Branch has recently launched its website. A programme of events begins in the new academic year. Follow the link in the useful websites section for more information.

The Year of Food and Farming
The Year of Food and Farming runs from September 2007 to July 2008. Follow the link in the navigation menu for further details and related activities in Shropshire.