GA Annual Conference 2026: Full Schedule

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09:00 BST

Normalising nature in the classroom and curriculum

Thursday April 9, 2026 09:00 - 09:50 BST

An active session focusing on strategies used in ITE at the University of Worcester to normalise nature connection, from origami and storytelling to 'nature natter' cards. The session will explore the rationale for building nature literacy into our classroom spaces and processes, highlighting the five pathways to nature connectedness, as well as inviting participants to try a variety of activities, develop their own 'nature natter' questions and communities of practice, and engage their imaginations in ways to normalise nature for ourselves and our pupils.

Speakers

Elena Lengthorn

Senior Lecturer in Teacher Education, University of Worcester

Elena is the PGCE Geography subject Lead at the University of Worcester. She has taught both geography and science education across the primary and secondary centres on undergraduate and postgraduate courses. She leads the Education for Sustainable Futures and Nature Connectedness... Read More →

Thursday April 9, 2026 09:00 - 09:50 BST
T211

ITE-ECT, Workshop

Key Stage ECT, EYFS, KS1, KS2, KS3, KS4, KS5

09:00 BST

Making a difference through subject leadership

Thursday April 9, 2026 09:00 - 09:50 BST

T207

This session will explore six key themes of high-quality subject leadership (vision, team leadership, curriculum leadership, impact, stakeholders and management), illustrating how strategic decision-making can have a positive impact on the students we teach. Participants will have the chance to work through three tasks that help critically reflect on vision, impact and student voice. This session will be suitable for both existing subject leaders and those aspiring to the role.

Speakers

Aidan Hesslewood

Head of Geography, Spalding Grammar School

Geography Teacher and GA Consultant, SGQM Moderator, Editorial Board of Teaching Geography, and chair of the S Lincs GA Branch.

TG SPR 26 Hesslewood pdf

TG AUT 23 HESSLEWOOD2023092610054559570 pdf

Making a difference through subject leadership pptx

Thursday April 9, 2026 09:00 - 09:50 BST
T207

Leadership, Lecture Plus

Key Stage KS3, KS4, KS5

09:00 BST

Panel session with global industry leaders: careers shaping the future of our world

Thursday April 9, 2026 09:00 - 09:50 BST

SG03/S103

While more students than ever before are choosing to study geography in UK secondary schools and then applying to geography, Earth science and environmental degree programmes, the industries that depend on geography and geoscience graduates are facing a critical recruitment crisis. One key reason is the absence, until now, of a high-profile, national careers intervention to rival those seen in STEM, which has left students unable to visualise how geography connects to real jobs and careers in the modern economy. This panel session is part of an ambitious national geography and geoscience careers intervention led by Time for Geography and convened in collaboration with higher education and industry partners. It brings together global industry leaders working at the forefront of fields including energy transition, environmental sustainability, climate resilience and resource security, who will share insights into the future of geo-related careers and the pivotal role of geography education in meeting national and global skills needs. Participants will leave with renewed confidence to act as careers champions, practical guidance to integrate careers into the curriculum, and direct insights from leaders shaping the future of our world.

Speakers

Dr Rob Parker

Director, Time for Geography

Dr Rob Parker is a geography and geoscience lecturer, educational film producer and director of Time for Geography.
Rob is passionate about the role of geographers and geoscientists in addressing the biggest challenges we face, through interdisciplinary research, discovery and innovation. Through Time for Geography, Rob facilitates a unique community of the world’s leading geographers and org... Read More →

Thursday April 9, 2026 09:00 - 09:50 BST
SG03/S103

Leadership, Panel session

Key Stage KS4, KS5

09:00 BST

Bloxham Sustainability Challenge: Building Future Ready Skills through GIS and Real World Enquiry

Thursday April 9, 2026 09:00 - 09:50 BST

T217

The Bloxham Sustainability Challenge (BSC) is an award‑winning education–industry initiative that empowers Sixth Form students to become the sustainability leaders of tomorrow through authentic, place‑based enquiry. Students step into the role of environmental consultants, using ArcGIS, Survey123 and StoryMaps to investigate live development proposals - from solar parks and reservoirs to onshore wind farms. Working directly with professionals and analysing real spatial data, they develop critical thinking, digital literacy and global citizenship, while also completing the Pearson‑accredited EPQ Geospatial Innovation Pathway (worth half an A‑level), giving them recognised credentials and a valuable post‑18 advantage.
During this session delegates will gain hands‑on experience with next year’s Challenge, Planning for Sustainability: Shaping the Future of East West Rail, which positions students as consultants on one of the UK’s most ambitious infrastructure projects and provides a powerful real‑world context for learning. Strategically aligned with national educational and policy priorities, the BSC embeds climate literacy, geospatial capability and systems thinking into Year 12 curriculum and enrichment, while also directly supporting the growing industry demand for geospatial talent and building meaningful pathways into the green economy.

Speakers

Dr Claire Evans

Head of Geography, Bloxham School

I am Head of Geography at Bloxham School and co-creator of the multi-award-winning Bloxham Sustainability Challenge (BSC), a collaborative initiative developed with Dalcour Maclaren and supported by Esri UK. The BSC provides students with meaningful, real-world learning experiences... Read More →

Dr Katie Hall

Katie Hall is Head of Education at Esri UK, building strong partnerships between schools, subject associations, and the wider education community through their use of GIS. Their work focuses on GIS pedagogy, curriculum design and teacher development. Their goal is to make geospatial... Read More →

Thursday April 9, 2026 09:00 - 09:50 BST
T217

Secondary, Lecture Plus

Key Stage KS5

09:00 BST

Main features of thermohaline circulation-oceanic conveyor belt

Thursday April 9, 2026 09:00 - 09:50 BST

T216

The density of seawater plays a vital role in determining the structure of the ocean on the vertical scale and driving ocean circulation on the global scale. Density structuring or layering in the ocean has biological, chemical and global climate impacts. It is important in determining the timing and duration of plankton blooms that feed the marine food web and whether a region of the ocean is a carbon source or sink. In this session you will explore how salinity and temperature affect the density of seawater and how density can change with depth, location and season.

Speakers

David Froggatt

Head of Key Stage 4, The Priory CofE School Dorking

Dynamic and dedicated Geography teacher with extensive experience teaching GCSE and A-level students. Skilled in planning and leading educational visits and trips both in the U.K. and internationally, ensuring enriching learning experiences outside the classroom. Proven leadership... Read More →

deep ocean currents pdf

themohaline circulation pdf

009491e07fdf613443ec958e7778041d8b08 pdf

Thursday April 9, 2026 09:00 - 09:50 BST
T216

Subject knowledge, Workshop

Key Stage KS5

09:00 BST

The pylon paradox: unpacking conflicting views of our energy futures

Thursday April 9, 2026 09:00 - 09:50 BST

T220

If our students are to become geographers who make a difference, they will need to understand the nuances of arguments based on environment values and how these affect policy and public attitudes. This session uses recent contestation concerning proposed new powerlines and associated pylons across East Anglia and other regions as a starting point, to examine how discourse analysis can provide a valuable approach to deep learning. The key concepts discussed can be applied to wind and solar farms, as well as a wider set of environmental discourses. The focus will be on ‘environmental values’ as a discursive resource. It will examine how individuals and groups use language (and imagery) strategically, to authenticate their own account and to denigrate opposing views.

Speakers

Professor Peter Vujakovic

Emeritus Professor, Canterbury Christ Church University

GA Session/talk

Thursday April 9, 2026 09:00 - 09:50 BST
T220

Subject knowledge, Lecture

Key Stage KS4, KS5

11:00 BST

Geography at scale: how MAT networks support teachers and learners

Thursday April 9, 2026 11:00 - 11:30 BST

T217

This session provides insight into how multi-academy trust geography networks work to support their school communities. The somewhat-controversial concept of 'aligned autonomy' will be explored in an examination of the opportunities and pitfalls inherent in being part of a large subject network. There will be suggestions for making the most of emerging or developing formal and informal subject networks of your own and time to explore how these can benefit those students who need it the most.

Speakers

Ben Newborn

Geography Subject Adviser, United Learning

I have 17+ years experience in Geography education and my current role is subject adviser and curriculum lead for the largest MAT in the UK, United Learning. I regularly consult for different exam boards and support several schools across England beyond our group.

I'm a member of

... Read More →

Thursday April 9, 2026 11:00 - 11:30 BST
T217

Leadership, Teacher to Teacher

Key Stage ECT, KS3, KS4, KS5

11:00 BST

The Shire Project

Thursday April 9, 2026 11:00 - 11:30 BST

T210

Discover how iNaturalist can transform learning in schools and communities. This seminar explores how geography connects students with real scientists and conservation projects—locally and globally, including the Osa Conservation Centre. Learn how students of all ages can enhance fieldwork skills, deepen environmental understanding, and actively contribute to biodiversity research and conservation. You will leave the session with the project ready to go and all the resources needed to run it.

Empower learning. Inspire action. Make a real-world impact.

Speakers

Harriet Moss

History Teacher, Quinton House School

I am a History and Religious Education teacher at Quinton House School, having studied History at the University of Northampton. My passion for learning and meaningful conversation was reignited during my time at Nationwide Building Society, where I founded the Race Together network—an... Read More →

Jema Kinsman

Head of Humanities, Rushden Academy

I am a Head of Humanities in the Midlands. I graduated with a First Class Honours degree in History from the University of Northampton and have taught History, Geography and Religious Education since I qualified in 2017. I am a lifelong learner and a big fan of reading, representation... Read More →

Thursday April 9, 2026 11:00 - 11:30 BST
T210

Secondary, Teacher to Teacher

Key Stage ECT, KS3, KS4, KS5

11:30 BST

How do you KNOW they know? Checking for understanding in the geography classroom.

Thursday April 9, 2026 11:30 - 12:20 BST

T209

At last year's Conference I spoke about addressing misconceptions in the geography classroom. This year, I’d like to continue this theme by examining how we can discover what misconceptions our students might hold and how we can check they have understood what we have taught them. I’ll delve into practical, evidence-informed strategies for checking understanding, including ‘Do Now’ tasks, use of mini whiteboards and low-stakes formative assessment. Rooted in cognitive science, these approaches aim to make students’ thinking visible and help identify misconceptions early. Pitfalls and mistakes to avoid will also be discussed. Attendees will be invited to share their examples of effective methods.

Speakers

Sarah Larsen

Teacher of Geography, Reigate School

I have been a geography teacher for over twenty years in and around London. I've also carried out various roles within our SCITT, helping the next generation of teachers learn their craft. In addition, I have contributed to various educational books, including Powerful Geography by... Read More →

Thursday April 9, 2026 11:30 - 12:20 BST
T209

Secondary, Lecture Plus

Key Stage KS1, KS2, KS3, KS4, KS5, ECT

11:30 BST

Teaching careers in geography

Thursday April 9, 2026 11:30 - 12:20 BST

T208

This session is based on my chapter 'Teaching careers in geography' from the book What is Geography Teaching, Now?, published by John Catt. Delegates will gain a unique perspective (I am both a professionally qualified and experienced careers guidance adviser and a geography teacher), plus detailed insight into ways to embed up-to-date careers education, information, advice and guidance (CEIAG) into schemes of learning for years 7-11. They will find out more about the role of careers guidance advisers in schools and the increasing use of AI in the fields of career exploration, planning, development and management for young people today. Participants will brainstorm activities and devise their own action points around embedding high-quality CEIAG into their programmes of study and schemes of learning.

Speakers

Rouna Begum Ali

Geography Teacher, Northwood School

Fully professionally qualified and experienced Careers Guidance Adviser and Geography Teacher with over 18 years experience of working with Children and Young People in secondary school, college and community settings within the London Boroughs of Hillingdon, Brent and Ealing. For... Read More →

Thursday April 9, 2026 11:30 - 12:20 BST
T208

Secondary, Workshop

Key Stage KS3, KS4, KS5, ECT

11:30 BST

Geographies of illicit finance: capital flows, social harm and spatial contexts

Thursday April 9, 2026 11:30 - 12:20 BST

T217

Increasing global attention is being paid to the spaces, and spatially-tied institutions, permitting, enabling and accelerating flows of illicit finance. This is, in large part, a result of the increasing attention being given to questions of wealth and inequality. Illicit financial flows are derived from organised and other criminal activity, tax evasion, and money laundering that is spatially concentrated in key cities, in tandem with related geographies of tax and offshore systems. This session will focus on recent research in this area to help develop a spatial imaginary of illicit finance.

Speakers

Professor Rowland Atkinson

Thursday April 9, 2026 11:30 - 12:20 BST
T217

Subject knowledge, Lecture

Key Stage KS4, KS5

11:30 BST

Global warming, air quality and deprivation

Thursday April 9, 2026 11:30 - 12:20 BST

SG03/S103

In this session I will look at recent research evaluating the relationship between global warming and air quality, and local and global inequities in causes and impacts, along with new associated classroom resources. For example, a recent study concluded that strong climate mitigation would reduce the inequity in particulate-related mortality between the most- and least-deprived regions of Europe.

Speakers

Sylvia Knight

Head of Education, Royal Meteorological Society

Sylvia Knight is Head of Education at the Royal Meteorological Society and a Visiting Professor at the University of Reading, with over 20 years' experience of supporting the teaching of weather and climate in UK Schools.

Thursday April 9, 2026 11:30 - 12:20 BST
SG03/S103

Subject knowledge, Lecture

Key Stage KS3, KS4, KS5

12:30 BST

Ensuring high-quality geography is open to all: learning from Routes journal

Thursday April 9, 2026 12:30 - 12:55 BST

T210

In this session, the editorial team from the student journal Routes will share what they’ve learned about supporting high-quality geography through publishing sixth-form and undergraduate geography work, and what lessons we can share to ensure that geography is accessible and makes a difference for all.

Speakers

David Preece

Head of Geography Initial Teacher Education, Teach First

I'm the Head of the Geography initial teacher education team at Teach First, supporting hundreds of geography trainees across England in under-served school communities. This week, I'll also be representing the Editorial Board of Routes Journal, and the Learning to Teach Geography... Read More →

Thursday April 9, 2026 12:30 - 12:55 BST
T210

ITE-ECT, Teacher to Teacher

Key Stage ECT, KS3, KS4, KS5

12:30 BST

Islands of insight: a Caribbean perspective on geography education

Thursday April 9, 2026 12:30 - 12:55 BST

T205

This session will provide an in-depth exploration of geography education within the Caribbean context. It will examine the lived experiences of teachers across the region, from primary through tertiary levels, in delivering geographical content. The session will highlight the evolution of the geography curriculum, while addressing both the benefits and persistent challenges faced by educators. It will conclude with a call to action, urging collective efforts to ensure renewed and strategic efforts and commitment to strengthen the teaching and learning of geography across Caribbean territories, ensuring its continued impact on students, communities and societies.

Speakers

Johneall Williams

Graduate Teacher- Geography and Caribbean Studies, Charlestown Secondary School and Nevis Sixth Form College

Johneall is a purpose driven teacher, from the island of Jamaica but now resides in Nevis, with over 16 years of experience. A wife, mother of two, hobbist and a lover of all things geography, she also has a passion for youth empowerment and youth volunteerism. Johneall sees herself... Read More →

Thursday April 9, 2026 12:30 - 12:55 BST
T205

Secondary, Teacher to Teacher

Key Stage KS3, KS4, KS5

14:00 BST

Moments that make a difference: reframing geography fieldwork

Thursday April 9, 2026 14:00 - 14:50 BST

T208

In an age of smartphones, social media and rising anxiety, fieldtrips offer more than curriculum delivery - they're also a chance to pause, connect and grow. This workshop will share practical ways to embed mindfulness, nature connection and reflective practice into busy trips, helping students to recognise the interpersonal and critical thinking skills shaped through geographical experience.

Speakers

Robyn Landy

Education Team Leader, Field Studies Council

Robyn is the Education Team Leader at Field Studies Council, Nettlecombe Court in Somerset. Robyn has 12 years experience of fieldwork delivery across a range of key stages as well as a PGCE in Secondary Geography.

Sponsors

Field Studies Council

Field Studies Council (FSC) is the only environmental education charity dedicated solely to helping people of all ages to experience the environment at first hand.
Fieldwork courses have been developed for those studying A level and GCSE geography for the 2016 specifications. Visit our stand for more information
... Read More →

Thursday April 9, 2026 14:00 - 14:50 BST
T208

Fieldwork, Workshop

Key Stage KS2, KS3, KS4, KS5, ECT

14:00 BST

Managing political change and challenge in the geography classroom

Thursday April 9, 2026 14:00 - 14:50 BST

T209

In an era of rising populism and shifting global narratives, geography education plays a vital role in helping students make sense of the world around them. This session explores how geography not only makes a difference in shaping informed, critical citizens but also how populist geography (the use and misuse of geographical ideas in political discourse), can be unpacked in the classroom. In this session we will: investigate how geographical concepts are used in populist narratives; reflect on the power of geography to challenge misinformation and promote global understanding; explore strategies for embedding critical thinking and media literacy into geography lessons; and share practical approaches to help students engage with contemporary issues through a geographical lens.

Speakers

Dr Simon Oakes

Geography Subject Advocate; Vice-Chair of Examination Board, AQA; International Baccalaureate

We can talk assessment (paper or digital), curricula, concepts, case studies and competences in geographical education. The eve of GCSE/GCE/IB reform feels an exciting time when anything might be possible!

Sponsors

AQA

AQA is the UK’s largest GCSE and A level exam board; we set and mark over half of all GCSEs and A levels taken in the UK every year.

Our UK qualifications are highly valued by employers and universities around the world. They are taught mainly in schools and colleges and include GCSEs, AS and A levels, the Extended Project Qualification, Tech-levels and Technical Awards. We also offer Unit Award Scheme which allows... Read More →

Thursday April 9, 2026 14:00 - 14:50 BST
T209

Secondary, Lecture

Key Stage KS4, KS5

15:00 BST

Supporting weaker students in A level geography

Thursday April 9, 2026 15:00 - 15:30 BST

T205

This session will share my experience of helping students without a GCSE in geography, or who have low grades across the board, to become passionate, skilled geographers. Examples of useful classroom resources will be provided and there will be an opportunity for attendees to discuss their ideas.

Speakers

Simon Holland

Bilborough Sixth Form College

Thursday April 9, 2026 15:00 - 15:30 BST
T205

Secondary, Teacher to Teacher

Key Stage KS5

15:30 BST

Islam and geography: critical pedagogy and understanding Muslim students

Thursday April 9, 2026 15:30 - 15:55 BST

T217

This session invites critical geographers to explore Islam and geography through critical pedagogy in deep and meaningful ways with the rich influential and intellectual traditions it encompasses. It will provide an opportunity to learn about Critical Muslim Geographies to better understand Muslim geography students and teachers. Based on the recently published paper 'Critical pedagogical engagement with Muslim geographies' (Sammar, 2024 - https://doi.org/10.1177/20438206241289).

Speakers

Iram Sammar

PhD student and Graduate Teaching Fellow, King's College London

PhD Student King's College London and Director of Salaam Geographia. Education consultant and postgraduate teacher of Social Justice and Geography. Former secondary school teacher of geography.

Thursday April 9, 2026 15:30 - 15:55 BST
T217

Secondary, Research paper

Key Stage ECT, KS3, KS4, KS5

15:30 BST

Fieldwork skills that make a difference

Thursday April 9, 2026 15:30 - 16:20 BST

T207

Developing students' abilities in core skills such as quantitative data processing, qualitative observations and questioning will enhance their fieldwork investigations as well as make a difference to how they approach other geographical subject areas. This session will focus on creative strategies for introducing and enhancing these kinds of skills before, during and after fieldwork experiences.

Speakers

Jill Owens

Cranedale Centre, Cranedale Centre

Geography Field Work Tutor

Chloe Searl

Field studies tutor, The Island Geographer

Thursday April 9, 2026 15:30 - 16:20 BST
T207

Fieldwork, Workshop

Key Stage KS3, KS4, KS5

15:30 BST

Green spaces matter

Thursday April 9, 2026 15:30 - 16:20 BST

T205

Discover simple, effective fieldwork ideas to explore the vital role of green space in health, wellbeing and sustainability. This session shares practical strategies to investigate the accessibility, quality and value of green spaces in your local area. You will leave with activities that help students see why access to green space matters and connect geography to their everyday lives.

Speakers

Rhiannon Molyneux

Author, examiner and consultant, Self-employed

I am a geography education specialist with 20 years of classroom experience as a teacher and subject leader. I now work as an author, examiner and consultant, supporting geography teachers and curriuclum development.

Thursday April 9, 2026 15:30 - 16:20 BST
T205

Fieldwork, Workshop

Key Stage KS3, KS4, KS5

15:30 BST

Novice teacher co-planning: using AI to make a difference

Thursday April 9, 2026 15:30 - 16:20 BST

T209

Co-planning is an approach to mentoring that encourages teachers to develop lessons collaboratively and benefits both mentors and mentees. This workshop will provide everyone who engages – mentors, ITE tutors, ECTs and trainees – with critical questions to support thinking about the use of AI to support co-planning conversations. Participants will take away strategies they can put into practice.

Speakers

Teacher Education Phase Committee

The purpose of the Teacher Education Phase Committee (TEPC) is to support GA members and others by reviewing the educational landscape as it affects teacher education, looking for patterns, connections, issues and implications and by initiating actions in response. This will invo... Read More →

Thursday April 9, 2026 15:30 - 16:20 BST
T209

ITE-ECT, Workshop

Group or Committee Teacher Education Phase Committee
Key Stage ECT, KS1, KS2, KS3, KS4, KS5

15:30 BST

The difference a hierarchy makes: rethinking the power of geographic frameworks

Thursday April 9, 2026 15:30 - 16:20 BST

T211

This session will explore strategies to use models, hierarchies and categories in a way that challenges their power to marginalise and misrepresent countries, futures and, most importantly, the individuals in your classroom. By understanding the power held in typical geographical systems of classification, we can begin to see where these labels limit and misrepresent the potential for specific contexts and whole regions of the world, while also continuing to misrepresent and exclude the students who may identify with these regions and contexts. This session will share key resources and strategies for the classroom, giving time to consider their use, strengths and limitations. Participants will leave with deeper understanding, new strategies and more confidence to make their geography classrooms a more inclusive space.

Speakers

Daryl Sinclair

Geography Teacher + Humanities Coach, WABE International School

Daryl Sinclair dedicates his work in education to creating inclusive learning environments and transformative education. His work encompasses consulting, mentoring, editing educational journal articles for the Geographical Association, hosting the DEIJ Hot Takes podcast, and collaborating... Read More →

Thursday April 9, 2026 15:30 - 16:20 BST
T211

ITE-ECT, Lecture Plus

Key Stage KS3, KS4, KS5, ECT

15:30 BST

NetZeroED: making a difference to climate change education

Thursday April 9, 2026 15:30 - 16:20 BST

T210

This lecture will share emerging findings from the NERC-funded project ‘NetZeroED’. This research is generating new empirical data on climate change teaching in schools and then bringing these insights into dialogue with an interdisciplinary range of climate researchers. The vision of this research is to ensure the next generation receives transformational Net Zero education – empowering young people to lead equitable, positive change and make Net Zero a lived reality. Achieving Net Zero is arguably the defining challenge of the 21st century, and geography education holds immense – yet still underutilised – potential to make a difference and drive transformative change. Globally, climate change education is gaining momentum, often driven by students’ and teachers’ demands for transformative change. However, a significant gap remains between high-level curriculum policy commitments and the day-to-day reality in classrooms. As the quantity of climate change education balloons, there is growing urgency to address its quality. This lecture offers an opportunity to gain insight into the relationships between current teaching and climate science, and to reflect on opportunities for geography education to make a difference on a global scale.

Speakers

Dr Steven Puttick

Associate Professor of Teacher Education, University of Oxford

Steve is Associate Professor of Teacher Education. He is a qualified geography teacher and was previously the head of department at a comprehensive secondary school in Oxfordshire, and Head of Programmes at Bishop Grosseteste University, Lincoln. He is PI on the NERC/Agile funded... Read More →

Thursday April 9, 2026 15:30 - 16:20 BST
T210

Secondary, Lecture

Key Stage KS3, KS4, KS5

16:30 BST

Supporting students with SEND in geography: autism focus

Thursday April 9, 2026 16:30 - 17:20 BST

T208

The session will focus on understanding autism, including the potential opportunities and challenges that autistic people may experience in the geography classroom and in fieldwork. The participation section will provide an opportunity to share best practice, further attendees' knowledge and understanding of autism and outline strategies to apply both in the classroom and in leading a geography department.

Speakers

Amy Cushing

Assistant SENDCO and Geography teacher, Kenwood Academy

I am currently Assistant SENDCO and Teacher of Geography in special education at Kenwood Academy. This is a secondary setting which has a primary focus of communication interaction, however students have a range of SEND in addition to this. Prior to this, I was Head of Geography in... Read More →

Thursday April 9, 2026 16:30 - 17:20 BST
T208

ITE-ECT, Lecture Plus

Key Stage ECT, KS3, KS4, KS5

16:30 BST

Making a decisive difference: physical geography in National Parks

Thursday April 9, 2026 16:30 - 17:20 BST

T205

This workshop will provide practical frameworks for helping students understand that physical geography isn't just about processes and landforms - it's about how landscape fundamentally shapes human possibilities and choices in the 21st century. Through comparative analysis of contrasting National Parks participants will explore how different geological foundations, geomorphological legacies and climatic conditions generate distinctly different patterns of contemporary conflicts and determine viable solutions .

Speakers

GA Physical Geography Special Interest Group

Geography & Geoscience Educator/Chairperson PGSIG, GA Physical Geography Special Interest Group (PGSIG)

The role of the Physical Geography SIG (PGSIG) is to enhance and support the teaching and learning of physical geography in primary and secondary schools.
Our aim is to be the ‘trusted voice’ in matters relating to the teaching of physical geography.

How we do this
Advocating the importance of physical geography in the school curriculum; particularly critical thinking through physical geography, its relevance to society (practical application) and its value for intellectual development (curiosity and explanation) and spiritual development (awe, wonder)

... Read More →

Adam Corbridge

Thursday April 9, 2026 16:30 - 17:20 BST
T205

Secondary, Workshop

Group or Committee Physical Geography Special Interest Group
Key Stage ECT, KS3, KS4, KS5

16:30 BST

Teaching climate change differently

Thursday April 9, 2026 16:30 - 17:20 BST

T207

Geography and Environmental Studies at the Open University offers resources for teaching climate change differently, in a way that foregrounds often-marginalised voices and considers the consequences of colonialism in climate crisis debates. This workshop will showcase these resources and highlight the diversity of ways of knowing, voices and narratives that can help address the climate crisis. These resources support secondary and further education teachers to develop more sensitive, anti-racist pedagogical approaches in the classroom..

Speakers

Open University

The Open University

The Open University have been world leaders in online and distance education for over 50 years. Geography and Environmental Studies are pleased to showcase our resources for educators and their learners – drawing on teaching and research materials developed in the OU – for use... Read More →

Thursday April 9, 2026 16:30 - 17:20 BST
T207

Secondary, Workshop

Key Stage KS4, KS5

16:30 BST

Critical pedagogy: learning and teaching about the geographies of Palestine

Thursday April 9, 2026 16:30 - 17:20 BST

T217

This workshop examines the geographies of Palestine through a critical, decolonial and educational perspective. It considers how thematic discussion points within A level and GCSE curricula can discuss landscapes of conflict, settler colonialism, apartheid and genocide - to bridge knowledge and understanding in scholarly and school discourses. Participants will explore how borders, checkpoints and settlements influence access to land, water and mobility, and how these processes affect children’s lives, education and future opportunities. Teachers will explore how geography is never 'impartial', in terms of who makes maps, how boundaries are drawn (including historically), and how land use changes. The session will model strategies for addressing different perspectives: Palestinian, Israeli and international media responses on land, settlement and resource access to grasp broader curriculum themes of power, justice and human rights.

Speakers

Iram Sammar

PhD student and Graduate Teaching Fellow, King's College London

PhD Student King's College London and Director of Salaam Geographia. Education consultant and postgraduate teacher of Social Justice and Geography. Former secondary school teacher of geography.

Daniel Selwyn

Thursday April 9, 2026 16:30 - 17:20 BST
T217

Subject knowledge, Workshop

Group or Committee Secondary phase committee
Key Stage KS3, KS4, ECT, KS5

16:30 BST

Everyday geographies: teaching local food security through 'foodscapes'

Thursday April 9, 2026 16:30 - 17:20 BST

SG03/S103

Food security is a critical component of the geography curriculum. In the UK, the conversation is often dominated by the rise of food banks. This session will argue that this focus, while important, obscures the systemic and geographical nature of food insecurity that affects the 'missing majority' who never use a food bank. Drawing on recent research, we will reframe food insecurity as a 'capability deprivation' - a failure of social and spatial systems. We will use the concept of the 'foodscape' to explore the everyday, local barriers people face, moving beyond simple proximity to consider mobility, time and social stigma. Finally, the talk will introduce the 'food ladders' framework as a more dignified and resilient, place-based approach. Participants will leave with a deeper understanding of local food security and practical activities to help GCSE and A level students critically analyse their own community's food systems.

Speakers

Dr Megan Blake

SRLecturer in Human Geography, University of Sheffield

Thursday April 9, 2026 16:30 - 17:20 BST
SG03/S103

Subject knowledge, Lecture

Key Stage KS4, KS5

16:55 BST

Using reading groups to support teacher research engagement

Thursday April 9, 2026 16:55 - 17:20 BST

T220

This session will explore how regular reading groups can bridge the gap between theory and classroom practice. Drawing on a Master’s-level project based in a geography department, it will highlight how collaborative engagement with research supports teacher development. Participants will gain practical strategies for creating effective, sustainable reading groups that enhance professional growth and pedagogy.

Speakers

Freya Harrison-Brooks

Teacher of Geography, Benton Park School

Teacher of Geography for 6 years - currently working at Benton Park School in Leeds.Recently studied for an MSc in Learning and Teaching at the University of Oxford. Dissertation was focused on using a reading group to support classroom teacher engagement with educational researc... Read More →

Thursday April 9, 2026 16:55 - 17:20 BST
T220

Secondary, Research paper

Key Stage KS3, KS4, KS5

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