GA Annual Conference 2026: Full Schedule

13:00 BST

Maybe we could think outside? Fieldwork for ages 3 to 11

Wednesday April 8, 2026 13:00 - 16:00 BST

This field trip will model good practice in fieldwork, demonstrating the potential of any locality for stimulating geographical investigations in the Early Years and primary phases. We will use the surroundings to promote thinking outdoors and to develop participants' awareness of how quickly you can start to see geography. What are the issues we encounter, consider and develop a deeper appreciation of?

Speakers

Anthony Barlow

Principal Lecturer in Geography Education, University of Roehampton

Principal Lecturer in Geography Education

Wednesday April 8, 2026 13:00 - 16:00 BST
TL02

Fieldwork, Field visit (off-site)

Key Stage EYFS, KS1, KS2

09:00 BST

Normalising nature in the classroom and curriculum

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

T211

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

The land of giants: geography that towers above the ordinary

Friday April 10, 2026 09:00 - 09:50 BST

T209

This interactive workshop steps into worlds of geographical giants - colossal mountains, great rivers, vast cities and global challenges - as powerful lenses for enquiry. With creative, practical activities and ready-to-use resources, participants will discover playful ways to help learners think big, notice connections and find fascination in towering tales. We will explore how geography makes a difference, inspiring awe, curiosity and critical thinking.

Speakers

Colin Walker

Former Teacher Educator, Senior Fellow HEA, Independent

Former Senior Lecturer in Geographical Education

Dr Sharon Witt

Teacher, consultant and independent researcher

Vice Chair of Early Years and Primary Phase Committee and editorial board of Primary Geography

Friday April 10, 2026 09:00 - 09:50 BST
T209

Cross Phase, Workshop

Group or Committee Early Years and Primary Phase Committee
Key Stage EYFS, KS1, KS2, KS3

09:00 BST

Designing a powerful primary geography curriculum

Friday April 10, 2026 09:00 - 09:50 BST

T217

This session will look closely at the primary geography curriculum and explore how to select content and implement a well-sequenced, coherent curriculum for long-term learning. It will also consider progression and include opportunities for reflecting on what a pupil’s geography experience looks like as they journey from their early years through primary education. Importantly, we will consider geography's role in developing a child’s identity. Geography is not just about maps and locations; it's about connecting children to their world, fostering a sense of belonging and developing agency to impact the world around them. Geography can make a difference for all children, and in this session we will think about how we can be agents of this change.

Speakers

Emma Lennard

Author, ITT teacher, Primary Curriculum Advisor, Independent Curriculum Consultant

I am a curriculum consultant with a passion for helping schools design ambitious, knowledge-rich content that enables all children to thrive, and gives teachers the clarity, tools and confidence to deliver. As co-founder of the Primary Knowledge Curriculum, now used by 400+ schools... Read More →

A Powerful Primary Geography Curriculum GA Conf 2026 pptx

Friday April 10, 2026 09:00 - 09:50 BST
T217

Primary, Lecture

Key Stage EYFS, KS1, KS2

09:00 BST

How is geography the glue for sustainability education?

Friday April 10, 2026 09:00 - 09:50 BST

T205

Geography binds children's understanding of our complex, interconnected world. This workshop will explore how primary educators can embed climate, nature and sustainability into geography teaching using the free Ministry of Eco Education framework. Participants will engage in hands-on activities, learn practical strategies for transformative sustainability education and leave with the confidence to amplify education for sustainability in their own teaching contexts.

Speakers

Dr Meryl Batchelder

Regional Lead - North East, Ministry of Eco Education

With a background in secondary science education Meryl Batchelder is now a Communicator for Climate, Nature and Sustainability Education. She has many roles including Education Lead for TerraLigo, Regional Coordinator for the Ministry of Eco Education and North East Lead for the Young... Read More →

Hannah Tombling

Regional Lead - Midlands, Ministry of Eco Education

Hannah Tombling is a regional coordinator for the MEE and an experienced EYFS teacher at Diamond Wood Community Academy in Dewsbury. Hannah leads Science, Outdoor learning and Eco education. Hannah was the TES Environmental Champion 2021 and is passionate about connecting children... Read More →

Geography is the Glue pptx

Friday April 10, 2026 09:00 - 09:50 BST
T205

Primary, Workshop

Key Stage EYFS, KS1, KS2

11:30 BST

Could you make a difference? Write for the GA journals!

Friday April 10, 2026 11:30 - 12:20 BST

T216

Geography, Teaching Geography and Primary Geography journals are always on the lookout for new writers. In this session, representatives from the editorial teams will outline the nature of their journal, before the workshop phase enables you to explore your ideas. Your writing could really make a difference to the quality of geography in our schools and colleges.

Speakers

Richard Bustin

Head of Geography, Director of Pedagogy, Innovation and Staff Development., Lancing College

Editor, Teaching Geography Journal. Head of Geography, Lancing College.

Katie Willis

Professor of Human Geography & Undergraduate Education Lead (Geography), Royal Holloway

Editorial Board, Geography Journal

Friday April 10, 2026 11:30 - 12:20 BST
T216

Cross Phase, Lecture Plus

Group or Committee Teaching Geography Editorial Board
Key Stage ECT, EYFS, KS1, KS2, KS3, KS4, KS5

11:30 BST

From local to global in primary geography: planning an effective place comparison study

Friday April 10, 2026 11:30 - 12:20 BST

T207

This workshop will explore how children’s understanding of their local area can support enquiry into new places. Delegates will learn how to plan meaningful and comparative place studies, tailor them to their cohort, and use strategies that develop key geographical knowledge through lenses and scales. The workshop will also explore how place studies can be sequenced effectively within the curriculum.

Speakers

Emma Groves

Primary Geography Advisor, HIAS

I am a geography adviser for Hampshire County Council and support schools in curriculum deveopment, working closely with subject leaders and running CPD events. I also support schools and governing bodies in Hampshire with sustainability education by creating resources and running... Read More →

2026 GA Conference Presentation for Sched pdf

Friday April 10, 2026 11:30 - 12:20 BST
T207

Primary, Workshop

Key Stage EYFS, KS1, KS2, ECT

11:30 BST

Primary pupils making a difference: action for sustainability

Friday April 10, 2026 11:30 - 12:20 BST

T217

In this interactive workshop, we will identify opportunities for nurturing children's development as active young citizens through the primary geography curriculum. We will explore strategies for empowering them to take meaningful action for sustainability. The workshop will include collaborative activity, school case studies and resource recommendations.

Speakers

GeogLive! team

GeogLive! team, EYPPC

The GeogLive! team provide free high quality CPD for primary teachers through half-termly after-school webinars.

Friday April 10, 2026 11:30 - 12:20 BST
T217

Primary, Workshop

Group or Committee Early Years and Primary Phase Committee
Key Stage EYFS, KS1, KS2

14:00 BST

Primary Keynote Lecture: Why loving the world makes all the difference

Friday April 10, 2026 14:00 - 14:50 BST

SG03/S103

In the Primary Keynote Lecture, Helen will actively explore why Early Years and primary education is vital to our understanding of children's knowledge and understanding of geography. By considering child development, the importance and spirituality of place, the advocacy of our youngest learners in relationship with their curriculum, Helen will suggest ways that we can deepen children's ownership of and with their world.

Speakers

Helen Martin

Geography and Leadership consultant, Greena Consultancy

Helen is a retired primary headteacher and is now working in geography and leadership consultancy.

Friday April 10, 2026 14:00 - 14:50 BST
SG03/S103

Headline Lecture, Lecture

Key Stage KS1, KS2, EYFS

15:30 BST

Geography research: making a difference

Friday April 10, 2026 15:30 - 16:20 BST

T205

This workshop session, run on behalf of the GA's Geography Education Research Special Interest Group (GERSIG), will support attendees in finding out more about research. Listen to researchers discussing their past research and how it has made a difference to education, learners and the wider world, gather ideas and prompts for your own research and access support from experienced researchers.

Speakers

Dr Kate Glanville

Senior Lecturer in Primary Geography, Birmingham City University

Kate is senior lecturer in Primary Geography at Birmingham City University, and co-chair of GERSIG

Friday April 10, 2026 15:30 - 16:20 BST
T205

Cross Phase, Workshop

Group or Committee Geography Education Research Special Interest Group
Key Stage ECT, EYFS, KS1, KS2, KS3, KS4, KS5

15:30 BST

Geographical playfulness: storied, embodied fieldwork

Friday April 10, 2026 15:30 - 16:20 BST

T209

Join this lively practical workshop to reimagine fieldwork through play, story and sensory exploration. Together we’ll wander landscapes, weave tales and conjure enchantment with words, images and making. Blending geography, imagination and wonder, we’ll spark curiosity, compassion and joy, sharing lyrical, creative field practices to deepen connections with more-than-human worlds.

Speakers

Dr Sharon Witt

Teacher, consultant and independent researcher

Vice Chair of Early Years and Primary Phase Committee and editorial board of Primary Geography

Friday April 10, 2026 15:30 - 16:20 BST
T209

Primary, Workshop

Group or Committee Early Years and Primary Phase Committee
Key Stage EYFS, KS1, KS2

16:30 BST

Is your school climate ready? Leveraging authoritative data to target support and secure resources

Friday April 10, 2026 16:30 - 16:55 BST

T216

Your school’s postcode shouldn’t dictate its climate resilience. Discover the national data revealing which vulnerable schools are being left behind. Learn how to use this research to advocate effectively for your students and secure the external support your community deserves.

Speakers

Kit Marie Rackley

Schools Climate Hub Coordiator, Unversity of East Anglia Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research

(see previous subion)

RACKLEY ClimateVulnerabilitySchools PRESENTATION pdf

Friday April 10, 2026 16:30 - 16:55 BST
T216

Cross Phase, Research paper

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

16:30 BST

Hands-on environmental education makes a difference

Friday April 10, 2026 16:30 - 17:20 BST

T207

Explore practical ways to make a difference through hands-on environmental education and the central role geography plays. It addresses sensitive environmental issues and connects students, schools and communities. We share activities, case studies, action plans and ‘Green Days’. Suitable for all phases in urban and rural contexts. This workshop will inspire, empower and equip you to make a difference.

Speakers

Deborah Curtis

Creative Director: The House of Fairy Tales / The Great Imagining, The Great Imagining

Creative Director Deborah Curtis has 25 years of devising and producing creative learning adventures for young people in partnership with institutions throughout the UK. She has worked with dozens of institutions from arts centres, museums and galleries to land trusts and local authorities... Read More →

Nikkita Henshall

Associate Assistant Principal (and Head of Geography), King Edward VI Academy, Spilsby

Nikkita has been a teacher of Geography for over 10 years and Head of Faculty for 3years before her current role. During this time she has led in a range of areas from Sustainability Champion, Enrichment and Career program leader. Her passion is for teaching geography and bringing... Read More →

Chantal Mayo-Hollaway

Trust Wide Subject Lead for Geography, David Ross Education Trust

Teacher, Head of Department, Network and Trust Wide Lead for over 20 years across London, South East, Midlands and East of England. Educational enthusiast, TeachMeet addict and VoicesProject Co-Founder. GA Geography Champion 2023.

Friday April 10, 2026 16:30 - 17:20 BST
T207

Cross Phase, Workshop

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

16:30 BST

Re-engaging pupils through outdoor learning

Friday April 10, 2026 16:30 - 17:20 BST

T220

My research has looked at the engagement of primary pupils when learning outside. Through making use of Attention Restoration Theory, pupils can recapture, re-energise and re-engage with their learning. This session will look into how outdoor learning, engaging with Attention Restoration Theory, can make a difference to pupils' progress.

Speakers

Dr Kate Glanville

Senior Lecturer in Primary Geography, Birmingham City University

Kate is senior lecturer in Primary Geography at Birmingham City University, and co-chair of GERSIG

Friday April 10, 2026 16:30 - 17:20 BST
T220

Cross Phase, Research paper

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

16:30 BST

ITE, knowledge and the science of learning

Friday April 10, 2026 16:30 - 17:20 BST

T209

The new National Curriculum in England needs to be rooted in evidence. Does this evidence base include everyone - all ages and stages? What are the ‘reliable and meaningful insights’ and ‘effective disciplinary thinking’ for our subject (Interim report, DfE, 2024)? Join the GA's Teacher Education Phase Committee to reflect about this, the norms around ‘knowledge-rich’ approaches (now in their second decade), and debates around skills in geography.

Speakers

Anthony Barlow

Principal Lecturer in Geography Education, University of Roehampton

Principal Lecturer in Geography Education

Friday April 10, 2026 16:30 - 17:20 BST
T209

ITE-ECT, Panel session

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

16:30 BST

Bringing geography to life through integrating indoor and outdoor learning

Friday April 10, 2026 16:30 - 17:20 BST

T210

This session will introduce a teaching framework for primary teachers to integrate outdoor learning into their teaching of geography. It will demonstrate how the concepts taught in geography can make a difference in their own local environment and how their interaction with the processes taught within geography can make a difference. This hands-on approach can also make a difference to learners who struggle in the classroom and bring learning to life for those who can't understand the real-life application of geography. Teachers will come away with a practical guide to using outdoor spaces to bring geographical concepts to life.

Speakers

Dawn Thomas

Field studies provider, Nature Days

Dawn runs Nature Days a field studies consultancy. She has over 25 years of teaching experience, miserly outdoors.She plans and leads geographical field work for primary and secondary students. She also creates resources for integrating outdoor learning into the teaching of geography... Read More →

Friday April 10, 2026 16:30 - 17:20 BST
T210

Primary, Workshop

Key Stage KS1, EYFS, KS2

16:30 BST

Pushing the envelope: making whole-school difference as a subject leader

Friday April 10, 2026 16:30 - 17:20 BST

T211

This workshop will provide clear workable examples of how geography subject leaders can help geography to have a high profile and make a difference in a crowded curriculum by influencing their SLT and head teacher, and thereby the school, through whole-school approaches, which, with geography at their core, tick the boxes of skills and cross-curricular development.

Speakers

Philip Maudsley

EYPCC member. Headteacher, EYPCC + oatham CE Primary School

I have been a member of the EYPCC for around 20 years, and a Primary Geography co-ordinator for a smiliar time. I have been Headteacher and SENDco at Coatham CE Primary School for 14 years; we serve a severely deprived area of Redcar in the North-East of England. My particular interests... Read More →

SHEFFIELD26 pptx

Friday April 10, 2026 16:30 - 17:20 BST
T211

Primary, Workshop

Group or Committee Early Years and Primary Phase Committee
Key Stage ECT, KS1, KS2, EYFS

13:00 BST

09:00 BST

09:00 BST

09:00 BST

09:00 BST

11:30 BST

11:30 BST

11:30 BST

14:00 BST

15:30 BST

15:30 BST

16:30 BST

16:30 BST

16:30 BST

16:30 BST

16:30 BST

16:30 BST

Get help with the event