geography teacher

T E

A C H E R S F I R S T

There’s always somethingnew to learn

London and ManchesterOctober 2010 - March 2011

AS/A2 & GCSE Geography Teacher Courses

www.teachersfirst.org.uk

AQA AS/A2 Geography: Teaching for the first time.

AQA AS and A2 Geography: the lessons from the 2010 series of exams – Units 1 and 3

AQA A2 Geography: Unit 4B Issue Evaluation Exercises (IEE) – lessons learnt from 2010

AQA A2 Geography: updating the delivery of Unit 3 World Cities

AQA AS Geography : updating the delivery of Unit 1 Hot Desert Environments and their margins

AQA A2 Geography: updating the delivery of Unit 3 Contemporary Conflicts and Challenges

AQA A2 Geography: Improving grades at A2 – Units 3 and 4

Teaching Edexcel AS/A2 Geography for the first time

Edexcel GCE Geography : Improving grades and aiming for the A*

Edexcel GCE Geography : New Unit 3 Contested Planet topics in depth • Bridging the Development Gap• Superpower Geographies• The Technological Fix?

Edexcel GCE Geography : Hazards at AS and A2 • Unit 1 World at Risk• Unit 2 Extreme Weather • Unit 4 Tectonic Hazards option

AS/A2 OCR Geography: the lessons from summer 2010 and improving delivery of the specification.

OCR GCE Geography: Delivering Global Issues at A2 level and improving student outcomes

Leading a successful geography department: how to be an efficient and inspirational Head of Department

More GIS! Creating your own web-based and Google Earth digital maps for GCSE and A Level Geography

Reaching the top grades in GCSE Geography

From OK to outstanding: winning ways to transform the way you teach

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Contents

9.45am: Registration and coffee10.00am: AS and A2 Geography - what’s it all about?

•Moving on from GCSE - progression to AS - progression to A2•What makes for successful A level teaching?•Where to integrate skills including fieldwork•The examination scene – setting papers, mark schemes and awarding

11.00am: Morning coffee11.15am: Teaching physical geography (AS and A2)

This session will consider how to engage students in their learning of Rivers, Floods and Management, and Plate Tectonics. It will highlight the key areas of focus and examination strategies for maximum success at AS and A2.

12.00pm: Teaching human geography (AS and A2)This session will consider how to engage students in their learning concerning Population Change, and World Cities. It will offer a range of teaching strategies and ideas to ensure good grades at AS level and A2.

12.45pm: Lunch1.45pm: Effective extended prose and essay writing technique

•Developing extended writing skills•Levels marking•Marking exercises and feedback strategies

2.35pm: Afternoon tea2.50pm: The essentials of successful teaching of geographical skills including fieldwork at AS

and A2•Creating purposeful activities to support research including fieldwork•Assessing skills and fieldwork

4.00pm: Day ends

Course Features

•Identifying the AS standard in the AQA specification•Identifying the A2 standard in the AQA specification•How to prepare students to write extended prose at AS and essays at A2•Integrating key geographical skills and techniques•How to make effective use of case studies in the new specification•How to mark effectively•Ideas for fieldwork and effective out-of-classroom learning

Delegates will receive a file and/or CD containing detailed notes of the course

Tutor: David Redfern

David is a Chief Examiner and is co-author of several major and popular geography textbooks. He has also written several articles for well-known geographical publications, and has extensive experience of working with both teachers and students. He is a Chartered Educational Assessor for the CIEA.

Venue and date

London, Tuesday 7th December 2010

Course fee £195 plus VAT

AQA A2 Geography: Teaching for the First Time

AQA AS Geography: The lessons from the 2010 series of exams – Units 1 and 3

9.45am: Registration and coffee10.00am: GEOG 1 – The Core questions: Rivers, floods and management and Population change

An examination of some questions and answers to identify the major pitfalls, and the means to success

11.30am: Morning coffee11.45am: GEOG 3 – The Physical Options structured questions


12.30pm: Lunch1.30pm: GEOG 3 – The Human Options structured questions


2.25pm: GEOG 3 - The essay questionsAn examination of some questions and answers to identify the major pitfalls, and the means to successImplications for teaching strategies

3.45pm Day ends

Course Features

•Aimed at teachers of the AQA Geography specification to AS and A2 students•Examines the requirements of the AS examination paper Unit 1 (Core) and the A2 examination paper – GEOG 3 – with particular emphasis on the examination questions of June 2010•Considers a selection of student answers, with analysis of their strengths and weaknesses, and in connection to the mark schemes•Includes presentation and workshop activities•Provides opportunities to discuss and share ideas about strategies to raise attainment and achievement



David is a Chief Examiner and is co-author of several major and popular geography textbooks. He has also written several articles for well-known geographical publications, and has extensive experience of working with both teachers and students. He is a Chartered Education Assessor for the CIEA.

Venues and dates

Manchester, Tuesday 12 October 2010

London, Wednesday 13 October 2010


9.45am: Registration and coffee10.00am: The basic principles of Issue Evaluation

•The processes of Issue Evaluation•How to use the AIB•Which geographical skills?•The use of the internet•The poorest answers....and the best answers......

11.30am: Morning coffee11.45am: Unit 4B January 2010

•The nature of the AIB, and the tasks set•The mark scheme•Assessment practices based on sample answers

12.45pm: Lunch1.45pm: Unit 4B June 2010

•The nature of the AIB, and the tasks set•The mark scheme•Assessment practices based on sample answers

2.55pm: Lessons learnt•Workshop: general principles of how to work with the AIB•Preparatory skills, including fieldwork related activities

3.45pm: Day ends

Course Features

Issue evaluation is one of the two options for the assessment of geographical skills at A2 under the AQA specification. It is the alternative to the assessment of fieldwork. This course seeks to examine the requirements of the assessment task Unit 4B both generally and through the outcomes of the first two such exercises that were set in 2010. It will also provide guidance as to how students can be best prepared for this type of examination, together with guidance on how responses to similar exercises can be assessed within the classroom.




Venues and dates

Manchester, Wednesday 24 November 2010

London, Thursday 25 November 2010


AQA A2 Geography: Unit 4B Issue Evaluation Exercises – lessons learnt from 2010

10.00am: Registration and coffee10.15am: Requirements of the Specification

•Contemporary urbanisation processes•Urban decline and regeneration within urban areas•Retailing and other services•Contemporary sustainability issues in urban areas•Case studies – depth and detail

11.30am: Morning coffee11.45am: Assessment Strategies

•Structured questions – their nature and demands•Exemplar answers of the above, and the marking thereof•Synoptic essays – what type of essays can be set•Exemplar answers of the above, and the marking thereof

1.00pm: Lunch2.00pm: Keynote lecture: Bob Digby ‘Urban Regeneration within the UK and around the World.’3.00pm: Afternoon tea3.10pm: Associated fieldwork/skills activities

•Exemplars of materials that can be used to reinforce skills•Attitudes and values exercises•How could an Issue evaluation exercise arise from this area?

4.00pm: Day ends

Course Features

The study of World Cities is one of the most popular areas of A Level Geography. There are four elements of study: contemporary urbanisation processes, urban decline and regeneration, retailing, and sustainability issues with particular reference to waste management and transport management. This course seeks to examine the requirements of the A2 course, the level of detail required and the assessment of the option, both in terms of structured questions and synoptic essays. Exemplar materials for use in the classroom will be provided, including a keynote lecture by Bob Digby on Urban Regeneration within the UK and around the world. The course will not lose focus of the fact that such concepts are to be taught to 17 and 18 year old students, and assessed at A level, and hence will contain sections on A2 assessment strategies.


Keynote speaker:Bob Digby

Bob, former Head of Geography at University College School, is now a Community Geographer for the Geographical Association and an author. He has vast experience in designing and delivering successful Geography workshops.



Venue and date

London, Wednesday 3 November 2010


AQA A2 Geography: Updating the delivery of Unit 3 World Cities

AQA AS Geography: Updating the Delivery of Unit 1 Hot Desert Environments and their margins

9.45am: Registration and coffee10.00am: An overview of the content of the Hot desert environments option

•Location and characteristics•Causes of aridity•The effects of wind and water•Landforms resulting from wind and water action•Desertification, and the case study of the Sahel•Managing hot desert environments

11.30am: Morning coffee11.45am: Assessment of the Hot desert environments option

•Skills questions•Short answer questions•Extended prose questions

12.45pm: Lunch1.45pm: Keynote lecture Professor Andrew Warren :

A case study of desertification in the Sahel.3.00pm: Skills activities in the Hot desert environments context

A discussion of a range of activities that can be utilised in the classroom context.

3.45pm Day ends

Course Features

This intensive course is aimed at teachers of AS Geography delivering the optional unit of Hot desert environments and their margins in Unit 1 of the AQA Specification. The emphasis of the day will be the preparation of candidates for the AS examinations. The day will include lectures, workshops and group activities. Consequently, delegates will have the opportunity to discuss and share ideas about strategies for delivery of the course, related skills activities and assessment practices. We are delighted to welcome our keynote speaker, the Emeritus Professor Andrew Warren, who will enthrall us with his work in the Sahel region in West Africa.



Keynote speaker: Emeritus Professor Andrew Warren (UCL)

Andrew is a member of the Environmental Modelling Group and his major interests are Aeolian processes and dryland management. One of his key areas of research has been the study of The Sahel region in West Africa.



Venue and date

London, Thursday 4 November 2010

AQA A2 Geography: Updating the delivery of Unit 3 Contemporary Conflicts and Challenges

9.45am: Registration and coffee10.00am: The geographical basis of conflict

•The nature and origin of conflict•The expression of conflict•The resolution of conflict

10.35am: Conflict at a local scale•An examination of the types of conflict that arise and could be studied•Teaching strategies•The role of attitudes and values•Assessment strategies at A Level

11.30am: Morning coffee11.45pm: Conflicts and challenges at a national and international scale

•An examination of the nature of conflicts that arise and could be studied•A case study – The Kurds of Turkey•A case study – The Gaza Strip•Teaching strategies, and the need to be neutral•Assessment strategies, including synoptic assessment

12.45pm: Lunch1.45pm: Keynote lecture : ‘The challenges faced when managing relief operations in an area of

conflict’. Bridget Fenwick CAFOD

2.50pm: International challenges - Workshop: How can the issue of Global Poverty be taught?•What resources would be required, and from where?•How can teaching be organised?•How can geographical understanding, and attitudes and values, be assessed?•Synoptic assessment – how can it be achieved?

3.45pm Day ends

Course Features

The study of conflict and challenge has become an interesting development in the teaching of Geography in the 21st century. This has been reflected in the AQA A Level specification including it as one of the Human Options. This course aims to examine these new concepts and themes at a variety of scales: from the local scale where there may be issues regarding the use of resources (such as the redevelopment of brownfield sites); to a national scale such as the spread of separatist pressures; to the global scale with international conflicts such as those in the Middle East and Afghanistan, and global issues such as the challenge of global poverty. The course will contain sections on A2 assessment strategies.We are pleased to welcome Bridget Fenwick of CAFOD to update us with her work.


Keynote speaker:Bridget Fenwick of CAFOD Bridget has been involved in managing international projects and is currently helping to raise awareness in the community.


David is a Chief Examiner and is co-author of several major and popular geography textbooks. He has also written several articles for well-known geographical publications, and has extensive experience of working with both teachers and students. He is a Chartered Education Assessor for the CIEA.

Venue and date

London, Tuesday 1 March 2011


9.45am: Registration and coffee10.00am: The basic principles of question setting and awarding in AQA Geography

The use of, and meaning of, command wordsThe use of, and importance of, key wordsTop tips for students

10.30am: GEOG 3 – Physical: Plate Tectonics, Weather and climate, EcosystemsAn examination of the structured questions and answers to identify the major pitfalls, and the means to successImplications for teaching strategies

11.30am: Morning coffee11.45pm: GEOG 3 – Human: World cities, Development and globalisation, Conflicts and challenges

An examination of the structured questions and answers to identify the major pitfalls, and the means to successImplications for teaching strategies

12.45pm: Lunch1.30pm: GEOG 3 - The 40 mark essays – the philosophy of their assessment

An examination of some questions and answers to identify the major pitfalls, and the means to successImplications for teaching strategies

3.00pm: GEOG 4 – The Fieldwork and Issue Evaluation papersDiscussion/forum on how teaching and learning styles can be modified in the light of questions/answers and experience since the start of the specification.

3.45pm: Day ends

Course Features

•Focus on student answers from the summer 2010 series of exams •Provide a session on ‘short, easy fixes’ – top tips including the more minor errors/ misconceptions/ student misunderstandings - where things consistently go wrong and are easy to correct•Provide sessions on the range of questions used in Unit 3: how to improve in these areas•Provide insight into the assessment of the 40 mark essays - to understand the philosophy that underlies the assessment process•Provide feedback on Unit 4 (with particular emphasis on the fieldwork element of Unit 4A and Issue evaluation for Unit 4B) - how to improve•Provide opportunities to share ideas and good practice•Illustrate the above with student answers, feedback and marking tasks




Venues and dates

London, Friday 4 February 2011

Manchester, Tuesday 1 February 2011



GCE Edexcel Geography: Teaching Edexcel AS/A2 Geography for the First Time

9.45am: Registration and coffee10.00am: Introduction and aims of the day10.15am: AS: Breadth or Depth?

A key issue with AS is the extent to which depth and explanation has to be taught alongside breadth and understanding. This first session will use examples from the specification to illustrate what is required, and use examination assessment materials for additional clarity.

11.15am: Morning coffee11.30am: AS and A2: A changing world – how to keep up!

Compulsory case study topics and global themes are continually changing. This session will examine some key new themes from 2007-08 and show how these can be integrated into existing resources to refresh case studies and examples and engage students with contemporary Geography.

12.30pm: Lunch1.30pm: AS: Focus on fieldwork and research

Fieldwork plays a key role at AS level. How should fieldwork be approached to ensure students gain the experience necessary to succeed in the Unit 2 exams? What is the range of skills and experiences required. This session will use practical examples to illustrate successful approaches.

2.30pm: Mind the Gap: preparing for A2 This last session will examine how AS level lays a foundation for further study at A2 by investigating the links between the two halves of GCE. It will also address the issue of Synopticity, how this can be integrated into A2 teaching and how Synopticity is assessed.

3.30pm: Plenary3.45pm: Day ends

Course Features

This course aims to build confidence among centres and teachers who are new to Edexcel GCE Geography. It will provide both an overview of the course and key approaches, as well as examining key aspects of the specification in depth.


Tutors: Cameron Dunn & Sue Warn

The day will be led by Cameron Dunn and Sue Warn. Both Cameron and Sue are Chief Examiners for a major awarding body as well as authors for many of the Edexcel Geography text books.

Venue and date

London, Friday 5 November 2010


AS/A2 Edexcel Geography: Improving Grades and Aiming for the A*

9.45pm: Registration and coffee10.00am: Introduction and aims of the day10.15am: Session 1: Supporting students at AS by building exam skills

The step up from GCSE can be daunting for some AS candidates. This first session will examine the exam skills required to achieve good marks across the two AS Units. It will focus on practical ideas to help build data stimulus skills and improve question interpretation.

11.15am: Morning coffee11.30am: Session 2: Extended writing at AS

Extended writing and essay style questions are features of both AS units. This session will use examples of students work and recent examination questions to illustrate good practice in terms of both structure and content. There will be practical ideas to help candidates move their grades in the right direction.

12.30pm: Lunch1.30pm: Unit 4 Researching the options

After briefly introducing the options, this session will explore the role of the teacher and student in approaching this Unit. Is there a role for fieldwork, and how can teachers manage the twin demands of covering the specification and ensuring students have the opportunity for independent work?

2.30pm: Session 4: The ‘perfect’ Unit 4 report This last session will focus on both the process of research for Unit 4, and the product. It will show how a report style essay can be structured to meet the requirements on the generic mark scheme. Examples of report will be used and there will be a chance to discuss the merits of different approaches.

3.30pm: Plenary – a chance to review and ask questions3.45pm: Day ends

Course Features

This course is aimed at teachers interested in improving their candidates grades at AS and A2 level Geography as well as stretching high achieving students towards the A* at A2 level.

The course will appeal to teachers who have settled into the new GCE Geography specification and are now looking to raise their candidate’s average grades. There will be a focus on building exam skills at AS level, as well as aiming for the top level of the mark scheme in both A2 units. There will be the opportunity to examine candidates work in detail to better understand why some candidates excel whereas others only do well.


Tutor: Cameron Dunn

The course will be led by Cameron who is Chief Examiner for a major awarding body as well as an author for many of the Edexcel Geography textbooks.

Venue and date



GCE Edexcel Geography New Unit 3: Contested Planet - topics in depth

Bridging the Development Gap, Superpower Geographies, The Technologial Fix?

9.45am: Registration and coffee10.00am: Introduction and aims of the day10.15am: Session 1: Strategies to narrow the gap

10 years since the launch of the Millennium Development Goals, how far from achieving them are we? This session will examine a range of case study and example strategies with the aim of assessing how well they have helped narrow the gap. Which players have the best track record and what type of strategy actually works?

11.15am: Morning coffee11.30am: Session 2: Superpower Futures

Superpower Geographies is a fascinating topic, but an unfamiliar one. This session will aim to demystify it. The focus will be on looking back to past geopolitical situations and comparing these to the present, in order to understand how superpower geography might change in the future. Expect some crystal ball gazing!

12.30pm: Lunch1.30pm: Session 3: Techno Fix – the ultimate synoptic topic

The structure of Unit 3 anticipates that Technological Fix? will be delivered last, as much of the content (and examples required) will have been covered in other topics such as Energy and Water; this session will show how to minimise repetition but also ensure key themes and concepts are covered in detail.

2.30pm: Session 4: Focus on the Unit 3 exam This last session will focus on both Section A and Section B of the exam paper and use examples of student work and past question papers / mark schemes to illustrate best practice. There will be a range of practical tips to maximise performance and ensure candidates provide detailed, evaluative and synoptic responses.

3.30pm: Plenary - a chance to review and ask questions3.45pm: Day ends

Course Features

This new course will cover 50% of the Unit 3 Contested Planet core content, focusing on three of the ‘new’ topics, which can appear both in Section A or the Section B Issues Analysis. The new topics cover some interesting, and controversial, contemporary issues which many students enjoy. The workshops sessions will cover key content, and provide an update on useful resources and websites. Many topics within Unit 3 have a strong synoptic element and the links between units will be examined. In particular, there will be an in-depth session illustrating how to use the Technological Fix topic as a ‘synoptic summary’ on the wider Unit. The last session of the day will focus on the demands of the Unit 3 examinations and how they can be met, to maximize achievement.

Tutors: Cameron Dunn & Sue Warn


Venue and date

London, Wednesday 17 November 2010



9.45pm: Registration and coffee10.00am: Introduction and aims of the day10.15am: Session 1 Global Hazard Patterns

Understanding the worldwide pattern of natural hazard risk is a key part of Unit 1. This first session will take the hazard risk equation as a starting point from examining the components of risk at contrasting locations including the Philippines and California compulsory case studies.

11.15am: Morning coffee11.30am: Session 2 Climate Change and Weather Hazards

This session will examine the link between global climate change and hydro-meteorological hazards, with a particular focus on hurricanes. It will be useful for Unit 1 and Unit 2. As well as examining the debate over longer term trends, there will also be an investigation of more cyclical phenomena such as ENSO, the Atlantic Multi-Decadal Oscillation and the Arctic Oscillation.

12.30pm: Lunch1.30pm: Session 3 Earthquake update

For Unit 4 students are spoilt for choice in terms of recent significant earthquakes. This session will provide an update on Kashmir and Sichuan in terms of response and rebuilding as well as analysis of events in Haiti and Chile.

2.30pm: Session 4 Hazard response This last session will examine a range of tectonic hazard responses, taking its structure from the hazard management cycle. There will be examples and case studies from both developed and developing world contexts.

3.30pm: Plenary - – a chance to review and ask questions3.45pm: Day ends

Course Features

Hazards is a very popular topic at GCE level. Depending on which options are chosen in Units 2 and 4, centres can devise a ‘hazards rich’ course. This day will appeal to teachers from those centres, as well centres who give A2 candidates a choice of Unit 4 options. The core hazards content of Unit 1 World at Risk will be examined in depth. There will also be a focus on hurricanes which will be useful in terms of an overview for Unit 1 as well as more detailed case study material for the Unit 2 Extreme Weather option.

Tectonic Hazards is currently the most popular option in Unit 4 and the afternoon will provide and an essential update on recent tectonic hazards as well as responses to them.


Tutors: Cameron Dunn and Sue Warn


Venue and date

London, Wednesday 2 March 2011


GCE Edexcel Geography: Hazards at AS and A2

Unit 1 World at Risk, Unit 2 Extreme Weather, Unit 4 Tectonic Hazards option

OCR AS/A2 Geography: The Lessons from Summer 2010 & Improving Delivery of the Specification

10.00pm: Registration and coffee10.15am: Assessment within OCR AS geography – some generic issues10.35am: Units F761 and F762

•Answering effectively the data response questions•Answering effectively the short answer questions

11.30am: Morning coffee11.45am: Units F761 and F762

•Answering effectively the extended prose responses in Section A•Answering effectively the essay questions in Section B

12.45pm: Lunch1.45pm: Unit F764

•Answering effectively the questions on the paper•How to help students makes the link with their fieldwork

2.45pm: Unit F763•Answering effectively the Section A short answer questions•Answering effectively the Section B essay questions

3.45pm: Day ends

Course Features

The course is for teachers of A Level Geography delivering the new OCR Specification (AS H083 + Advanced H483). The emphasis of the day will be the preparation of candidates for the 2011 examinations by learning from the experiences and outcomes of the AS examinations and first A2 examinations in 2010. The day will include discussions, workshops and activities. Consequently delegates will have the opportunity to discuss and share ideas about strategies for the delivery of the course, related fieldwork and assessment issues.


Tutor: Peter Stiff

Peter is a Principal Examiner and has written several geography textbooks and revision guides. He has extensive experience of working with teachers and is teaching this specification.

Venue and date




10.00pm: Registration and coffee10.15am: Assessment within OCR A2 geography – some generic issues10.35am: Unit F763 Global Issues

•Earth Hazards: disturbing the equilibrium – slopes on the move.•Ecosystems and environments under threat: disturbing the equilibrium – ecosystems in balance.

11.30am: Morning coffee11.45am: Unit F763 Global Issues

•Climatic hazards: disturbing the equilibrium – atmospheric turmoil.•Population and resources: the demand for ‘more’.

12.45pm: Lunch1.45pm: Unit F763 Global Issues

•Globalisation, development and the end of geography?2.45pm: Unit F763 Global Issues

•Answering effectively the Section A questions•Answering effectively the Section B essay questions

3.45pm: Day ends

Course Features

This course is aimed at teachers of A Level Geography delivering the OCR Specification (AS H083 + Advanced H483). The emphasis of the day will be the preparation of candidates for the 2011 examinations for Unit F763 Global Issues. This unit delivers most of the marks at A2 and so has a major influence on the grade pupils receive.

There will be a focus on some of the topics contributing to the Global Issues course which pupils seem to have difficulties grasping. It will also look at ways pupils might be aided to transfer their knowledge and understanding to effective exam responses.

The day will include discussions, workshops and activities. Consequently delegates will have the opportunity to discuss and share ideas about strategies for the delivery of the course, related fieldwork and assessment issues.

Tutor: Peter Stiff

Peter is a Principal Examiner and has written several geography textbooks and revision guides. He has extensive experience of working with teachers and is teaching this specification.

Venue and date

London, Wednesday 15 December 2010



9.45pm: Registration and coffee10.00am: The role of Head of Geography

•What does a Head of Geography do?•Paperwork and inspections – putting it all in perspective•Target setting and development plans

11.00am: Morning coffee11.15am: Building a successful geography team

•Get to know your department-roles and responsibilities•How to establish a team spirit within the department•Working with non-specialists and part-timers•Lesson observation – challenges and opportunities

12.45pm: Lunch1.45pm: Resourcing the department

•Organisation and efficiency – the key to running a successful department•How to get the most from your departmental budget•Resourcing for the specifications and fieldwork

2.30pm: Curriculum issues: how to do the best for our pupils•Review current curriculum – if it ain’t bust don’t fix it!•Issues at Key Stage 3 / GCSE& AS/A level •Other curriculum issues (Gifted and Able, Cross curricular links, ICT, student evaluation, etc)•Fieldwork – the key to good geography?

3.15pm: Promoting the subject: issues of retention and status•Retention at GCSE and A level – issues, challenges and opportunities•How to raise the status of geography within the school•Q&A

3.45pm: Day ends

Course Features

For all its benefits and advantages the role of head of department brings with it many challenges. How to get the best from the other members of the department? How to keep on top of all the paperwork especially for inspections? How to inspire pupils and encourage a healthy take-up of the subject at GCSE and A level? How to keep on top of developments in the subject and demands from exam boards and the government?The Head of Geography role provides tremendous opportunities to determine the future of geography within the school as well as working with colleagues in a leadership and middle management capacity. It can form a logical ‘next step’ in a career leading to Director of Studies or Headship.


Tutor: Simon Ross

Simon Ross is an Assistant Head and Head of Geography at Queen’s College in Taunton. He has been Head of Geography for over 15 years in two different schools. Simon trained as an ISI Inspector and has recently carried out an appraisal of Harrow School’s geography department. He is a prolific author of Geography textbooks and is Series Editor for the officially endorsed pupil GCSE textbook for AQA A . He has led several training courses and regularly delivers in service training in Somerset and Devon.

Venue and date

London, Tuesday 1 February 2011


Leading a successful geography department: How to be an efficient and inspirational Head of Department

More GIS! Creating your own web-based and Google Earth digital maps for GCSE and A Level Geography

9.45pm: Registration and coffee10.00am: Introducing the concept

-An understanding that GIS plays a crucial role in introducing students to modern methods of spatial data capture, processing, analysis. and presentation-GIS vs digital maps-GIS potential, including virtual field trips

11.05am: Morning coffee11.20am: GIS simulations on the web

-Handling the basic sites: OS, Magic, Environment Agency, Spatial Literacy and the Google Maps ‘API’+ map-mash-ups. Other maps.-Screen captures and putting into documents

12.30pm: Lunch1.30pm: The ‘Google’ portfolio

-Creating and personalising your own digital maps with Google Maps etc -Tricks with Google Earth: making personalised maps, overlays, polygons etc-Ready made lessons using the technology-Opportunities for peer assessment and review

3.15pm: Moving forward – where next-Higher end applications – should I make the leap? Cost vs utility.-Integrating GPS technologies

3.30pm: Plenary & Evaluation-Discussion and review of the day

3.45pm: Day ends

Course Features

Geographical Information Systems (GIS) are the most powerful set of tools in existence for the analysis and visualisation of spatial information, and GIS is central to the application of geography to real-world problem solving. The new GCSE’s and A Level geography specifications have an increased emphasis on the use and integration of new mapping technologies.

This course is aimed at geography teachers who want to build confidence and create basic maps and interactive overlays into their everyday geography teaching and learning. The technique will be especially useful for people wanting to use this technology in their controlled assessment.

The practical course will concentrate on exploring simple, easy-to-use and free (or very low cost) web-based applications to support digital maps and GIS. On arrival at this course you will receive a specially prepared file containing detailed notes and materials which will be of immediate practical benefit in the classroom.

Tutors: David Holmes

David works as a senior examiner and has written a number of GCSE and A Level texts. He has been involved in the design of two new GCSEs with a particular focus on the controlled assessment process. He has extensive experience of working with both teachers and students and now teaches part time in Taunton.

Venue and date

London, Friday 10 December 2010



9.45pm: Registration and coffee10.15am: Using literacy as a trigger for improving performance

-Importance of geographical writing-Handling resources + stimulus materials-Short answers: being ‘fluff-free’-Dealing with the longer answer: do’s, dont’s and how to structure work

11.15am: Morning coffee11.30am: Breadth and depth; stretch and challenge

-The stretch and challenge agenda -Breadth and depth equation – finding the right balance-Examples of challenge at the top end-Using ICT to support and challenge learners

12.30pm: Lunch1.30pm: Keeping up to date

-Being an effective hunter-gatherer-Web vs printed materials and using them in class-Involving and engaging students in the research process-Managing your case studies – recent examples

2.45pm: Focus on Controlled Assessment-Choosing an appropriate task brief-Differentiation in the cohort and levels of support-Integrating simple GIS-What makes a successful piece of work?

3.30pm: Plenary & Evaluation-Closing the loop: where to go from here and additional support

3.45pm: Day ends

Course Features

This course is aimed at teachers and centres who want to look for ways to raise achievement for all learners within their department. The emphasis of the day will be looking at strategies to build confidence and inspire learners as well as provide stretch and challenge for gifted and talented pupils. There will also be an opportunity to refresh your case study knowledge and look at ways of improving performance in controlled assessment. The course is suitable for all GCSE specifications.


Venue and date

London, Monday 29 November 2010


Tutors: David Holmes and Bob Digby

David is a Principal Examiner at GCSE and GCE Geography and is co-author of a number of GCSE and A Level Geography textbooks; he also writes a regular column in Geography Review. He has been involved in the design of the new GCSEs and has a background in CPD and advisory work. David has extensive experience of working with both teachers and students and now teaches part time in Taunton.

Bob is also Principal Examiner for GCSE Geography B. Bob was on a former Head of Geography and is now Community Geographer for the Geographical Association; he is also a well known author. Bob has extensive experience of CPD and advisory work with a special interest in assessment at GCSE as well as the 2012 Olympics.

Reaching the top grades in GCSE Geography

From OK to Outstanding: Winning ways to transform the way you teach

9.45pm: Registration and coffee10.00am: Lesson infrastructure that contributes towards having outstanding lessons

Inspectors’ definitions of ‘outstanding’ and ‘inadequate’ lessons-Get the context right and the content will take care of itself (almost!)-Planning lessons that focus on learning rather than performance-How to achieve ICM (Invisible Classroom Management)

11.30am: Morning coffee12.00am: Pupil activities that contribute towards having outstanding lessons

-Meta-cognition – Teach the “How” as well as the “What”-Strategies to involve pupils more fully in their own learning-10 irrefutable facts about learning that should influence what goes on in your classroom-Aids to learning – simple techniques to maximise learning

1.00pm: Lunch2.00pm: Teaching strategies that contribute towards having outstanding lessons

-Effective behaviour management in the classroom-The impact of preferred learning styles on the way pupils learn and teachers teach. Self-audit to improve the quality of your teaching

3.30pm: Day ends

Course Features

•Discuss the impact of the learning context on the quality of lessons•Offer advice on planning lessons structures that contribute towards having outstanding lessons•Explain strategies for managing classrooms more effectively•Explain how to maximise learning by judicious choice of pupil activities•Suggest a variety of simple aids to learning•Describe ineffective and effective behaviour management•Offer strategies for keeping the focus firmly on learning rather than performance•Give delegates the opportunity to reflect upon their own teaching style and to question whether it should change


Tutors: Karl Turner

Karl Turner has taught for 28 years in state secondary schools. He is now an Educational Consultant delivering high quality conferences and INSET focusing primarily on supporting colleagues in developing effective teaching strategies for teachers and successful learning opportunities for children. He has written for the TES and other professional journals and has written, directed and performed in commercially produced teacher training videos. Karl has lectured to PGCE students and has been a senior school mentor to more than 70 NQTs over the past 6 years. All have passed their Induction period.

Venue and date

London, Tuesday 30 November 2010

Manchester, Wednesday 8 December 2010


Please return to: Teachers First LLP, PO Box 659, Stockport, SK2 7WF. Teachers First reserves the right to amend the programme where circumstances dictate.

Teacher Day Booking Form

Delegate

School / College

Address & Postcode

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Office e-mail address

Delegate e-mail address

Teacher Courses Venue Date Course fee per head (plus VAT)

Number of places required

AQA AS/A2 Geography: Teaching for the first time. London 07/12/10 £195

AQA AS and A2 Geography Lessons from the 2010 series of exams – Units 1 and 3

London

Manchester

13/10/10

12/10/10

£195

£195

AQA A2 Geography: Unit 4B Issue Evaluation Exercises (IEE) – lessons learnt from 2010

London

Manchester

25/11/10

24/11/10

£195

£195

AQA A2 Geography: updating the delivery of Unit 3 World Cities

London 03/11/10 £195

AQA AS Geography : updating the delivery of Unit 1 Hot desert environments and their margins

London 04/11/10 £195

AQA A2 Geography: updating the delivery of Unit 3 Contemporary Conflicts and Challenges

London 01/03/11 £195


London

Manchester

04/02/11

01/02/11

£195

£195

GCE Edexcel Geography: Teaching AS/A2 Geography for the first time

London 05/11/10 £195

Edexcel GCE Geography :Improving grades and aiming for the A*

London 13/10/10 £195

Edexcel GCE Geography : New Unit 3 Contested Planet topics in depth

London 17/11/10 £195

Edexcel GCE Geography : Hazards at AS and A2 London 02/03/11 £195

AS/A2 OCR Geography: the lessons from summer 2010 and improving delivery of the specification

London 13/10/10 £195


London 15/12/10 £195

Leading a successful geography department: how to be an efficient and inspirational Head of Department

London 01/02/11 £195

More GIS! Creating your own web-based and Google Earth digital maps for GCSE and A’ Level Geography

London 10/12/10 £200

Reaching the tops grades in GCSE Geography London 29/11/10 £195

From OK to outstanding: winning ways to transform the way you teach

London

Manchester

30/11/10

08/12/10

£195

£195

)0844 800 5292 20844 800 5295 [email protected]

Or return the booking form to us at the address given below. We will then confirm your booking and issue an invoice. Payment is required 2 weeks before the date of the workshop. Course details will be sent out to you about 10 days before the course, after the receipt of payment. Please telephone us if you have not received them by this time.Further information on this and other events can be found on our website www.teachersfirst.org.uk

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