A busy couple of weeks ahead for me, engaging with over 60 schools, either virtually or in situ, as part of the first round of Primary Geography Subject Leader Network (PGSLN) meetings this academic year. Due to Sandra Parker’s growing commitments at GLOSSI (Gloucestershire’s School Improvement Service), the baton for oversight of primary geography has now been handed to the …
A morning contemplating geographical skills and fieldwork
Our latest GlosGeog event (a CPD workshop aimed at primary school teachers, ECTs and trainees) was kindly hosted by The Balcarras Trust (https://www.balcarras.gloucs.sch.uk/). On board today were individuals from 18 schools across the county, some current GlosGeog members and others whom we soon recruited! Darren Bailey, from Ordnance Survey (OS), joined us for the first part to provide an overview …
Back to Foxmoor to think about geographical skills and fieldwork
This afternoon, I returned to Foxmoor Primary School near Stroud in Gloucestershire to deliver the second of two bespoke CPD sessions for all staff (https://www.foxmoorprimary.co.uk/). The request for this two hour twilight was to focus on geographical skills and fieldwork. Not only did they wish to consider current coverage, sequencing and progression of geographical skills and fieldwork across the school, …
Time for the return to school!
Today’s task was a contribution to the whole staff INSET day at Foxmoor Primary School near Stroud, Gloucestershire (https://www.foxmoorprimary.co.uk/). A morning had been allocated to work with classroom teachers and SLT on their whole school curriculum offering for geography. After a formal welcome and introductions, I outlined the aims of the session. Staff then embarked upon a SWOT analysis of …
Virtual Primary Geography Subject Leader Network meeting
Whilst we were waiting for everyone to arrive and settle, I suggested that individuals may wish to access the latest Primary Newsbites on geography southwest’s website (https://www.geographysouthwest.co.uk/primary/primary-news/). It contains numerous teaching ideas, plus links to new resources, useful websites, forthcoming events and CPD offerings, which are relevant to those throughout the UK, not just within the south west region of …
Gloucestershire School Improvement (GLOSSI) Primary Geography Subject Leader Network Meeting (3)
Whilst we were waiting for everyone to arrive and settle, I suggested that individuals may wish to access the latest Primary Newsbites on geography southwest’s website (https://www.geographysouthwest.co.uk/primary/primary-news/). It contains numerous teaching ideas, plus links to new resources, useful websites, forthcoming events and CPD offerings, which are relevant to those throughout the UK, not just within the south west region of England. …
‘Ensuring successful subject leadership in geography and history (EYFS to Year 6)’, David Weatherly Education
Yet again, another engaging, inspiring and informative CPD event delivered by David Weatherly, with input from Sheena Wright too, yesterday. Six and a half hours is a long time to sit at a screen and listen/watch, but David’s informal and chatty approach ensures that all are attentive and absorbed. Today’s training was a repeat of one that I attended earlier …
CPD: Tewkesbury District Partnership (TDP)
'What makes an effective Subject Leader (geography and history)?' - Part 1
Towards the end of Term 2, I was approached by Jane Farren, Head Teacher at Norton C of E Primary School and Co-Chair of the Tewkesbury District Partnership (TDP), to see if I was available to deliver two, virtual CPD sessions for Geography/History/Humanities Subject Leaders in local primary schools. It was agreed to focus on ‘What makes an effective Subject …
Online Safety Mark assessment goes virtual!
Like many other things over the past year, Online Safety Mark assessing is now being done virtually. This was my first remote assessment, and like several other assessors, I think that there is potential to continue offering virtual and face-to-face assessments once lockdown restrictions are lifted. No very early starts or long-distance travel for me, which was certainly a bonus, …