The Geographical Association (GA)’s Annual Conference goes virtual!

Geographical Association, 2020

All the above can be viewed by accessing the web-link below.  Well worth dipping into!

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn8WodADGAn4zN-KOu9W4kw

In the first lecture, Gill Miller, President of the Geographical Association, discussed why geography really matters and the role geography teachers play in advocating for its essential contribution to education and society.  Campaign, convince, commit!

The second session included the longstanding GA Publishers’ Awards, recognising materials that make a significant contribution to school geography and the GA’s Quality Mark Awards. The GA also noted the achievements of individuals who have made outstanding contributions.

Geography really matters to many careers with government departments. The third session explored how geographical thinking, theory and technologies are used in departments, including HM Courts and Tribunal Service and DEFRA.  It also discussed the diverse routes geographers may take into working for the government.  Delegates had the opportunity to ask questions too.

For me, the most useful session was the panel discussion entitled ‘Geography from home’.  During the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the majority of school students are studying geography from home, supported by their parents and carers, as well as through the online activities set by their teachers. This ‘Geography from home’ panel engaged in discussion about how parents and teachers can support the effective teaching of geography in the current circumstances, considered the challenges and opportunities that the situation presents and explored how to impress on students that geography really matters.  Great contributions were given by key individuals in the field of geography, namely Bob Digby, Dr Paula Owens, Alan Parkinson and Simon Ward.

Finally, Paul Rose, a broadcaster, used his recent explorations to show how geography is so vital to us and the planet.  A firm understanding of geography has never been more important.  Global issues are reduced to manipulative headlines, influential opinions are formed by instant access to any subject anywhere on the planet and our virtual connections mean that we are in danger of losing the comprehensive geographical understanding and ground-truthing that is essential for smart decision-making.