An Action Plan for Geography (APG)

David Lambert

GA

Why?

• Concerns – expressed by Ofsted, QCA

• Associated concerns about a ‘stuck’ curriculum

• Shortage of subject specialists in schools

• Poor grasp of geography’s educational potential

• Bad press

How?

• Geography Focus Group (2004-5)– Powerful group – of geographers in the world,

and in education– Identification of ‘priority themes’– Consultation– Agreement on remit for an ‘action plan’

Who?

• GA and RGS-IBG, working together and building on ‘complementary strengths’

• DL and RG invited to become advisers for geography to the Secretary of State– To promote a more ‘joined up’ and a deeper

grasp of geography within and beyond the DfES

– To propose an APG– To steer and ensure effective implementation

of the APG.

When?

• Submit initial proposals – Feb 1st 2006

• Agree final Plan – March 6th 2006

• National Launch of Plan – March 30th 2006

• Implementation of the first phase April 2006 – April 2008

Priority themes

• ITT and CPD

• CCT

• CD

• OL and FW

• N and L

• PU and E

Goal

• To ensure that a clear vision for geography, its educational potential and its relevance to living in the 21st century are understood by all, including the subject community and education policy makers at all levels, and that teaching professionals are enabled and equipped to realize this potential with students and to engage them with the subject in an enjoyable way which they value.

Main Objectives

• Improve quality of students experience• Improve outcomes and achievement levels• Raise profile of geography• Deepen awareness and understanding of

geography• Enthuse geography teachers and students• Arrest decline in exam candidature• Raise recognition of geography teachers and

their achievements• Develop further a cohesive ‘subject community’

Implementation

• Communication– VGTC– Ambassadors

• Development– PQM, SQM– CGeog

• Support– Materials development– CPD programme