An Action Plan for Geography (APG)

1
An Action Plan for Geography (APG)

• David Lambert
• GA

2
Why?

• Concerns expressed by Ofsted, QCA
• Associated concerns about a stuck curriculum
• Shortage of subject specialists in schools
• Poor grasp of geographys educational potential
• Bad press

3
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

4
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.

5
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

6
Priority themes

• ITT and CPD
• CCT
• CD
• OL and FW
• N and L
• PU and E

7
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.

8
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

9
Implementation

• Communication
• VGTC
• Ambassadors
• Development
• PQM, SQM
• CGeog
• Support
• Materials development
• CPD programme