The module is designed to encourage students to apply their geographical knowledge to classroom teaching.
The module will equip students with the experience and knowledge of school based geography teaching. Students will act as conduits of knowledge, taking world-class research from GEES to teachers and school pupils who are studying GCSE and A-Level Geography curriculums. Students will be role models to young people and help shape future aspiration and geographical learning.
This module has been designed to facilitate progression into teaching Geography as a profession. This will be an opportunity to learn about curriculum development, apply knowledge in the classroom and be part of a broader programme of geographical learning. Students will be responsible for designing and developing geographical resources, and liaising with academic staff, teachers and pupils in preparing this material.
Skills students will learn on the course: organisational and interpersonal skills; time management; working in a challenging and unpredictable environment; public speaking and communication; team-working; staff responsibilities and teaching skills.
The module will involve:
- Undergoing a DBS check prior to work with schools
- A series of lectures on Geography teaching from differing perspectives including:
- A representative of The Royal Geographical Society
- A School Head of Department (Geography)
- A Geography teacher
- A Newly-qualified teacher
- A Lecturer in Geography Education
- Spend ½ day a week in a school for 10 weeks, shadowing a Geography teacher and developing a role within the classroom (the teacher tutor will contribute to feedback on the placement)
- Organising and leading 3 sessions in local schools as part of the RGS Ambassador Scheme. Students will be required to train to be a RGS Geography Ambassador during semester 1
- Working with a member of academic staff on developing a subject-knowledge resource pack
- Trialling the resource pack at the end of their placement in the classroom.
A series of workshops on i) reflective practice and ii) the assignment
By the end of this module you should have learnt the following key skills
- Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the changing climate of Geography education in the UK
- Produce a high level of analysis of a wide range of materials to develop a subject-knowledge resource pack for students at GCSE or A-Level
- Demonstrate a high level of interpersonal skills, appreciate staff responsibilities and demonstrate effective communication skills
- Demonstrate reflective writing skills and skills in reflective working / education practices