The role of the Physical Geography SIG (PGSIG) is to enhance and support the teaching and learning of physical geography in primary and secondary schools.
Our aim is to be the ‘trusted voice’ in matters relating to the teaching of physical geography.
How we do this- Advocating the importance of physical geography in the school curriculum; particularly critical thinking through physical geography, its relevance to society (practical application) and its value for intellectual development (curiosity and explanation) and spiritual development (awe, wonder) and well-being (aesthetic appreciation enhancement).
- Promoting effective teaching strategies and pedagogies for teaching physical geography topics in the curriculum, particularly approaches that inspire students’ interest, make topics accessible and encourage active teaching and learning.
- Encouraging and promoting up-to-date understanding of physical geography knowledge and concepts relevant to teachers.
- Collaborating with cognate Earth science groups and organisations and where appropriate, providing representation to external bodies concerned with educational and curriculum development.
- Meeting once a term to discuss relevant issues and projects, and decide on actions for progress.
- Sharing updates/discussions on physical geography subject knowledge, pedagogic approaches and resources via the PGSIG online communication channels, our Blog site, Facebook page and X (formerly Twitter) account, plus workshop/discussion presentations at GA Conferences.
- Organising the GA Physical Geography Student Photography Competition for students to encourage independent discovery and application of classroom learning by capturing physical geography in the real world on camera.
- Contributing to the annual GA Annual Conference, where we deliver ‘hands-on’ workshops that provide interesting ways to teach physical geography topics that can seem remote or tricky, coordinate debates that stimulate teachers into thinking about the place of physical geography in the curriculum and suggest lectures by leading physical geographers.
- Commenting on and advising on physical geography content of materials and resources published by the GA.
- Writing articles for the GA Magazine and Teaching Geography journal.
- Seeking out and exploiting opportunities where learning about physical geography makes a positive impact on students’ understanding about and appreciation of the world.
- Responding to GCSE and A level consultations.
