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Welcome to the GA’s online programme for the Annual Conference and Exhibition 2025! Take some time to explore the programme and build a personalised schedule using the full list below, or find the best sessions for you using the filter options. Keep an eye on this programme for updates and to interact with other delegates, exhibitors and sponsors. For more information on the Conference, see the GA website.

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Tuesday, April 15
 

2:00pm PDT

Emergency first aid for geography teachers
Tuesday April 15, 2025 2:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Executive suite
This course lasts 2 hours and acts as a refresher for some and offers new training for others. Topics will include: dealing with an incident, severe bleeding, choking, recovery position, carrying out CPR and the use of a defibrillator. There will also be time to answer questions on concerns you may have such as asthma, anaphylaxis and seizures.
The course is fully practical offering the chance to revisit skills or learn new ones in a supportive environment. It is offer free to attendees at the GA conference and a certificate will be available for all participants.
Speakers
DP
Tuesday April 15, 2025 2:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Executive suite Oxford Brookes University,Headington Rd, Headington, Oxford OX3 0BP
  Cross phase

6:00pm PDT

The Whispers of Rock: Stories of the Earth
Tuesday April 15, 2025 6:00pm - 7:00pm PDT
JHB lecture theatre
From the soils that sustain our crops to the homes we've built, the technology we rely on, our biological makeup and even the coffee you drink, rocks have had a profound influence on human life. Join Earth Scientist Anjana Khatwa as she explores the wisdom that lies in the 'whispers' we hear when we personally connect with the rocks around us.
Speakers
avatar for Dr Anjana Khatwa

Dr Anjana Khatwa

Earth Scientist, Presenter and Writer
Dr Anjana Khatwa is an award-winning earth scientist, TV presenter and an advocate for diversity in the geosciences and nature. She has been presented with the Geographical Award for public engagement by the Royal Geographical Society, the 2021 RH Worth Award by the Geological Society... Read More →
Tuesday April 15, 2025 6:00pm - 7:00pm PDT
JHB lecture theatre Oxford Brookes University,Headington Rd, Headington, Oxford OX3 0BP
  Headline lecture
 
Wednesday, April 16
 

9:00am PDT

Making connections using a palimpsest approach to learning
Wednesday April 16, 2025 9:00am - 9:50am PDT
JHB lecture theatre
This lecture explores how learners at all phases of education can become 'geographical detectives' by using a palimpsest approach to investigate and understand more about the world, helping young people develop a deeper understanding of natural and human landscapes. We'll outline how the concept of palimpsest can be used in the classroom, out in the field and to make connections through GIS. The lecture will also discuss how connections can be made between schools and universities to help support this way of learning.
Speakers
avatar for Dr Alan Marvell

Dr Alan Marvell

Senior Lecturer, Teaching and Learning Lead, University of Gloucestershire
DS

David Simm

Senior Lecturer in Physical Geography, Bath Spa University
DF

Denise Freeman

GA President 2023-24 and Lead practitioner, Oaks Park High School
Wednesday April 16, 2025 9:00am - 9:50am PDT
JHB lecture theatre Oxford Brookes University,Headington Rd, Headington, Oxford OX3 0BP
  Cross phase

10:00am PDT

What constitutes a good geography education in a rapidly changing world?
Wednesday April 16, 2025 10:00am - 10:50am PDT
JHB lecture theatre
With the current curriculum and assessment review in England underway, debate about the purpose of geography as a school subject and the narrow focus of the current assessment system has re-engaged teachers of geography with the fundamental question, ‘What constitutes a good geography education?’ In this lecture, Emma draws on evidence from the GA’s Secondary Geography Quality Mark to explore the contribution that high-quality geography and agentic curriculum making can make to the education of children and young people in our rapidly changing world.
Speakers
DE

Dr Emma Rawlings Smith

Chair GA Teacher Education Phase Committee
Wednesday April 16, 2025 10:00am - 10:50am PDT
JHB lecture theatre Oxford Brookes University,Headington Rd, Headington, Oxford OX3 0BP
  Headline lecture

11:00am PDT

First timers' reception
Wednesday April 16, 2025 11:00am - 11:30am PDT
During the morning break on 16 April, come to the conference social space to meet other first-time conference attendees and meet GA staff and volunteers for an informal chat.
Wednesday April 16, 2025 11:00am - 11:30am PDT
  Fringe event

11:30am PDT

Maps to ministers: a career journey from Liverpool to legislation
Wednesday April 16, 2025 11:30am - 12:20pm PDT
JHB lecture theatre
The Geospatial Commission aims to deliver £11 billion in annual economic growth through 'unlocking the power of location'. Chris will talk about the work of the Commission, communicating with ministers about geography, being responsible for the delivery of a revolutionary map of underground pipes and cables and how he got from GCSE geography to the heart of government.
Speakers
avatar for Chris Chambers

Chris Chambers

Deputy Director, Geospatial Commission. Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
Chris Chambers is Deputy Director at the Geospatial Commission, Department for Science, Innovation and Technology. He is responsible for the delivery of the National Underground Asset Register (NUAR), a new digital map of underground pipes and cables, which is expected to deliver... Read More →
Wednesday April 16, 2025 11:30am - 12:20pm PDT
JHB lecture theatre Oxford Brookes University,Headington Rd, Headington, Oxford OX3 0BP
  Secondary

11:30am PDT

Envisioning futures for geography education research: priorities, connections and contributions
Wednesday April 16, 2025 11:30am - 12:20pm PDT
203
This session – organised by the Geography Education Research Collective (GEReCo) – aims to engage with a range of perspectives on the priorities for the next 10 years of geography education research. Following this, colleagues are encouraged to contribute connections between geography education research and their own communities. We'll conclude with a discussion that aims to draw together ideas and perspectives.
Speakers
avatar for Dr Rebecca Kitchen

Dr Rebecca Kitchen

Head of Professional Development, Geographical Association
I have worked at the Geographical Association for 9 years and am currently the Head of Professional Development. Prior to this, I was Head of Geography at a girls' grammar school for 16 years where I was awarded the Ordnance Survey Award for contributions to Geography in Secondary... Read More →
Wednesday April 16, 2025 11:30am - 12:20pm PDT
203 Oxford Brookes University,Headington Rd, Headington, Oxford OX3 0BP
  Subject knowledge

3:30pm PDT

Towards a diverse and inclusive GA: new research insights
Wednesday April 16, 2025 3:30pm - 4:20pm PDT
203
We present the findings of qualitative research conducted by members of the GA's Diversity and Inclusion Working Group. Our analysis of 25 interviews with people from a variety of backgrounds, inside and outside the Association, provides a critical assessment of diversity and inclusion at the GA. Participants are invited to reflect on and help us take the study's recommendations foward.
Speakers
DI

Dr Iram Sammar

Research Engagement Lead, GA
GD
Wednesday April 16, 2025 3:30pm - 4:20pm PDT
203 Oxford Brookes University,Headington Rd, Headington, Oxford OX3 0BP
  Cross phase

4:20pm PDT

Connecting with HE partners using Royal Society grant funding
Wednesday April 16, 2025 4:20pm - 5:10pm PDT
Executive suite
This session will explore the Royal Society's fantastic Partnership Grant scheme, and how it can be used to secure funding of up to £3000 to support a collaborative student geography project with a HE or industry partner. The Tomorrow's Climate Scientists programme is especially great for geographers, and has been a fantastic opportunity for our students!
Speakers
avatar for Simon Holland

Simon Holland

Head of Faculty and Teacher of Geography, Bilborough Sixth Form College
Wednesday April 16, 2025 4:20pm - 5:10pm PDT
Executive suite Oxford Brookes University,Headington Rd, Headington, Oxford OX3 0BP
  Secondary

4:20pm PDT

Soccernomics 2.0: Champions League edition
Wednesday April 16, 2025 4:20pm - 5:10pm PDT
202
Soccernomics is a concept designed to engage learners on social inequalities and economic change in the global village. Football is a useful vehicle to secure rapid and sustained progress using innovative case studies, such as 'will Östersunds FK act as a gateway to promotion of social justice in the subarctic?' This session discusses Soccernomics' exemplar material, providing a framework for colleagues to create their own learning experiences across all key stages.
Speakers
JW

John Wilkinson

Head of Geography / Honorary Lecturer, St Edwards College / University of Liverpool
Wednesday April 16, 2025 4:20pm - 5:10pm PDT
202 Oxford Brookes University,Headington Rd, Headington, Oxford OX3 0BP
  Subject knowledge
 
Thursday, April 17
 

9:00am PDT

Making connections through co-planning conversations
Thursday April 17, 2025 9:00am - 9:50am PDT
206
Co-planning is an approach to mentoring that encourages teachers to develop lessons collaboratively, benefitting both mentors and mentees. This workshop will provide everyone who engages in mentoring conversations – mentors, ITE tutors, ECTs and trainees – with ideas to support co-planning conversations. Participants will take away useful strategies that they can put into practice.
Speakers
JM

Julia Mackintosh

Senior Lecturer, University of Hertfordshire
CP
DE

Dr Emma Rawlings Smith

Chair GA Teacher Education Phase Committee
Thursday April 17, 2025 9:00am - 9:50am PDT
206 Oxford Brookes University,Headington Rd, Headington, Oxford OX3 0BP
  Cross phase

9:00am PDT

Sustainability Support for Education
Thursday April 17, 2025 9:00am - 9:50am PDT
JHB lecture theatre
The DfE has commissioned three flagship initiatives supporting education settings to become more sustainable and confront the climate and nature emergencies: the Sustainability Support for Education hub; Climate Ambassadors; and the National Education Nature Park. Find out about what free resources are available and how your whole education community can get involved.
Speakers
avatar for Juanita Shepherd

Juanita Shepherd

Policy Lead, Sustainability Support Programme, Department for Education
Juanita is a former geography teacher and now a Policy Lead at the Department for Education on the Sustainability Support Programme. Ask her about the support available to education settings (EY-FE) to take their first steps or reach their highest ambitions on their sustainability... Read More →
Thursday April 17, 2025 9:00am - 9:50am PDT
JHB lecture theatre Oxford Brookes University,Headington Rd, Headington, Oxford OX3 0BP
  Cross phase

9:00am PDT

A relational approach to geography teaching
Thursday April 17, 2025 9:00am - 9:50am PDT
203
Approaches to the teaching of geography are predominantly based on a logic of separation that views phenomena as objects to be studied and classified, rather than on the understanding that all beings in the world, human and non-human, are interconnected and interdependent. A logic of separation also separates the overall purpose of the discipline from its past. In this session I argue for the inclusion of a relational approach that locates the subject in the context of its establishment as an academic discipline in the 19th century, and I consider the implications for our practices in the context of the potential of geography education to foster the sustainability of all life on the planet.
Speakers
DF

Dr Fran Martin

Honorary Research Fellow, University of Exeter
FP
Thursday April 17, 2025 9:00am - 9:50am PDT
203 Oxford Brookes University,Headington Rd, Headington, Oxford OX3 0BP
  Secondary

10:00am PDT

Nairobi National Park – A case study of connected geographies
Thursday April 17, 2025 10:00am - 10:50am PDT
JHB lecture theatre
This session explores the dynamic interplay between urban development and natural ecosystems. It examines how Nairobi National Park, uniquely situated adjacent to a major city, embodies the challenges and opportunities of balancing wildlife conservation with urban expansion. The presentation will highlight key aspects such as: human-wildlife interactions; ecological corridors; conservation strategies; and the socio-economic impact on surrounding communities, offering insight into sustainable coexistence.
Speakers
avatar for Paras Chandaria

Paras Chandaria

Wildlife Photographer / Safari Planner, WOW Safaris Ltd
I am a passionate advocate for wildlife conservation and sustainable tourism, with a particular focus on the delicate balance between urban development and natural ecosystems. My work centers on highlighting the unique role of Nairobi National Park as a vital conservation area situated... Read More →
Thursday April 17, 2025 10:00am - 10:50am PDT
JHB lecture theatre Oxford Brookes University,Headington Rd, Headington, Oxford OX3 0BP
  Headline lecture

11:00am PDT

50 years of Teaching Geography
Thursday April 17, 2025 11:00am - 11:30am PDT
2025 marks the 50th anniversary of our Teaching Geography journal. Join us in the morning break of 17 April to celebrate this milestone with us and find out about how you can get involved with our journals.



Speakers
avatar for Dr Richard Bustin

Dr Richard Bustin

Head of Geography, Lancing College
Thursday April 17, 2025 11:00am - 11:30am PDT
  Fringe event

11:30am PDT

Meeting in the middle: walk to collaborative futures for teachers and researchers 
Thursday April 17, 2025 11:30am - 12:20pm PDT
201
Attendees will hear brief summaries of geography education research from presenters who'll connect it to day-to-day classroom and curriculum development. We'll then host a 'world café' session to encourage discussions, which will continue over drinks and snacks afterwards. Our session will suit teachers who want to learn from research.
Speakers
DX

Dr Xin Miao

Postdoctoral Research Fellow, East China Normal University; University of Stirling
DA

David Alcock

Author, Oxford University Press
JZ
Thursday April 17, 2025 11:30am - 12:20pm PDT
201 Oxford Brookes University,Headington Rd, Headington, Oxford OX3 0BP
  Cross phase

11:30am PDT

How can understanding early years benefit geography educators?
Thursday April 17, 2025 11:30am - 12:20pm PDT
207
This workshop will explore connections between early years geography and wider geography education. Key pedagogy and practice from early years education will be highlighted, and participants will be guided to explore connections with their own practice. This will provide an opportunity to reflect on individual and collective roles and raise awareness of subject development, starting from our youngest learners.
Speakers
SS

Sarah Sprake

Early Years adviser, Norfolk County Council
Thursday April 17, 2025 11:30am - 12:20pm PDT
207 Oxford Brookes University,Headington Rd, Headington, Oxford OX3 0BP
  Primary

11:30am PDT

Collaborative planning for climate action in your school with the Climate Ambassadors scheme
Thursday April 17, 2025 11:30am - 12:20pm PDT
Executive suite
In 2022, the DfE mandated that all schools in England have a Climate Action Plan focusing on decarbonisation, adaptation, climate education and biodiversity. Join regional hub managers from the DfE-funded Climate Ambassadors scheme for a collaborative workshop to find out how the scheme can help you, as well as generating ideas that will empower you to support your school in taking meaningful climate action.
Speakers
KM

Kit Marie Rackley

Climate Ambassadors East of England Regional Hub Manager, and consultant to the GA., University of East Anglia
DE

Dr Elle Young

North East Regional Hub Manager, Climate Ambassadors
ZG

Zoe Gilbank

Yorkshire & Humber Regional Hub Manager, Climate Ambassadors
Thursday April 17, 2025 11:30am - 12:20pm PDT
Executive suite Oxford Brookes University,Headington Rd, Headington, Oxford OX3 0BP
  Subject leader

12:30pm PDT

Connecting with colleagues: using geography to develop cross-curricular opportunities
Thursday April 17, 2025 12:30pm - 12:55pm PDT
202
This session will outline some of the ways in which collaboration with colleagues, using geography as a starting point, can help foster professional relationships and develop greater opportunities for cross-curricular teaching and learning, enabling teachers as well as students to appreciate how relevant geography is across all subjects.
Speakers
MC

Melanie Collins

Head of Geography, Pipers Corner School
Thursday April 17, 2025 12:30pm - 12:55pm PDT
202 Oxford Brookes University,Headington Rd, Headington, Oxford OX3 0BP
  Early career teacher

3:30pm PDT

Curriculum debates
Thursday April 17, 2025 3:30pm - 4:20pm PDT
203
A jointly hosted GA/IOE debate on a pertinent curriculum question, which will be determined closer to the conference.
Speakers
DA

Dr Alex Standish

Associate Professor of Geography Education, UCL Institute of Education
SB

Steve Brace

Chief Executive, The Geographical Association
Thursday April 17, 2025 3:30pm - 4:20pm PDT
203 Oxford Brookes University,Headington Rd, Headington, Oxford OX3 0BP
  Cross phase

3:30pm PDT

You don't know what you got 'til it's gone' – Joni Mitchell
Thursday April 17, 2025 3:30pm - 4:20pm PDT
207
The destruction of the tree at Sycamore Gap sparked outpourings of grief for these often underappreciated 'sentinels of time'. We'll explore the significance of trees in our lives spiritually, emotionally and physically. Engaging with a series of activities available in Primary Geography, you'll discover how a 'tree curriculum' can offer children hopeful and positive understandings of their world.
Speakers
SR

Stephen Rawlinson

Independent Consultant - Former President of the GA (2015-16), Wildthinkers
DT

Dr Tessa Willy

Chair of the Primary Geography Editorial Board
Thursday April 17, 2025 3:30pm - 4:20pm PDT
207 Oxford Brookes University,Headington Rd, Headington, Oxford OX3 0BP
  Cross phase

3:30pm PDT

Homelessness policy and practice: the geographical connection
Thursday April 17, 2025 3:30pm - 4:20pm PDT
JHB lecture theatre
We know a lot about what works to end homelessness, and yet it remains a major global injustice. This presentation will draw upon two decades of geographical research and ongoing efforts to influence homelessness policy and practice across the globe, including through collaboration with NGOs, national and local governments and even royalty.
Speakers
PM

Peter Mackie

Director of Impact and Engagement, School of Geography, Cardiff University
Thursday April 17, 2025 3:30pm - 4:20pm PDT
JHB lecture theatre Oxford Brookes University,Headington Rd, Headington, Oxford OX3 0BP
  Subject knowledge

4:20pm PDT

Connecting cartography
Thursday April 17, 2025 4:20pm - 5:10pm PDT
Executive suite
This workshop explores the local, regional and international surroundings of Oxford Brookes, where I studied cartography in 2001. We'll examine what's visible and hidden at these levels, and consider creating our own maps. This all-school workshop, from EY to Post-16, connects map-making to other subjects like science, graphic design and geography.
Speakers
avatar for Alice Gadney

Alice Gadney

Cartographer/ Director, Mini Map-Makers Global CIC
Thursday April 17, 2025 4:20pm - 5:10pm PDT
Executive suite Oxford Brookes University,Headington Rd, Headington, Oxford OX3 0BP
  Cross phase

4:20pm PDT

Connecting farming with geography teaching
Thursday April 17, 2025 4:20pm - 5:10pm PDT
203
Opportunities exist to gain insight into how farmers are tackling global issues such as carbon emissions, water quality, sustainability and food security. Farmers' decisions are influenced by their physical and changing human environment; the aim is to create a relevant farm visit with active learning experiences to gather environmental data while developing place connections and understanding the farmed landscape.
Speakers
DA

Dr Alison Brown

Farmer (former geography teacher and researcher)
Thursday April 17, 2025 4:20pm - 5:10pm PDT
203 Oxford Brookes University,Headington Rd, Headington, Oxford OX3 0BP
  Fieldwork

4:20pm PDT

Planning for progression in fieldwork 5–19
Thursday April 17, 2025 4:20pm - 5:10pm PDT
202
The launch of the GA's fieldwork progression framework, a collaboration between FOLSIG and AESIG, will support teachers in thinking through the interlinked process of curriculum planning, progression and assessment of fieldwork. It explores the role of fieldwork in supporting students' first-hand investigations of places, making sense of the connections between people, places and environments.
Speakers
CS

Chloe Searl

Independent Field Studies Tutor, The Island Geographer
DG

David Gardner

Education consultant, Geographical Association
Thursday April 17, 2025 4:20pm - 5:10pm PDT
202 Oxford Brookes University,Headington Rd, Headington, Oxford OX3 0BP
  Fieldwork