GA Conference and Exhibition 2025: Full Schedule

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.

2:00pm BST

Exploring Bicester: a town of change

Tuesday April 15, 2025 2:00pm - 5:00pm BST

Bicester

This field visit will take you on a walking tour of Bicester, exploring some of the sites that make it an interesting case study of urban change. We'll visit: Graven Hill, the UK's largest self-build estate; a restaurant that supports population control in Thailand; and, of course, Bicester Village, the second most visited location in the UK by Chinese tourists after Buckingham Palace.

Speakers

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 →

Tuesday April 15, 2025 2:00pm - 5:00pm BST
Bicester Bicester Village, 6HB, Station Approach, Bicester

Fieldwork

Key Stage KS4, Post-16, Early Career Teacher

2:30pm BST

Connecting to the geography of a single grid square FILLING

Tuesday April 15, 2025 2:30pm - 4:00pm BST

Foyer

Drawing inspiration from Local by Alastair Humphreys, and with an emphasis on divisions of space and place, this field visit will show a range of techniques teachers can use to explore any single grid square close to their school. There will be two concurrent strands to the field visit, with separate activities highlighted for primary and secondary students.

Speakers

Chloe Searl

Independent Field Studies Tutor, The Island Geographer

Ryan Nock

Head Of Geography, Carr Manor Community School (Parkside School)

Dr Paula Richardson

Exhibitors

GA Fieldwork and Outdoor Learning Special Interest Group

We are a friendly, productive and dynamic group focusing on enabling teachers to deliver high quality fieldwork at all levels, from primary to secondary education.FOLSIG meets three time a year both face-to-face and online, to talk all things fieldwork and support the strategic aims... Read More →

Tuesday April 15, 2025 2:30pm - 4:00pm BST
Foyer Oxford Brookes University,Headington Rd, Headington, Oxford OX3 0BP

Fieldwork

Key Stage KS1, KS2, KS3, KS4, Post-16

3:00pm BST

Fieldwork connections: the role of games and challenges in fieldwork for young people FILLING

Tuesday April 15, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm BST

Oxford Centre

The role of fun and games are often overlooked in field trips, but they're powerful tools in connecting students to their environment and exploring the process of scientific enquiry. This session looks to spend time in an urban centre and examine how such activities can enthuse students and enhance their understanding of fieldwork, in preparation for more formal assessment of these skills.

This session begins at Oxford Centre, please make your way to the What Three Words Venue https://what3words.com/rate.unfair.curvy (at the bottom of Corn Market Street). I have booklets that I will be holding up that have a big GA logo on the front, and I will make sure I have my blue beanie on (in my photo) and that I look like a Geographer! i.e. stylish, with a coffee.

Speakers

Ollie Davies

Teacher, Ardingly College

Ollie studied undergraduate Geography at University College, London, and at postgraduate level at the University of Oxford, where he gained an MSc in Environmental Geomorphology. He entered the teaching profession through TeachFirst and taught at Loxford School in East London before... Read More →

Exhibitors

GA Independent Schools Special Interest Group

Our members are geography teachers, both active and retired, from a range of independent day, boarding, single sex and co-educational senior and junior schools. We collaborate to share best practice in teaching and learning, for instance, embedding diversity and inclusion in the curriculum... Read More →

Tuesday April 15, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm BST
Oxford Centre Oxford Station, Park End St, Oxford OX1 1HS

Fieldwork

Key Stage KS2, KS3

11:30am BST

30 strategies that connect students to top NEA grades FILLING

Wednesday April 16, 2025 11:30am - 12:20pm BST

206

If we could isolate and study the top scoring NEA submissions, what would we find that makes them stand out from others? What techniques do some students use to really set themselves apart? This session will reveal 30 approaches that top-scoring NEA students consistently use to connect their studies to the highest possible marks.

Speakers

Chloe Searl

Independent Field Studies Tutor, The Island Geographer

Wednesday April 16, 2025 11:30am - 12:20pm BST
206 Oxford Brookes University,Headington Rd, Headington, Oxford OX3 0BP

Fieldwork

Key Stage Post-16

11:30am BST

Connecting with trees

Wednesday April 16, 2025 11:30am - 12:20pm BST

Executive suite

Discover how trees can enrich your curriculum, fostering hands-on learning, fieldwork, GIS and environmental stewardship. Gain practical ideas for projects and activities that connect students with nature and challenge them to think about how the trees in your school site/local area connect to larger concepts such as sustainability and climate change.

Speakers

Martin Sutton

Lecturer in Geography Education and Secondary School Geography Teacher, University of Reading and the Holt School

Wednesday April 16, 2025 11:30am - 12:20pm BST
Executive suite Oxford Brookes University,Headington Rd, Headington, Oxford OX3 0BP

Fieldwork

Key Stage KS3, KS4, Post-16, Early Career Teacher

3:30pm BST

Should regeneration be national or local? Eden Project Morecambe

Wednesday April 16, 2025 3:30pm - 4:20pm BST

202

This session will investigate Morecambe and its plans to turn itself around. Will Eden Project Morecambe achieve its aim of reimagining the resort for the 21st Century? Does the Queens Market Project provide a better local solution? How can fieldwork be used to investigate Morecambe as a case study, as well as other regeneration projects throughout the UK?

Speakers

Katy Dowdall

Tutor, Field Studies Council

I am an experienced outdoor field studies tutor currently working in the Lake District at Castle Head Field Studies Centre. I am a qualified Geography teacher and Level 3 Forest School leader.

Wednesday April 16, 2025 3:30pm - 4:20pm BST
202 Oxford Brookes University,Headington Rd, Headington, Oxford OX3 0BP

Fieldwork

Key Stage KS4, Post-16

4:20pm BST

Developing global connections: bringing the outside world in

Wednesday April 16, 2025 4:20pm - 5:10pm BST

207

This workshop will explore how we can make international connections from our classrooms and through travel. We'll consider how barriers to carrying out international fieldwork can be overcome, and discuss issues related to sustainable travel. Practical activities will include using resources from GA Study Tours, discussing fieldwork scenarios and evaluating the sustainability of travel for learning.

Speakers

Catherine Owen

Chair of International Special Interest Group

I’m Head of Geography in a 11-18 comprehensive school in Somerset.

Amy Case

Head of Geography, Latymer Upper School

Exhibitors

GA International Special Interest Group

The International Special Interest Group’s aims are:To advise and represent the GA on international matters.To establish and co-ordinate links with international geographical and educational organisations and between schools and individuals.To further the study and teaching of geography... Read More →

Wednesday April 16, 2025 4:20pm - 5:10pm BST
207 Oxford Brookes University,Headington Rd, Headington, Oxford OX3 0BP

Fieldwork

Key Stage KS2, KS3, KS4, Post-16

11:30am BST

Connecting the 'what' with the 'why' of fieldwork

Thursday April 17, 2025 11:30am - 12:20pm BST

205

Want your students to be fantastic at fieldwork? We'll share simple activities and quality questions to help your students connect what they do in your existing fieldwork with why you've chosen to do it that way. Teach them the thinking behind your decisions in KS3 and GCSE fieldwork so that they're ready to make their own in the A level NEA.

Speakers

Jill Owens

Fieldwork Tutor, Cranedale Centre

I've been working with young people for over 20 years, starting as a 'Group Leader' for PGL at the age of 18, spending 7 years teaching Geography in secondary school classrooms and now working outdoors as a Fieldwork Tutor for the Cranedale Centre in Yorkshire.I hope the things I... Read More →

Thursday April 17, 2025 11:30am - 12:20pm BST
205 Oxford Brookes University,Headington Rd, Headington, Oxford OX3 0BP

Fieldwork

Key Stage KS3, KS4, Post-16

2:00pm BST

Making connections in the NEA

Thursday April 17, 2025 2:00pm - 2:50pm BST

205

This workshop examines ways in which students can make connections between their own research and wider geographical theory. We'll discuss how focusing on suitable place/space theory allows students to progress beyond the comparison of two locations or 'to what extent has regeneration been successful' titles. We'll also consider misconceptions and best practice in literature research.

Speakers

Andy Owen

Author, self-employed

I am an author of geography resources for both students and teachers. I have written for all key stages and all aspects of geography teaching but my recent work has focussed on fieldwork and geomorphology for teachers and GCSE and A level students. I have considerable experience with... Read More →

Thursday April 17, 2025 2:00pm - 2:50pm BST
205 Oxford Brookes University,Headington Rd, Headington, Oxford OX3 0BP

Fieldwork

Key Stage KS4

2:00pm BST

Using technology to connect with geographical fieldwork

Thursday April 17, 2025 2:00pm - 2:50pm BST

206

Turning the mobile phone from a hinderance to an aid! This session will explore how embracing apps and digital practices can support learning in the field, engage students with their surroundings and connect them to the wider world of geography. It will aid you with the tools to take the textbook out of the classroom.

Speakers

Em Kendall

Senior Tutor, Field Studies Council

Grace Phillips

Digital Training Officer and Senior Tutor, Field Studies Council

Thursday April 17, 2025 2:00pm - 2:50pm BST
206 Oxford Brookes University,Headington Rd, Headington, Oxford OX3 0BP

Fieldwork

Key Stage KS4, Post-16

4:20pm BST

Connecting farming with geography teaching

Thursday April 17, 2025 4:20pm - 5:10pm BST

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

Dr Alison Brown

Farmer (former geography teacher and researcher), Downland Farming

I grew up on a farm and have a keen interest in the countryside. Currently I farm with my husband on chalk downland in southern England. We farm the land in a way that supports nature alongside producing food. I have completed a CEVAS (the Countryside Educational Visits Accreditation... Read More →

Thursday April 17, 2025 4:20pm - 5:10pm BST
203 Oxford Brookes University,Headington Rd, Headington, Oxford OX3 0BP

Fieldwork

Key Stage All KS

4:20pm BST

Planning for progression in fieldwork 11–19

Thursday April 17, 2025 4:20pm - 5:10pm BST

202

This Lecture Plus will support teachers in thinking through the interlinked process of curriculum planning, progression and assessment of fieldwork in geography. It explores the role of fieldwork in supporting pupil’s first-hand investigations of places, making sense of the connections between people, places and environments. Bring your ideas about how you are currently thinking about fieldwork to the session to share and discuss.

Speakers

David Gardner

Education consultant, Geographical Association

Katherine Baulcomb

Senior Lead Practitioner; Member of GA Assessment & Examination Special Interest Group, Westminster City School

Exhibitors

GA Assessment & Examinations Special Interest Group

The purpose of the Assessment and Examinations Special Interest Group (AESIG) is to support GA members in all phases with their assessment and progression practices in geography and related curriculum areas. What we doAESIG is involved in:a. Monitoring matters to do with assessment... Read More →

Thursday April 17, 2025 4:20pm - 5:10pm BST
202 Oxford Brookes University,Headington Rd, Headington, Oxford OX3 0BP

Fieldwork

Key Stage All KS