Hi Diane
Thanks for the prompt reply. Whilst it is good that the GA and RGA-IBG
areworking continuously with government agencies to promote geography teaching
I wonder just how in touch with ordinary geography teachers they are. Do
they not tend to be dominated by academic geographers who have little contact
with the classroom? Current syllabus' at GCSE tend to be good on paper
but the reality of the exam is to relyover much on recall resulting in a
very content heavy work load in the classroom. This combined with the huge
pressure on teachers to test students formally at regular short intervals
(in my case evry 3 months - to be entered onto a school data base) is resulting
in more pressure and less fun in the classroom. Even at KS3 we are having
to report SAT levels to parents each term. It is no wonder that students
hope to escape from this treadmill by opting for subjects they perceive
as being more fun like drama and sports studies.
Fieldwork that used to be an attraction is nowplacing increasing demands
on the student whilst teachers are being squeezed the otherway by this terror
led curriculum and the fear of legal procedings.

However we have the most relevant subject in terms of content, relevance
and the skills required. Unfortunately it takes older members of staff
such as myself to ignore as much of the bureacracy as possible and try to
keep the fun in the subject.

i would suggest that the GA or RGS should create an internet based panel
of teachers from ordinary schools to ensure that their voices are heard.
 I am sure most of us would like to see a target, amongst the others now
proliferating, of "school should be fun". The only initiative which I have
found useful is the brilliant RGS education web site for AS/A2 level. Can
we see more of the same with the GA competing to provide good exciting geography
which is upto date,relevant and appropriate for a variety of age groups.
 The potential for providing stimulating material at all levels in our subject
is probably greater than in any other subject. What other subject is basically
so simple in its basics but immensely complex in its interpretation- and
relevant.
I would also like to state that rather than just complaining about things
I have tried to do my bit to liven geography up (within the constraints
of the National Curriculum) by co-authoring the OUP series of KS3 books
geog.123.

sorry for the rant but I find the whole discussion about the role of geography
annoying - IT IS THE SUBJECT! no doubts at all.


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