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Area 4 Geography Curriculum Development Group (CDG)

I was lucky enough to head along to the Area 4 CDG meeting yesterday afternoon. This is a forum of geographers (mainly Heads of Geography). The main discussion points were the compressed curriculum and the new 14-19 curriculum.

I think that as geographers we need to move our focus away from the logistics of 'how are we going to get our pupils from school A to B' and whether these qualifications are a good idea and to 'Where does Geography make a contribution?'

I am told that the new outline schemes are available on line and I've made a commitment to look at these in order to identify where Geography can make a contribution. I think that this is an opportunity to be pro-active. We would be going to Heads and telling them where specialist geography input would ensure that young people have the highest quality teaching and learning. We must remember that it even at full tilt the new diplomas will only be followed by 40-50% of pupils. By being proactive we can ensure that geography remains at the forefront of education - lets make sure that the subject is seen and heard. Together with the new KS3 this is the chance, possibly the last chance, for geography to really sell itself. I plan to report here what I find- maybe others can do the same in their areas and contribute a comment?

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