Editing Geographical Association (section)

==Activities==
'''Publications''':  '''Journals'''

The GA publishes three professional journals for members on a termly basis (three issues each year, based on the different phases of education viz. ''Primary Geography'', ''Teaching Geography'' (aimed at Secondary/High school teachers) and ''Geography'' - its flagship international journal for post-16 students, undergraduates, teachers and lecturers. ''Geography'' publishes articles by leading geographers and geography educators that provide summaries and reviews of contemporary geographical topics and developments in geography education. The aim is to help 'recontextualise' the discipline of geography for educational purposes and also be a means for university academics to keep in touch with the school subject.

'''Publications''':  '''Geography resources'''

The GA produces and sells a range of resources and guidance materials for teachers for Early Years through to Post-16 teachers. These include the geographical adventures of a teddy bear called 'Barnaby Bear' (A Trade Marked product) for primary-aged children, Handbooks for primary and secondary school teachers, 'Toolkits' providing curriculum planning advice and lesson ideas for secondary school teachers, and a series of 'Top Spec Geography' booklets on contemporary topics aimed at AS/A2 level students. 
In addition at a more general level, the catalogue includes a series interpretive guides to areas of  'classic' landforms and the exploration of cities and how they have been shaped.

'''Social Media for geography teachers'''

News and information for geography teachers is disseminated via the GA website, Facebook page and Twitter feed. The GA also facilitates a series of [[Ning (website)|Ning]] networks and communities for geography teachers and educators.

'''Resources for geography teachers'''

The GA website is a platform and depository for teaching ideas and resources. These are frequently updated as new geographical events occur or innovations in geography teaching approaches are developed.

'''A manifesto for geography education'''

In 2009 the GA published a document 'A Different View' describing geography as 'one of humanity's big ideas' aimed at making a compelling case for geography's place in the curriculum, demonstrating the practical importance of 'real world' geography and the value of geographical thinking.

'''Campaigning for geography'''

The Geographical Association engages with policy makers and government ministers to constantly make the case for geography, with a strong involvement in curriculum reviews and Government education consultations. From 2006- 2011 the Geographical Association and [[Royal Geographical Society|RGS-IBG]] jointly led the government-funded Action Plan for Geography.<ref>{{cite web| title =Action Plan for Geography. | url =http://www.geography.org.uk/projects/actionplanforgeography/ | access-date =2012-08-01}}</ref>

'''Geography subject leadership'''

The Geographical Association develops geography subject leadership at all levels, from new teachers during their initial training, to geography co-ordinators in primary schools, to secondary heads of department.

'''Annual conference'''

An annual conference rotates between locations in the north, midlands and south e.g. Manchester (2016), Guildford (2017) and offers a varied programme of lectures, talks, workshops and a large exhibition of geography education resources and published materials. The conference also includes a free public lecture and an awards event.

'''Training Courses'''

The Geographical Association runs a programme of continuing professional development events in different locations around the country.

'''Quality Marks'''
 
The GA operates a scheme whereby schools or geography departments can apply to be recognised for quality and progress and creative thinking in geography leadership, curriculum development, learning and teaching in school. The scheme encourages a development process using a self-assessment framework with submitted of examples of geography planning, lessons and students' work. Awards are made by a scrutiny panel of expert teachers. The awards are available for primary and secondary schools and are offered at Bronze, Silver and Gold Standards. Successful schools can apply for recognition as a Centre of Excellence. Evidence from schools that have used the Geography Quality Mark scheme indicates they find the evaluative framework a powerful and enabling tool for curriculum development.<ref>Owens, P., 2013. More than just core knowledge? A framework for effective and high-quality primary geography. Education 3-13, 41(4), pp.382-397.</ref>

'''Worldwise'''

The GA operates a series of activities to engage students directly under the banner 'Worldwise'. Activities include local and online geography quizzes, photo competitions, an essay competition and a fieldwork challenge weekend.

'''Funded projects'''

Over a number of years the Geographical Association has established itself as a leading force in the development of innovative geography projects in partnership with a variety of high-profile funders, e.g. the government-funded 'Global Learning Programme' and the British Council 'Connecting Classrooms' programme aimed at developing critical thinking and problem solving in geography.
The GA has been a partner or participant in a range of Europe-wide projects e.g. GeoCapabilities Project.