Issue 2 Winter 2014

Welcome to the Geography JourneyMark, Abi and I would like to welcome you to the second edition of Geography Journey. We’d like to let you know some of the events we’ve been involved in and developments we’ve been leading. It has been an absolute pleasure meeting you out and about in the geography community, whether at The Forum, Teacher Advisory Groups, events; in schools or OCR training. As Geographers we travel and wanted to share our experiences with you. If you would like more support or want to give us feedback then please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Shelley Monk

• The Geography Forum

• Role of the Geography Subject Specialist

• The ‘Future of Food’

• News: Geography GCSE & A Level resources and training

• OCR Geographers and their global adventures

• International Geography Olympiad

• Christmas quiz

The highlight of the third week in November was the Geography Consultative Forum held at OCR in Cambridge. Teachers, Higher Education, Subject Associations and Consultants discussed, debated, questioned and scrutinised geographical skills for the new 2016 A Level. There was a buzz after presentations from Roger Porkess from the Royal Statistical Society and Dr Richard Southern from Hertfordshire University. We talked about ‘A World full of Data’; their relevance and importance in Geography and how this complements a number of other subject choices such as Core Maths; the sample paper looks at development indicators, river discharge data and Spearman’s rank as a statistical tool. Richard Southern took us on a journey

examining ‘place’. He explained that we each contribute to the making of a place and derive meaning from it, for the Royal Town Planning Institute ‘Place: planning focuses on the outcomes that determine the quality, form and identity of places which people experience, whether they stay there or are just passing through’. This was an ideal segway into qualitative skills students can gain from delving into ‘place’ as part of the new A Level content.

Discussions throughout the day saw the critical role that fieldwork plays in developing student’s sense of independence, the need to question geographically, harness the skills of data collection, assimilation, manipulation and drawing conclusions. Some colleagues saw

students ‘interrogating data and setting about their studies with an almost forensic approach.’ The opportunities for GIS were highlighted in discussions as a platform for delivering the content and arming students with skills for their lifelong learning.

Rennaisance or revolution in Geography A Level? There is a buzz about the future of geography and the direction in which it is moving; it has certainly got the geographical community talking.

Please find the forum presentations about place and data available on the OCR Geography page.

The Geography Forum

In this issue:

These Subject Specialist roles were new to OCR in January 2014. The Geography Subject Specialists (Abi, Mark and Shelley) are here to provide information and support to schools ranging from specification and controlled assessment advice, resource developments and a range of training opportunities.

Working with the geography community through networks, whether it’s the Geographical Association, Field Studies Council, members of Higher Education and independent consultants ensures sharing of ideas and expertise to support teachers and

students alike. The Geography Forums held twice a year provide an opportunity for a range of stakeholders from the geography community to discuss contemporary issues; these events provide excellent continuing professional development opportunities.

The new curriculum changes from September 2016 mean the Subject Specialists are working with developers to produce specifications as well as resources to support these changes. An essential part of the development process has been working alongside teachers through the Teacher Advisory Groups to give the Subject

Specialists honest feedback. The Geography Subject Specialists are working with publishers to support the process of GCSE and A Level textbook writing.

The Subject Specialists are on Twitter, tweeting about geography in the news. Updates and Geography Journey will keep you posted on new developments, resources and training. If you need any support or want to share ideas then please don’t hesitate to get in touch at Geography@ocr.org.uk

The role of the Geography Subject Specialist

‘The Future of Food’Food is a vital resource we all need to survive and it is something ‘we’ all spend time thinking about and consuming and yet global access to food varies widely. The annual National Geographic –Geography Awareness Week (16 – 22 November) this year was about the ‘Future of Food.’

A critical question is: ‘How do we feed another 2.5 billion people by 2050?’ Agriculture, however, poses a major risk to our planet and yet ‘we’ need to grow more food to tackle the world’s growing population. Farming is a major contributor to global warming, consumer of water, a polluter through runoff as well as increasing habitat and biodiversity loss. A National Geographic article outlines a five-step plan for the future of food including ideas such as using resources more efficiently, changing our diets and reducing waste.

What about the role of genetically modified organisms in combatting food shortages? Although an area that has sparked much debate it has been done for thousands of years. Can we really afford to dismiss this technology if we are to feed people?’

The Guardian suggests we should be eating algae, creating artificial meat, greening deserts or building seawater greenhouses which grow food and generate power.

GEOGRAPHY JOURNEY2Issue 2 GEOGRAPHY JOURNEY2Issue 2

Follow us@OCR_geographyEmail us at Geography@ocr.org.uk

Join the discussion in the Geography social community@OCR_geographyfacebook.com/

ocrexamslinkedin.com/company/ocr

Training New training opportunities available from the Geography Subject Specialist team at OCR. Are you keen to learn or enhance your skills through GIS, data or fieldwork? Do you want to raise standards in your department and really get your students ‘thinking?’

GCSE & A Level Resource DevelopmentsTake a look at the new resources we’ve developed for GCSE and A Level. These map skills and datasets across the specifications with embedded teaching and learning ideas. Check out the new lesson elements – which can be used in any part of the lesson.

AS and A Level GCSE A GCSE B

What’s new?

BECOME AN OCR ASSESSOR

We are currently recruiting Assessors for A Level and GCSE Geography for 2015. Assessing for OCR is an excellent way to enhance your personal development, make a valuable contribution to the assessment process, and boost your income.

Please visit our website for further details and to download an application form, or email assessor.recruitment@ocr.org.uk if you have any queries – we’ll be happy to help.

Opportunities in

A Level and GCSE Geography

19 January 2015 GCSE and GCE Geography: Integrating GIS into the classroom

24 February 2015 OCR GCE AS Level Geography (H083): Feedback on Units F761 and F762

26 February 2015 GCSE and GCE Geography: Integrating GIS into the classroom

27 February 2015 OCR GCE AS Level Geography (H083): Feedback on Units F761 and F762

10 March 2015Tackling Fieldwork at GCSE and A Level Geography – data collection techniques and analytical tools

11 March 2015 GCSE and GCE Geography: Integrating GIS into the classroom

21 April 2015 GCSE and GCE Geography: Effective use of data, maths and statistics in geography

22 April 2015Research and higher-order thinking skills for geographers. OCR GCSE Geography A (J382), GCSE Geography B (J385) and GCE Geography (H483)

23 April 2015Tackling Fieldwork at GCSE and A Level Geography – data collection techniques and analytical tools

13 May 2015 GCSE and GCE Geography: Effective use of data, maths and statistics in geography

14 May 2015Research and higher-order thinking skills for geographers. OCR GCSE Geography A (J382), GCSE Geography B (J385) and GCE Geography (H484)

For more information on Geography training courses and to book, click here

GEOGRAPHY JOURNEY3Issue 2

GEOGRAPHY JOURNEY4Issue 2

On Safari in South Africa holiday review

In August I went on a holiday of a lifetime to South Africa and had an absolutely incredible time. My girlfriend and I went on Safari; we stayed with family in Pretoria and the two of us were joined by my sister and brother-in-law for a few days in Cape Town and Stellenbosch.

Safari was all I dreamt and more; we saw some incredible animals in their natural habitat including Elephant, Rhinoceros, Buffalo, Giraffe, Zebra, Hippopotamus, Lion and many more. Early morning drives,

relaxing daytimes by the pool and evening drives with stops for wine; what more could you ask for?

Staying with my brother-in-law’s family in Pretoria was very special as I got to experience a bit of their daily lives, whilst also doing a few touristy activities as well. In between Braais (South African barbeque) we visited the Parliament buildings where we saw the massive Nelson Mandela statue, the beautiful Botanical Gardens and had a few drinks in a local bar.

For our few days in the Cape Town area we stayed a few kilometres outside the city which afforded us an incredible view watching the sun set behind Table Mountain from a vineyard patio each evening as the lights of Cape Town started shining. Perfect. We also visited Cape Point, went to the top of Table Mountain, drove past some informal settlements and spent some time in the charming V&A Waterfront. Here there is the Clock Tower, which this year has been

Exploring the Amalfi Coast holiday review

In August this year I had the opportunity to visit the Almalfi coast in South Italy. I was lucky enough to be staying in the hill top town of Ravello which had amazing views, architecture and importantly food. The benefit of Ravello was that it is tucked away from Alfalfi and Positano which are directly on the coast and can be very busy; a slight disadvantage was that you put your life into the hands an unknown local bus driver when you travel down the mountain each day. Aside from near death bus experiences Ravello was fantastic and we were lucky enough to visit the Ravello music festival while there.

A highlight of this trip had to include visiting the UNESCO World Heritage site of Pompeii. The scale of this place was breathtaking and I was totally in awe of the advanced urban planning that took place 2000 years ago; it really is no wonder that the Romans had such a large empire. In particular the intricate mosaic floors, large-scale urban design, streets, bars and bath houses all preserved by the volcanic ash from Mount Vesuvius. I was also lucky enough to visit Herculaneum and Mount Vesuvius which were equally impressive.

The volcanic Island of Ischia was next on my list. The salt water thermal springs provided a relaxing and healing retreat. Thinking back to when I used to teach that classic KS3 lesson of ‘Why do people live near a volcano?’ I can really see the attraction this volcanic area brings. The Gulf of Naples was a fabulous place to visit and I felt very lucky to experience it.

Abi Carter

OCR Geographers and their global adventures

painted yellow to inspire the city during its time as the World Design Capital, and also the jetty that used to take prisoners to Robben Island where you could feel the history ooze from each room.

Mark Smith

The California dreamholiday review

Going on holiday as a Geographer can be a challenge, in the sense of just being able to look at things without admiring a physical feature and remembering how it was formed, the cultural mix of a place or the urban challenges from grid-locked traffic! Whilst I might have presumed that California was less of a Geographers paradise than other areas I have been lucky enough to see such as Kenya, Morocco or Japan I was wrong. The Californian’s themselves are a warm and welcoming people; there certainly weren’t the obesity problems that could be identified elsewhere in the US or indeed the world. The Pacific Highway was a treat with crashing waves and splendid features but a distinct lack of surfers; I guess in October it was perhaps a little chilly. My first experience of California was a quaint little suburb in San Francisco bay, a yoga-

loving vaguely hippish place with people who knew how to chill out and help me into the holiday mood. Ambling round the shops I couldn’t help but notice the earthquake warning signs and central gathering area with first aid facilities, but I guess I was up close and personal with the San Andreas fault line.

A trip to California had to take in Vegas with all its kitch and glamour but a great hop-off point for heading to ‘The Canyons.’ Bryce, Zion and of course the Grand Canyon such striking places with their rock formations, intense colour and beautiful sunsets. I’m not so sure about the lizards, snakes and spiders but all part of the ‘great outdoors’ and those semi-arid ecosystems at work. Who knew you could find a hoodoo in the middle of a national park, a pinnacle of rock, actually lots of pinnacles (like stalagmites) and evidence of some wicked weathering going on. One of the highlights for me was the biodynamic vineyard in Sonoma Valley; it came recommended. They made use of everything from insects to water conservation, tunnels under the ground to stop the wine evaporating through the barrels and keep it cool – what a waste!

Would I recommend California? Most definitely although take some extra money for the tipping culture, which I didn’t realise.

Shelley Monk

Next issue…• Fair trade fortnight (23rd Feb – 8 March)

• Post Geography degree – what next?

• Geography reforms – what’s happening?

• Fieldwork – challenging students to ‘think’

• Extended Project Qualification

QUIZCHRISTMAS

1. In what country, the world's seventh largest by geographical area, is Christmas known as Bada Din (the big day)? 

2. The North Pole, said to be Santa's home, is located in which ocean?

3. In which country, the largest of its continent, is it said that finding a spider web on Christmas morning brings good luck, and so Christmas trees are decorated with artificial spider webs?

4. London's Trafalgar Square Christmas tree is traditionally given by which country?

5. Bethlehem is a tiny village in which UK country?

6. Which country is Eggnog said to have originated from?

7. Which capital city of Nicaragua was devastated by an earthquake on Christmas Day in 1972?

8. Which country is said to export the largest amount of Christmas trees each year?

9. If I was born on Christmas Day, yet my birthday falls in the summer, where would I be? 

10. What huge Christmas gift did France give to the United States of America in 1886?

(1) India. (2) Arctic Ocean. (3) Ukraine. (4) Norway. (5) Wales. (6) England (East Anglia). (7)Managua. (8) Canada. (9) In the Southern Hemisphere. (10) The Statue of Liberty

Jodie Goodacre is studying Geography at the University of Hertfordshire and is a former student of Abi Carters. There are a great many opportunities for geography students such as the iGeo that Jodie participated in.

What is the iGeo?“The International Geography Olympiad (iGeo) is an annual competition for 16 to 19-

year-old geography students from all over the world. Students chosen to represent their countries are the very best, chosen from thousands of students who participate in their own National Geography Olympiads.”

How did you find out about iGeo and what made you apply?I found out about the iGeo through the Geographic Association website, whilst looking for resources for my A Levels. I also felt doing this extra work outside of school hours would greatly help my progress in terms of my A Levels.

What was the application process like?The application process was fairly straightforward. The Geographical Association provided a step-by-step guide to applying. The entry required me to write a 1,000 word essay to a question set by the GA. Last year’s application question was:

“For two of the MDG 8 targets outlined above, how can countries successfully work together to ensure that, by 2015 this goal is met, securing the success of the other MDG goals? Give specific examples on UNDP’s work to support your answer.”

What were your highlights from the trip?The cultural function and poster presentation evenings were real highlights for me; they were a great opportunity to get all the contestants talking and bonding as a group. From this we have been able to make everlasting and international friendships. Another high pointy was the excursion to the Pieniny Mountains, here we spent 2 hours rafting down the Dunajec River – this is where we received our A Level results which was an amazing setting for such a momentous day.

Why should Geography students take part in the competition? Would you encourage others to take part?Competing in the International Geography Olympiad has provided with me with an invaluable experience that I will never forget. The week not only included excursions, fieldwork, and exams, but also fantastic evenings where all competing students were able to share their cultural experiences.

I would strongly recommend to any 16 to 19-year-old Geographers apply for the next Olympiad. Put in an entry and you could be off to Moscow, Russia, to compete for the UK. It’s also great to have on your CV and UCAS applications!

Do you have tips to help those with the application process?Make sure you do your research around the topic so that you can get to grips with it. Following this it is about refining your knowledge and applying it correctly to the set question.

Your Geography teacher will be more than happy to read over your essay and give you some guidance as to what they feel could be improved or changed. If you are chosen to represent the UK in the following iGeo then make the most of every second of it! It is an amazing experience; make sure you interact with other participants and enjoy every moment!

What is next for you?I am currently studying for Geography at Hertfordshire University. Following this, I aim to achieve a PGCE at Cambridge University before going on to teach Geography as my future career.

International Geography Olympiad (iGeo)