Queen Mary’s School of Geography was the location for teachers from across London yesterday as they met to mark the launch of the Geographical Association’s newest local branch.
Senior lecturer in physical geography Dr Simon Carr, who hosted the event, said it was a great opportunity for teachers to not only get a subject update but to meet with fellow geography teachers and share experiences. “We are hoping that the meetings will provide a forum for teachers to not only discuss ideas but to find out more about subjects, such as the London Olympic legacy, and how they can apply this to their teaching,” he said.
Speakers at the launch event included Professor Steve Cummins from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and Lead Community Organiser at The East London Communities Organisation (TELCO) Emmanuel Gotora. Professor Cummins, a geographer interested in health and society, introduced teachers to his research around the impact the 2012 Games had on local communities’ health. Mr Gotora, a graduate of Queen Mary’s Community Organising postgraduate degree, examined changing employment opportunities and discussed the challenges of making these developments available to local people.
“The Olympic Games has been a popular case study throughout the National Curriculum as well as at GCSE and A Level,” Dr Carr, who teaches on several BSc Geography modules, added. “The geography of it runs across topics from urban renewal to health and society, the environment to the economy. Taking a closer look at some of the current research and work that is ongoing in 2014 is a great way to show teachers the continued effect this international event had on the local area and therefore its potential for their teaching resources.”
All Geographical Association events will be free to attend and are ideal for teachers, teaching assistants and anyone involved in the preparation, teaching and evaluation of teaching. If you are interested in finding out more contact Dr Simon Carr.