SCHOOLS-COMMUNITY-BUSINESS -HE LINKS 2005 ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE AT THE ROYAL GEOGRAPHICAL SOCIETY Presentati

1. SCHOOLS-COMMUNITY-BUSINESS -HE LINKS 2005 ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE AT THE ROYAL GEOGRAPHICAL SOCIETY Presentation by Garry Atterton FRIDAY 3rd SEPTEMBER 2005

2. THE GEOGRAPHY DEPARTMENT CASTLE SCHOOL THORNBURY AND COMMUNITY LINKS Aims of the presentation: • To outline Community links that are presently in place. • To evaluate the benefits and successes of community links.

3. LINKS WITH THE HIGHER EDUCATION COMMUNITY Having excellent links with the Geography subject tutor in the faculty of Education at The University of The West of England has led to rewarding collaborative work. Examples include: • Working together on Geographical Association Bristol branch lectures. • Sustainable development conferences for teachers and competitions for sixth form students. • Inset and an annual geography conference for teachers in the local authority. • The Castle school also takes PGCE students for their teacher training from UWE. Partnership projects with local (link) primary schools have been developed on school grounds and the local environment activities.

4. LINKS WITH LOCAL PRIMARY SCHOOLS Pedestrian Questionnaire • We asked pedestrians walking by questions about the High Street. • We asked shoppers, a security man and even Mr. Atterton!! • These were the questions: • How did you get to Thornbury today? • What is the purpose of your visit today? • How often do you come to Thornbury? • Do you think that priority should be given to pedestrians or vehicle users? • Do you think the High Street should be closed to traffic? Year 4 Crossways Primary School questionnaire design work

5. LINKS WITH LOCAL PRIMARY SCHOOLS • Open the high street to pedestrians so they can shop safely • Make the high street one way • Lane for lorries/vans doing deliveries • Speed cameras • More zebra crossings • Loading bay for lorries/vans • Close the high street between 10.00 and 4.00 • More pelican crossings • But which is the most important?

6. LINKS WITH THE HIGHER EDUCATION COMMUNITY A recent link has been set up with the School of Geography at The University of the West of England. Examples include: • Working on The Best Practice website www.southglos.gov.uk/ed/advisory/BestPracticeFora/Geography created by the Local Authority, with an on line revision course for A level students. UWE geography lecturers responded to questions asked by students across the the 14 schools in South Gloucestershire. • Use of UWE Geography lecturers for evening lectures for sixth formers at the University of Bristol Geography department. Organised by the Bristol branch of the Geographical Association. • Visiting Geography lecturers to The Castle School for an afternoon conference, with other local schools invited.

7. LINKS WITH PROFESSIONAL SUBJECT ASSOCIATIONS The Geography department has had a long term connection with the Bristol branch of the Geographical Association. Examples include: • Going to evening lectures given by Geography lecturers and teachers. • Taking part in a sixth form competition on an evening at The Geography department of The University of Bristol. • Meeting and sharing ideas with geography teachers from other local schools.

8. LINKS WITH PROFESSIONAL SUBJECT ASSOCIATIONS In recent years new links with The Royal Geographical Society have been established. Examples include: • Education membership, Fellowship and Chartered Geographer status. • Attendance at ICT and Geography conferences and annual teacher conferences.

9. LINKS WITH THE LOCAL AUTHORITY The Geography department was chosen by the Local authority as a Best Practice department. Examples include: • Working with other schools at Best Practice meetings and conferences. • Developing a geography website to be accessed by all local primary and secondary schools. • Working closely with the Education and Geography lecturers at UWE. • Supporting local primary schools with Geography lessons and fieldwork.

10. Ask a Geographer –Online Geography Revision Course http://www.southglos.gov.uk/ed/advisory/index.htm

11. LINKS WITH THE WORLD OF WORK • Fieldwork opportunities in Bristol Harbourside has allowed staff and students to become more aware of the work of professionals such as planners, developers, architects, surveyors and environmentalists. • Connections have been made with Connexions, The Bristol architecture centre, RICS, CABE and local authority planners.

12. BENEFITS OF SCHOOL COMMUNITY LINKS The following quotes are from The Castle school year 13 Geographers about the benefits of links with the community: • “ It was good to attend lectures as it extended knowledge and case studies.” • “ It provided great learning opportunities.” • “ It was very useful visiting a local university to see a Geography department.”

13. “ It was good interacting with and competing with local schools.” A level Geographers comments after taking part in the sixth form G.A. competition at the University of Bristol.

14. “I learnt a lot from the professionals.” Year 12 Geographers comment after meeting an environmental ranger who outlined coastal management issues at Chesil beach.

15. “It was interesting to listen to people in the world of work and how they managed environments.” Year 12 Geographers comment after meeting a Geologist at Charmouth along The Jurassic Coast in West Dorset.

16. “Very useful to have a different perspective to teachers view.” A levelGeography students’ comment who was quite keen not to have to listen to this old bore!

17. BENEFITS OF SCHOOL COMMUNITY LINKS • In summary the links made have been the result of many years of working closely with members of the local geography community. • It has taken a lot of hard work, commitment, enthusiasm and time. • The Geography Department has benefited directly and indirectly in the following ways: • GCSE Geography numbers has stayed steady at around 90 students per year. A Level numbers are very good with around 35 students per year. • Overall annual results are very good in terms of % A-C and in terms of added value. • Many students go onto University to study Geography and Geography related degrees.

18. BENEFITS OF SCHOOL COMMUNITY LINKS • Much of the academic success that the department has gained has been enhanced by the varied and interesting geographical diet offered outside of the school with our Geography friends in the local community. • Remember……………… • THINK LOCAL ACT LOCAL!!!!