Ge graphia Geographia is the national newsletter of the Australian Geography Teachers’ Association Limited. JANUARY 2012

Occasional Newsletter of The Australian Geography Teachers’ Association Limited

In this issue:

AGTA 108 - 01 From the Chair 02 AGTA Website 02 Geocareers Website 02 Chair Report (AGM) 03 Student Geography Competitions/Activities 05 AGTA 108 The Don Biddle: Hobart Tasmania Friends of AGTA Awards 05 22-23 October 2011 National Education Forum 05 Malcolm welcomed all to the 108th AITSL Examplar Project 06 AGTA Meeting held at The Friends School in North Hobart on 22-23 Exploring 21st Century October 2011. A special welcome Geography: was extended to Shane Albertson. A new resource on-line 06 Arab Gateways 06 AGTA Constitution 06 2011 Geography’s Big Week Out 07 National Geographic Channel Australian Geography Competition 08 AGTA 2013 Conference 09 Affiliate News 10 Education Services 15

www.agta.asn.au PAGE 1 GFromeogr theap hiChaira - In Brief

AGTA Website

The major website development this year has been the provision of a new section for the online purchase of AGTA products and subscriptions to Geographical Education. This has required the opening of a PayPal account thus ensuring secure online transactions using credit cards (MasterCard and Visa) and direct payment. Options for purchasers to use a school order form or pay by cheque are also available. Institute of Australian Keys to Geography Geographers The AGTA 2011 Conference section is still attracting a considerable number of The IAG committee is keen to promote 2nd Edition online visitors particularly to the keynote academics with expertise to use as keynote video presentations by Rita Gardner, AGTA’s financial position continues to be speakers and to produce publications/ Duncan Chessell and Tim Costello. The healthy as a result of the sales of the 2011 materials, peer reviews and link to the AGTA Facebook page has been set up with second edition of its highly successful Keys Australian Geographer journal. both general comments and a AGTA 2011 to Geography publication. Keys to Geography conference wall. It has attracted a number publications have provided a much needed Geography - Going National of new members and postings. A full listing Australian orientated resource for schools Poster Series of the AGTA Award winners can also be across Australia. A series of posters is being developed by Grant Kleeman on the key concepts of viewed at the AGTA website. the Australian Curriculum: Geography: The Chairperson’s annual reports provide AGTA 2010 Awards Place/Space/Environment/Change/ much useful information for members AGTA presents biennial awards to producers Interconnection /Sustainability/Scale/ about the achievements of AGTA whilst the of materials used in the teaching of Other possible poster themes: ‘Geography discussions’ section provides geography. The following AGTA Awards • Lifestyle and Culture links to Web 2.0 geography websites were presented at the AGTA 2011 • Landscapes and a portal to a number of useful blogs, wikis, nings, forums, discussions and Conference in January. • Human Well being other participatory web applications that • Settlements • Primary school resource: Get Connected support geography teaching both in • Extreme Environment Publisher, World Vision Australia Australia and overseas. Other changes to • Junior secondary school textbook: Oxford Proposed Timeline for release of the posters: the website include updates to the news Big Ideas Geography Level 6, Oxford September 2012, to coincide with the release section (e.g. latest issue of Geographia), University Press of the Australian Curriculum: Geography. Board members, affiliate details and • Senior secondary school textbook: Our resources. Updates have also been made Global Future: the Geography of Planning Geographical Education to the national geography curriculum Cities and Climate Change, GAWA Geography Going National is the theme website, standards for geography teaching • Broadsheet, chart, wall map: Oxford Big for the 2011 volume 24 of Geographical and details of affiliate conferences. The Atlas 2, Oxford University Press Education. listing of state conferences has been • Atlas: The Jacaranda Atlas Edition The papers to date ready for the journal are: updated where such details are known. • Website: DataGenie, Education Services 1. Evolution rather than extinction: The Australia future of the Geography textbook • Non-commercial, teacher produced Geocareers Website 2. A geographically informed vision of skills resource: Building Global Awareness, development Global Education Centre of Changes and revisions have been made 3. Inquiry in Geography and Science: Can • Geography teaching resource material: to the GeoCareers website thanks to the it work? Keys to Geography Essential Skills and suggestions of people to be included 4. Gender, memory and Geography tasks Tools, Macmillan Education Australia in in the profile section being forwarded 5. Exploring the content knowledge of collaboration with AGTA to Rob Berry. Members are invited to experienced Geography teachers • Geographical education publication: send recommendations of people to be 6. Exploring the role of imagination and Interaction Global Geography Volume approached with a view to providing a narrative in geography teaching 38 No 2 June 2010, GTAV profile for publication as there are still 7. Lessons from the UK national curriculum many career areas we would like to include. AGTA thanks all these publishers for in Geography -Dr Rita Gardiner. Please send the person’s name, their email submitting their high quality work and looks Members are asked to provide to the address and current area of employment forward to future opportunities to support Editor by email at [email protected] to Rob ([email protected]). Rob will publishers in developing the very best reports/articles that may be relevant then contact each person nominated and products and resources for the teaching of to Geographical Education. provide them with a standard proforma geography in Australian schools. and agreement sheet.

PAGE 2 PAGE 3 Chair Report (AGM) Geographia

AGTA has been given the opportunity to play a key role in the • Spatial Education Advisory Committee: development of the Australian Curriculum: Geography. ACARA Malcolm McInerney • ACARA Advisory Panel for Geography: has made a determined effort to maximise AGTA’s involvement. Malcolm McInerney, Rebecca Nicholas and Nick Hutchinson. Tim Costello, patron of AGTA, addressed Promoting Geography in Australia: I am happy to report that AGTA is delegates at the 2011 AGTA Conference Tim Costello as AGTA Patron considered as an important member of in . AGTA must make an effort To support AGTA’s goal to promote these groups and is considered as one of to continue to utilise Tim as a high profile Geography in the Australian community the associations with a ‘Big picture’ view person. An invitation will be extended to and media, in January 2011 Tim Costello, of the need for representation via national Tim to attend the 2013 AGTA Conference in CEO of World Vision and well recognized ‘umbrella’ organisations and is prepared to in 2013. humanitarian was formally appointed as invest in members of its board to always be Thank you is extended to AGTA Directors who AGTA Patron. In his Keynote address at the represented at meetings and to participate have taken on portfolio leadership and those AGTA conference, Tim said in regards to in required activities who have represented AGTA on National geography: Geography gives students … “a Committees such as NEF, IAG and SSSI. framework that will enable them to always be AGTA’s continued involvement in mapping their terrain, a primary life skill.” Tim’s ACARA’s curriculum development Australian Curriculum: Geography keynote can be viewed on the AGTA website process continues to develop, as does AGTA at http://www.agta.asn.au/conf2011/ In January 2011 ACARA released the Shape as the peak body for geography presentations/costello_t.htm of the Australian Curriculum: Geography. teachers in Australia Tim brings a humane and humanitarian Since then ACARA has been developing the In 2011 AGTA’s work has continued to be edge to the worth of geography as scope and sequence for geography which is dominated with the development of the illustrated in his recent articles in major planned to be released in October 2011 for Australian Curriculum: Geography. The Australian newspapers: consultation. The process continues to be a curriculum has reached the draft scope challenging but critical task for geography and sequence stage of development and “We need young Australians who can learn teachers across Australia. AGTA continues all augurs well for the planned launch of from the past and be critically aware of the to be heartened by ACARA’s commitment the curriculum in September 2012. The issues facing the world in the present and to involve geography teachers and in imminent launch of the curriculum has the future. Geography challenges students particular AGTA in the process of curriculum meant that 2011 has been an exciting to investigate, question, evaluate and apply development. To this end, several AGTA and unparalleled year for geographical their learning to the world in which they Board members and numerous members of education in Australia. October 2008 seems live. It involves hard, critical thinking, the AGTA affiliates have been closely involved as a long time ago when AGTA in collaboration development of important knowledge and members of the evolving ACARA Advisory with the Institute of Australian Geographers skills and an engaged, involved outlook; a Panels for geography over the past two years. and the Royal Geographical Society of desire not merely to observe the world but to The following ACARA timeline will give established the ‘Towards a change it for the better.” an idea of the 2011-2012 curriculum National Geography Curriculum in Australia’ We look forward to working with Tim over development process for the Australian (TNGC) project as a pro-active initiative to coming years to promote geography in the Curriculum: Geography. Naturally, the prepare the stage for the development of Australia community. timeline may change but at this stage these the Australian Curriculum for geography. are the dates, events and milestones ACARA AGTA is confident, as the curriculum AGTA’s representative work has mapped out for the process: becomes a reality, that the time, money AGTA has an important role in representing and personal investment involved with this geography teachers on a variety of national • October 2011 – February 2012: initiative was well worthwhile and put us committees to ensure that the voice of Consultation on the draft scope and in a favourable position to ensure that the geography educators is heard. Such roles sequence curriculum to be developed will be a 21st are increasingly important in terms of the • February - May 2012: Curriculum Century geography. It is worth noting at the national focus and the national curriculum revision beginning of this annual report that ACARA developments. • June - August 2012: National has comprehensively used our TNGC work consultation and final revisions to guide the process and that some of our Portfolios for the purpose of representation • September 2012: Proposed publication members (AGTA Board Directors and AGTA were allocated as follows: AGTA encourages all Australian geography affiliate members) have played a crucial • Australian Federation of Societies for teachers to keep informed of the ACARA and significant role in the development of Studies of Society and the Environment: process via their website at http://www. the Curriculum for geography as members Emmy Terry (voting representative) and acara.edu.au and take advantage of of the Australian Curriculum, Assessment Margaret McIvor (AGTA representative). the opportunities provided by ACARA and Reporting Authority (ACARA) advisory • Institute of Australian Geographers: and geography teachers’ associations in bodies and writing panels. Whilst this work Malcolm McInerney each state to feed comments and ideas has created an increased workload and • Australian Academy of Science’s National into the process. The first of these is the investment from AGTA and its officers, this Committee of Geography: Grant Kleeman on-line consultation for the draft scope report will show that we have also been able • National Education Forum: Malcolm and sequence being conducted between to maintain our regular activities to promote McInerney (Executive member of the NEF) October 2011 – February 2012. geographical education in Australia. • National Geographic Channel Australian Geography Competition: Margaret McIvor

PAGE 2 PAGE 3 Geographia TEN GOOD REASONS to enter the geography competition Entries close 29 February 2012 PUTS GEOGRAPHY IN THE SPOTLIGHT CHALLENGES YOUR IN YOUR SCHOOL Important in 2012 STUDENTS TO DEMONSTRATE with the release of the Australian Curriculum: THEIR GEOGRAPHICAL Geography KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS GOOD PRACTICE FOR EXTERNAL MULTIPLE- CHOICE EXAMS LOW FEE OF $3.00 PER STUDENT, WITH NO SCHOOL CHARGE “The kids get a FLEXIBLE TIMING buzz out of it” BETWEEN 26 MARCH AND 4 APRIL, TO SUIT YOUR ACCORDING TO THEIR “The kids loved it SCHOOL’S NEEDS and had a great TEACHERS, STUDENTS time” ACTUALLY ENJOY IT!

ALL STUDENTS GET “The students are RESULTS AND GRADED very excited to be CERTIFICATES IN participating” REWARDS STUDENT THREE AGE DIVISIONS EXCELLENCE WITH GREAT PRIZES interstate trips, FIRST STEP IN SELECTION books, medals, money FOR AUSTRALIA’S National Geographic World Championship INTERNATIONAL for younger students, GEOGRAPHY TEAMS International Geography Olympiad for older EASY TO ADMINISTER 26 MARCH – 4 APRIL 2012 NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC CHANNEL AUSTRALIAN GEOGRAPHY COMPETITION Full details are sent to all secondary schools in mid January, and are on the web from late December. Interested primary teachers can use the information on the web or contact us directly. www.rgsq.org.au/agc.htm [email protected] ph: (07) 3368 2066

Proudly sponsored by

The Royal Geographical Australian Geography Society of Queensland Inc Teachers’ Association Limited

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TEN GOOD REASONS Student Geography Competitions/Activities The Don Biddle: Friends of AGTA Award to enter the geography competition For many years AGTA has been involved in • Tasmania: Launceston Church Grammar conducting in liaison with the GTAQ a range School In 2011 AGTA inaugurated the Don of geographical competitions and activities. • : Grammar School Biddle Friends of Geography Awards. Entries close 29 February 2012 These initiatives are extremely important in • : Shenton College We thank Don for being so generous providing an important goal for students • The final for the under 16’s was held at the to allow us to name the award after PUTS GEOGRAPHY to engage with geography in their school Fox Studios in on 6 June 2011. him in recognition of the wonderful IN THE SPOTLIGHT and to raise the profile of geography in the The results of the Final were: work he did with AGTA for many years. CHALLENGES YOUR IN YOUR SCHOOL community. I would like to thank Kath Berg • First: Michael Gu, Melbourne Grammar The award has been developed by Important in 2012 STUDENTS TO DEMONSTRATE (RGSQ) and the dedicated geographical School AGTA to recognise individuals, groups with the release of the educators from the GTAQ and GAWA for all • Second: Jesse Tong, Grammar or institutions which have made Australian Curriculum: THEIR GEOGRAPHICAL Geography their hard work with the following activities. School a significant contribution over an KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS • Third: Liam Kearney, Christ Church extended period of time to the work The National Geographic Channel Grammar School, Perth of AGTA in promoting geographical Australian Geography Competition is a education in Australia. GOOD PRACTICE FOR joint initiative of AGTA and the RGSQ and is The International Geography Olympiad EXTERNAL MULTIPLE- proudly sponsored by National Geographic was held in Taipei, Taiwan, from 29 July to The 2011 Don Biddle Friends of AGTA CHOICE EXAMS LOW FEE OF $3.00 PER Channel. This competition continues to 4 August 2010. The team was chosen from Awards were presented to Mark Manual, grow and be a great success in promoting students who participated in the senior Roger Smith and Kath Berg at the AGTA STUDENT, WITH NO geography in schools around Australia. In level of the National Geographic Channel 2011 conference in Adelaide. AGTA SCHOOL CHARGE 2011, over 80 000 students participated in Australian Geography Competition via thanks these three individuals for their “The kids get a the competition Australia wide.In 2011 the Geography’s Big Week Out. The team had outstanding work for geography in FLEXIBLE TIMING buzz out of it” school prizes were awarded to: an outstanding Olympiad, coming second Australian schools for many years and in the team scores and winning Australia’s wish them all the best for the future. • Territories: Canberra Grammar School BETWEEN 26 MARCH AND first ever gold medal (won by Samuel The next Don Biddle Friends of AGTA • : Sydney Boys High School 4 APRIL, TO SUIT YOUR Buttenshaw from All Saints College St Awards will be awarded at AGTA 2013 “The kids loved it • Queensland: ACCORDING TO THEIR Mary’s, Maitland, NSW). Congratulations to in Perth. SCHOOL’S NEEDS and had a great • South Australia: Pembroke School TEACHERS, STUDENTS time” the team on this outstanding effort. ACTUALLY ENJOY IT!

ALL STUDENTS GET “The students are RESULTS AND GRADED very excited to be National Education Forum Meeting held in July at the Professional Teachers Association, Sydney. CERTIFICATES IN participating” REWARDS STUDENT THREE AGE DIVISIONS From a Geographical Perspective significant input from the states and after Rob Randall: Australian Curriculum, EXCELLENCE WITH Highlights of the NEF meeting included all, most of the work is the role of states. The Assessment and Reporting Authority GREAT PRIZES the opportunity to: Commonwealth is reluctant to interfere. (ACARA). • present the paper to the Minister titled • There is considerable interaction already Rob outlined ACARA’s role in focusing on the interstate trips, FIRST STEP IN SELECTION books, medals, money “Aligning Australia’s National Professional with professional associations through curriculum. At this stage most teachers are Education Associations with the National prizes and submissions and through work FOR AUSTRALIA’S National Geographic familiar with the general capabilities. AITSL, World Championship Agenda” and get the support of the NEF on with ACARA. The Minister noted that there ESA and ACARA spending time together, INTERNATIONAL for younger students, the paper (see attached). are so many hours in the day to conduct to ensure there are no speed bumps and GEOGRAPHY TEAMS International Geography • hear Pater Garrett talk about the progress consultation processes – this inference was duplication. Comment from the gathering Olympiad for older EASY TO of the Australian Curriculum. In particular, made in relation to the work of ACARA. The that “ACARA right from the start stated ADMINISTER to hear his response to the NEF paper, Minister felt that the consultation of ACARA that they are interested in curriculum not “Aligning Australia’s National Professional had been adequate and comprehensive stipulating how it is taught. However, this is 26 MARCH – 4 APRIL 2012 Education Associations with the National however acknowledged that the views hard to do without implying what the best Agenda”. from the sector differ. pedagogy is.” • discuss with Susan Mann about the • Enhanced AITSL role has meant that there Susan Mann -Education NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC CHANNEL possibility of developing learning objects has been more active engagement through Services Australia (ESA) stakeholder forums and this will continue. for professional learning that could be Sue indicated that ESA wished to link in early AUSTRALIAN GEOGRAPHY COMPETITION developed by ESA. • National architecture paper provides an to associations and get their advice on what Minister Garrett made the following opportunity to strengthen the consultation Full details are sent to all secondary schools in mid January, and are on the web from late December. already exists and where are the gaps. Not comments in relation and to open discussion. looking to create resources from scratch Interested primary teachers can use the information on the web or contact us directly. to the NEF paper: • The Minister recommended that the NEF – only where resources are required, ESA www.rgsq.org.au/agc.htm [email protected] ph: (07) 3368 2066 • There is an appropriate balance for be part of post Ministerial meetings and would be looking to involve professional opportunities for consultation and the that the NEF Executive regularly meet associations and Sue canvassed the idea of Proudly sponsored by effectiveness you need to get on with with him to provide updates. This type of developing on-line professional learning policy. formalised engagement needs to occur objects. The Royal Geographical Australian Geography on a regular basis to inform existing and • It is difficult as the process requires Society of Queensland Inc Teachers’ Association Limited ongoing policy issues at a policy level.

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Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) Exemplar Project In June 2011 AGTA was contracted by AITSL to undertake the development of annotated illustrations of practice (exemplars) to support the National Professional Standards for Teachers. Rob Berry and Roger Smith will be the managers of the project and will be responsible during 2012 for developing four exemplars of good practice (three static and one dynamic) in geography teaching aligned to the National Professional Standards for Teachers. AGTA considers that this AITSL project is an excellent opportunity to build on the Professional Standards for Accomplished Teaching of School Geography project AGTA was involved in from 2007-2010. AGTA looks forward to this being a useful resource for the implementation of Australian Curriculum: Geography in coming years. Arab Gateways: A resource kit for Australian students and teachers. Exploring 21st Century Geography: This new resource, funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade A new resource on-line through the Council for Australian-Arab In May AGTA released for sale its new product titled Exploring 21st Century Geography. The Relations, has been sent to all secondary DVD containing spatial technology resources, technology in the classroom links and 21st schools in Australia. It introduces the Century geography materials has been developed by AGTA to support the thinking and diverse cultures, environments, histories resource requirements for the implementation of the Australian Curriculum: Geography. and economies of the Arab region. Thanks to Rob Berry as our webmaster, the product is available on-line and can be Especially relevant for history, geography, purchased via PayPal. This is a new marketing strategy and capacity by AGTA and will social education and economics teachers provide the model for Australian Curriculum orientated initiatives which I am sure AGTA and students in years 7–10, Arab will be exploring in future months. The response from schools across Australia has been Gateways consists of a 96-page book, extremely positive to the availability of the product and shows that schools are looking accompanying DVD and a website, www. for support with 21st Century technology and approaches as they begin to engage with arabgateways.edu.au. the Australian Curriculum: Geography. AGTA sees much of its future work is to provide such resources to support schools during the implementation stage. The Exploring 21st The inquiry units are supported by 12 Century Geography DVD and its availability to schools is the first step along this path. short films profiling the voices of young If interested in viewing information on the resource go to http://www.agta.asn.au/ people from the region; an interactive, products/index.htm Arab Explorer; 17 student activity sheets; and web links – all available on the DVD and website. A series of professional learning activities administered by the Australian Federation Agta Constitution of Societies for Studies of Society and Environment (AFSSSE) will assist teachers Following the May 2011 AGTA BOARD to implement Arab Gateways information Meeting the AGTA Constitution was edited see their website:www.afssse.asn.au/ in response to GAWA’s feedback ArabGateways. Discussion at the October AGTA Board Objective for Arab Gateways meeting revolved around the following To promote mutual interests and a issues: greater understanding and acceptance of • Equity of Member Association each other’s cultures, values, beliefs and representation on the AGTA Board and diversity. equity of Member Association votes at AGTA General Meetings and its Annual The resource is structured General Meeting. around five inquiry units: • Transparency of AGTA’s operating • Diversity and change processes and protocols. • Sustainable water use • Communications between AGTA and • Lines in the sand its Member Associations in terms of • special resolution procedures • Global exchange inclusiveness as well as the methods • the transparency of AGTA business • Different lens. and timing of communications. A motion will be finalised and distributed The changes and insertions addressed to all Affiliates over the next few weeks for many of GAWA’s concerns on the: consideration and response prior to the • clarity/accuracy of the document May AGTA Board meeting. • the communication processes

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2011 Geography’s

Give up a week of school holidays to do geography fieldwork? Yes please, say these students ... and can you make it longer next time!

The 2011 Geography’s Big Week Out was an sand dune systems on Rosebud Beach and Sarah Godman, Cootamundra High School, outstanding success with great feedback St Andrews Beach. This included measuring NSW from the participating students. It was held dune transects using very sophisticated GPS Daniel King, Distance Education Centre from 2 to 7 October on the Mornington units – lent by Ultimate Positioning, along Victoria Peninsula, Victoria. The student participants with Jamie Portman and Naomi Witham to were the highest-scoring male and female teach us how to use them. Sarah Naco, Canberra Girls’ Grammar School Year 10/11 students from each state and the On the way back to the accommodation, Kate Parrott, Hobart College combined territories, plus two other high- the students shopped for the international scoring students. BrodiePetrolo, Woonona High School, cooking competition, a favourite tradition of Wollongong The organisation of the 2011 Big Week Out Big Week Out. The Mexican and Thai groups was in the capable hands of a committee cooked the first night while the other half of Carmen Schoenjahn, St Mary’s Anglican of dedicated Victorian geography teachers the students prepared a presentation on the Girls’ School, Perth under the leadership of Pat Beeson. The dunes. The next night the Italian and Indian Rhys Sharry, Smithfield State High School, Competition Committee would like to cooks provided the feast, while the other Cairns record here our thanks to these leaders who students prepared their residential and retail made the 2011 Big Week Out possible: presentations. Oliver Vasak, Sydney Grammar School Pat Beeson; Samantha Davis; Tanya Grace; Other activities included a trip on Port Aleksandra Vasic, John Monash Science Libby Hillman; Robin Irvine; Claire Jones; Phillip Bay, additional river studies on School, Melbourne Shirley Lahtinen; Terry McMeekin; Judy Balcombe Creek and a final dinner at a local Rob Wilson, Wynyard High School, Tas McPherson; Adam Nash; Emma O’Dowd; restaurant. After dinner the students were John Ramsdale; Gerry Smith; Lyn Terrett; presented with letters from the Lord Mayor Karoline Walter. of Melbourne, and their official certificates. This was followed by a fun quiz. The students arrived on Sunday 2 October and were introduced to Melbourne through Victoria has generously agreed to also an orientation experience. Following this organise the 2012 Geography’s Big Week Out, activity students travelled to Blairgowrie after which it will rotate to another state. where they settled into a comfortable group The students who won places accommodation lodge, and continued work in the 2011 Big Week Out were: after dinner with a briefing on the next day’s activity. A number of activities were carried Nick Booth, Pembroke School, Adelaide out on the Mornington Peninsula including Laura Butler, Penrith High School, Sydney a visit to the Shire Office where a number of talks were presented by guest speakers. Anthony Chen, Radford College, Canberra In the afternoon the students began their Natalie Cvitanovich, Glenunga river studies at the source of Main Creek – International High School, Adelaide struggling through the undergrowth to take measurements. Lucinda Everson, St Margaret’s Anglican Girls’ School, Brisbane Tuesday morning started with an early visit to the Peninsula Hot Springs. Most of the Nicholas Forrester, Hale School, Perth day was then taken up with comparing the

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National Geographic Channel Australian Geography Competition

The Competition and its associated events and on the Arab countries experiencing up of students selected from the 2010 and are managed by the Australian Geography unrest. Questions on forests marked the 2011 Finals for under 16s: Competition Committee. The members of International Year of Forests. Michael Gu, Melbourne Grammar School this Committee are: Kath Berg (convener, The results of the Final were: Riley Kernaghan, MacGregor State High administrator RGSQ); Iraphne Childs First Michael Gu, Melbourne Grammar School, Brisbane (geography academic); Margaret McIvor School Jesse Tong, Brisbane Grammar School (AGTA Director); Peter Nunan (retired Competing in the World Championship were geography teacher). Second Jesse Tong, Brisbane Grammar School teams from Australia, Bulgaria, Canada, China, School Round Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, India, Third Liam Kearney, Christ Church Grammar Mexico, Nigeria, Poland, Russia, Singapore, The final number of students participating in School, Perth the 2011 Competition was 79,089 from 746 Slovakia, Taiwan, UK and USA. schools. A selection of teachers’ comments Asia Pacific Regional Victoria has generously agreed to also on the school round is given in Appendix A. Geography Olympiad organise the 2012 Geography’s Big Week Out, A survey of schools that competed in 2010 Australia came first in the Asia Pacific after which it will rotate to another state. but not 2011 is underway. Regional Geography Olympiad held in 2012 Competition Mérida, Mexico, from 4 to 9 July 2011. Final for under 16s Australia’s team was chosen from the The fee for participation will be raised to The intermediate winners in Table 1, plus students in the Competition’s senior division, $3.00 per student. The anticipated timeline the next highest scorer, David Robertson via the 2010 Geography’s Big Week Out: for 2012 is: from Sydney Grammar School, took part in Bridget Anderson, St Mary’s College, Hobart late Oct Direct mail all contact teachers the Final for under 16s. The Final was held mid Jan Direct mail all secondary schools Laura Bennett, Coffs Harbour Senior College on 6 June at the Foxtel Television Centre in with full Competition information Sydney before a packed audience of Sydney TarangImmidi, Sydney Grammar School mid Feb Direct mail reminder to all contact students and teachers. The students spent Jonathan Steven, Camberwell Grammar teachers the previous weekend in Sydney, with the School, Melbourne 28 Feb Deadline for entries highlight a Bridge Climb in perfect weather. All four team members won medals: Tarang mid Mar Question packs sent out The students also explored the historic Rocks won a gold medal, Jonathan and Laura silver 26 Mar - 4 Apr Competition held in schools area, went on a guided tour of Fort Denison, and Bridget bronze. This gave the Australians late May Post back results and certificates watched an Imax movie, and took in the the highest combined team score in the 4 Jun Final for under 16s, Sydney fantastic light displays that were part of the Olympiad. Other teams competing were 21 - 27 Aug International Geography Vivid Sydney Festival. Japan, Mexico, Singapore and Taiwan. Olympiad, Cologne, Germany The questions in the Final covered a large Oct Geography’s Big Week Out, Mornington range of topics covering physical and human National Geographic World Peninsula, Vic geography, some using maps and photos. Championship The relevance of geography to current The Australian team came fourth at the events was underlined by questions which National Geographic World Championship, focussed on natural disasters, following held 23-28 July in San Francisco – the best the spate of deadly disasters in our region, result since 1995. Australia’s team was made

Table 2. 2011 National Geographic Channel Australian Geography Competition State/Terr Junior Winner(s) Intermediate Winner Senior Winner(s) School Winner NSW Blake Coleman, North Sydney Boys’ High School David Gardiner, North Sydney Ashwin Rudder, Sydney Boys High School Sydney Boys High School Jason Dong, Shore School Boys’ High School Dawen Shi, Sydney Boys High School Kevin Huang, Shore School Qld Dylan Biggs, Mansfield State High School Jesse Tong, Brisbane Grammar Justin Turner, The Cathedral College Brisbane Grammar School Joshua Hassum, Brisbane Grammar School School William Palmer, Somerset College SA Lachlan Poel, Tenison Woods College John McMichael, St Peter’s Nick Booth, Pembroke School Pembroke School College Tas Lachlan Poel, Tenison Woods College Ben McDonald, Burnie High Henry West, Hutchins School Launceston Church Grammar School School Territories CallumMacgill, Canberra Grammar School Lewis Rosenberg, Telopea Park Kenji Strazdins, Lyneham High School Canberra Grammar School Benjamin Mynott, Canberra Grammar School School Nicholas McClelland, Canberra Grammar School Vic Amelia Rowe, home-schooled Michael Gu, Melbourne Daniel King, Distance Education Centre Victoria Melbourne Grammar School Grammar School WA Matthew Gorman, Perth Modern School Liam Kearney, Christ Church CallumNevill, Shenton College Shenton College Ben Slater, Hale School Grammar School 1 ACT, NT, Cocos Keeling and Christmas Island

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AGTA 2013 Conference

Fieldwork • Each field trip to be offered twice and will run according to numbers. • Rottnest Island. Sustainability, dunes, tunnels and guns, bays and beaches, tourism. • Mandurah – canals, crabs, climate change, the cut. • Gravity Centre, Gingin – leaning towers, astronomical geography Geographical Education will be entering a ‘new frontier’ as we and Moondah Brook Winery. implement the Australian Curriculum fully in 2013. The Australian • Indigenous Perspectives in Geography – Hills Forest Centre, Geography Teachers Association, AGTA, will be holding its biennial Mundaring. National Conference in Perth from January the 7th to 10th in 2013. • Perth Coastal Environments - Beaches/Climate Change/GPS . International and Australasian Geography teachers and academics • Perth CBD – walking tour, combining City of Perth heritage, will be invited to the conference to participate in a stimulating planning, urban renewal and sustainability. education program of presentations, hands on workshops and • The Amazing Race – Perth/Fremantle . Cross Perth orientation. field trips. Renowned international Geographical educators GPS, GIS, Geocaching, downloading to Google Earth Professor Simon Catling, from Oxford Brookes University, and Professor David Lambert, Geographical Association Chief Venue Executive and University of London, will be two of our keynote Perth College is situated in the leafy inner suburb of Mount presenters sharing their expertise in F – 12 Geography education. Lawley, 3km from the CBD as well as within easy reach of the outer Professor Peter Newman, Chief Writer on Transport for the IPCC, metropolitan, hills, river and Swan Valley suburbs. Its placement near UN will also be presenting. With the final documentation for the arterial roads and excellent links to public transport ensures the Australian Curriculum – Geography to be released in October school is easily accessible. The ambience, profile and excitement of 2012 for implementation in 2013, the conference will be a great being part of the Mount Lawley ‘café strip’ adds a unique buzz to the opportunity for teachers to gain new insights and ideas to assist with school environment and places it squarely within the cultural heart Implementing the new Australian Geography Curriculum. of the city. We anticipate an unprecedented attendance at the conference in The recently constructed Judith Cottier Theatre will provide a response to the need for professional learning as a result of the new fantastic venue for our Keynote presentations. Well-equipped, F-12 Geography Curriculum. 250 teachers from around Australia air-conditioned classrooms and laboratories will be available for attended the last AGTA conference held in Adelaide, South Australia. workshops. Further conference details can be viewed at http://www.agta.asn. au/conf2013/index.htm.

General Program: Sunday 6th Jan • Optional Swan Valley Wineries Tour • Welcome Barbecue Monday 7th Jan - Keynotes/Workshops • Professors Simon Catling and David Lambert keynotes. • Workshops with an additional ‘primary teachers ‘ stream. Accommodation • AGTA Awards at Canapés & Drinks function – Tim Costello • Budget accommodation at the Perth College Boarding House, Tuesday 8th Jan - Whole Day Fieldtrips including breakfast - $40 pp/pn • Free Dining night – discounted suggested venues • Offsite – packages with Rydges Perth – 4 star hotel, and suitable apartment style accommodation in the CBD, Mantra or Quest. Wednesday 9th Jan - Whole Day and ½ Day Fieldtrips • Barbecue and AGTA Cup games Submission of Papers, Trade Displays and Registration Thursday 10th Jan - Keynotes/Workshops Calls for papers for workshop presentations close on the 24th February • Prof. Peter Newman - Chief Writer, Transport IPCC UN and can be made online at the Conference website. Application for • Second Keynote TBA. trade displays and sponsorship can also be made online. • Formal Conference Dinner, Farewell Pre-registration is available now on the conference website and Registration will open online late April early May. Early bird prices will Pre-Conference Tour(s) apply until the end of September. Fees will be very similar to AGTA A ‘South West’ corner Pre Conference Tour will be held from Wed 2011 in Adelaide. All bookings and payments will be made online. 2nd – Sat 5th Jan, (4 days/3nights). This will be a Coach based tour with 2 nights in Margaret River and 1 night in Pemberton. Margaret www.agta.asn.au/conf2013/index.htm River and the South West of WA are renown for its wineries, big surf, For further information contact: caves and fresh produce. Pemberton is also an outstanding wine producing region and home to the 3rd tallest tree species in the Darryl Michie world, the Karri. Costings and further details will be available on the agta2013 Conference Convenor Conference website. [email protected]

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Geographical Teachers Association shared his expertise on ‘Getting Great GAWA continues to promote geography of Western Australia (GAWA) Geography Going - Google Earth, GPS through their website which is the flagship & GIS’; visits to Tamala Park and the new public face for the association. All members Resource Recovery Centre at Neerabup and have access to a password protected space WA investigating Urban Change & North West in which countless resources reside, like the President: Trish Harris Frontier with Trish Harris, HOD St Marks presentations of our keynote speakers from this Membership: The Association is robust and Anglican Community School. year’s conference. The website is a very valuable strongly supported by its membership, which An Australian Curriculum update was provided mechanism for sharing good practice. The remains stable at 250. Most schools in the state by ACARA representative John Gougoulis website is rigorously and diligently maintained that offer Geography are members. Geography and Malcolm McInerney. The feedback and updated. Other activities include the student numbers continue to have variable about the presentation on ‘The Work of WACE Revision seminars. Joseph Gentilli Memorial enrolment patterns. AGTA’ by President Malcolm McInerney was Award for Excellence in Geographical Education, Professional Development: overwhelmingly positive and encouraging as and the PTCWA Outstanding Professional Service Awards for 2011. New and Beginning Teachers Day we work towards the Australian Curriculum and hosting the national conference for AGTA. Professional Development for 2011 National Teaching Standards commenced with the New and Beginning Geography in Action 2B Professional WA teachers have been encouraged to Teachers Day with approximately 40 teachers Development: Leo Conti and his team have consider the implications of the National attending. The PD Committee Members arranged the second stage two PD in the Professional Standards for Teachers which facilitated the day and coordinated the series of ‘Geography in Action’ with Fesa were endorsed by Ministerial Council for collection of a range of teaching resources to presenting on Bushfires, Floods and other Education, Early Childhood Development and support each stage and Year 11 and 12. Each natural disasters. Youth Affairs (MCEECDYA) and released on 9 delegate received resources electronically, AGTA National Conference January 2013 February 2011. The Standards (http://www. and reports from our new teachers were The GAWA AGTA conference committee and teacherstandards.aitsl.edu.au/) support very positive. This year we also offered a Darryl Michie are continuing work on the 2013 the Melbourne Declaration on Educational mapping and practical skills session hosted by AGTA Conference. This national event will be Goals for Young Australians and the National Committee Member, Sandra Tressider which a watershed moment for Geography as it also Partnership on Improving Teacher Quality. was very well received. Sandra has extensive coincides with the launch of implementation Essentially they are a framework for a nationally experience working with ESL students and was of the Australian Curriculum Geography. We consistent way of recognising quality teaching. able to incorporate literacy strategies too. So hope to have a primary Geography stream They make explicit what teachers should positive was the feedback that Sandra agreed and encourage attendance especially if Simon know, be able to do and what is expected of to run a session at the GAWA Conference. Catling is able to present. effective teachers across their career. Geography in Action 2B Professional Publications and projects In term two teachers attended the Curriculum Council (CC) Assessment Seminars to collect Development GAWA conducted professional GAWA Text books are now available for all WA and discuss the Standards Package for Stages 2 learning based on the 2B Course where an courses and continue to enjoy good sales. We and 3. These documents are very useful for the informative presentation from Tim Pearman have arranged reprints of a number of texts as preparation of students engaged in external representing ALCOA was followed by Rob supplies dwindle. Swan and Johan Ballot from Premier Coal who assessment. GAWA was delighted when Norm Snell agreed also gave his insights and about the current University Geography situation with coal. Leo Conti also worked to write the GAWA WACE Revision Guide. He incredibly hard to deliver a relevant and worked with efficiency in semester one to A number of the universities have been interesting presentation. deliver the book in time for WACE revision. assessing their courses. The University Of Even though it is fresh off the press, we have Western Australia has undertaken a new GAWA Conference August already sold over 1000 copies. undergraduate programme of general The GAWA Conference “Planning for Change” GAWA Exam Papers degrees. Hugo Bekle has asked for the was held 19th August to the 21st August. association’s support of Geography at Edith GAWA greatly appreciated the amazing There has been terrific membership support for the GAWA Exam papers. This year we Cowan University. ECU has decided to reduce support of the Curtin University as a major the status of Geography to a minor and sponsor. Keynote speakers included: Professor offered hardcopy and/or email copies for both WACE Stage 2 and 3 exams and answer guides will have no specialists. A more supportive Peter Newman from Curtin University climate is emerging at Curtin. Amanda Davies Sustainability Policy Institute, presented for semester one and two. I am very proud of the efforts of our exam writer, office and is currently working on re-designing the ‘Planning for Change: Sustainability and geography offerings at the university. Their Climate Change’; Associate Professor checkers. We have a range of exams which provide useful revision for students. intention is to provide an online course like a Laura Stocker also from Curtin University graduate certificate in geography teaching for Sustainability Policy Institute, discussed Curriculum Council WACE Exam Broadsheets already qualified teachers who are seeking to ‘Climate Change and our Coastal Lifestyle: A In 2010 we were grateful to the Curriculum gain some formal geography qualifications. Land Girt by Sea Walls?’; Professor Roy Jones Council for the negotiated opportunity from the Curtin Sustainable Tourism Centre to access and distribute the 2010 WACE Australian Curriculum presented ‘Special Places: Where, Why, How Geography Broadsheet. We made this resource WA teachers are waiting for the release of the and for Whom? Valuing, Viewing, Sustaining, available for a minimal cost. In 2011, we have draft curriculum. A number of WA schools Caring for and Changing the Informal worked with the Curriculum Council access to have been selected to run trials for ACARA. Settlements of the WA Coastline’. the broadsheet on the proviso that we are able Darryl Michie takes up the position of GAWA A number of engaging trips were part of to arrange copyright. They will not be printing President in January 2012. the conference with: Dr Hugo Bekle, Faculty an excess number of broadsheets. However, of Education and Arts ECU, (Geography), GAWA will be able to arrange for a print run presenting ‘The Fate of Perth’s Urban Wetlands’ if we can get copyright. We certainly hope to at nearby Lake Joondalup; Phil Houweling provide the 2011 WACE broadsheet for our from John Calvin Christian College, Spatial members. The costs of printing and copyright Technology in Schools competition winner, will mean a higher cost for this resource. PAGE 10 PAGE 11 Geographia

Geography Teachers Association secondary Geography worksheets based The Age in relation to the content of of Victoria (GTAV) on the My Place TV series available on The Age Natural Disasters posters to be the My Place website and on DVD – published in 2012. VIC complete • hosting of ‘Big Week Out’ in October. President: Trish Douglas Global Education Project (GEP) • collaborating with other subject Membership is currently 624 which is a Staff now includes the Director of Project as associations to provide professional slight increase on 2010. A new category Project Manager and four Global Education learning for teachers. of membership “Friends of the GTAV” has staff who deliver the project. Three sessional • hosting a Facebook page with been introduced – this is an Associate contractors are also employed to assist approximately 180 members. membership and is open to past teachers during times of heavy demand. Resources • Being a representative on the of Geography who are no longer working produced/in production using GEP funds Committee of Management of CPTAV fulltime. Global Education Project (GEP) include: – the Council of Professional Teaching also provides access to pre-service and • Forest and biodiversity CD–ROM – Associations of Victoria. practicing teachers at both secondary and complete primary schools. • Forest: a global perspective: booklet for Curriculum Developments Professional Development secondary students – complete GTAV is providing teachers with information GTAV offered professional leaning to • Water booklet: based on the Global about the Australian Curriculum via GTAV experienced and inexperienced teachers of Education learning emphases and News, website and professional learning Geography including; Quality teaching ideas Geography skills and knowledge and opportunities. At the GTAV Annual for Middle years Geography, GIS training at a understandings – in production Conference a forum was held which included Monica Bini – VCAA Humanities, number of levels and Help! How do I teach Plans are in place to produce: Geography for inexperienced teachers. David Howes, VCAA General Manager • Geography careers brochure Curriculum and Susan Caldis, Senior GTAV also hosted a student lecture in • Primary research re: Geography resource Project Officer Geography, ACARA. Susan August and revision lectures in October – production also provided a seminar. GTAV has also attendance approx. 700. GTAV continues to have an active provided a primary and secondary school GTAV resources involvement with Destination Spatial – the representative to an Australian Curriculum The following resources are in production or Education Committee which includes Consultative Panel hosted by Monica Bini. have been produced: representatives from the spatial industries, Terry McMeekin (Education Officer) and • Geography Environments : VCE Units 1 & tertiary institutions and education – to Trish Douglas (GTAV President) have also 2 – almost complete promote career pathways into the spatial provided information and feedback when • Resources and Perspectives : VCE Units 3 industry and has developed a similar required. & 4 – almost complete relationship with the Planning industry. In collaboration with VCAA, the GTAV will • 2011 VCE Trial Exam – complete GTAV has submitted articles to “Inspire”, provide the opportunity for primary and “Australian Teacher Magazine”, “VCAA”, “Great secondary teachers to provide feedback on • Full-colour resource catalogue – in Scot”. the Draft Australian Curriculum Geography. production for 2012 The patron of the GTAV, Rob Gell, has The GTAV looks forward to the construction • Full-colour Interaction X four editions played an active role within and for the of the shed for the storage of the AGTA – 3 published; December edition in Association – he spoke at the AGM and materials at the GTAV Office. production hosted a forum at the Annual Conference • GTAV News X 4 editions on the Conference theme – “What’s going • Borneo multimedia game – based on on – Understanding our world through forest and cultural sustainability – in Geography”. production Numerous other activities have included: • Bushfires resource in conjunction with • participating in the writing of curriculum Country Fire Authority – in production material with a Geography focus for the • Online bushfires resources in ACTF television series “My Place”. conjunction with Education Services • continuing to develop the partnership Australia – complete with “The Age” who has advertised GTAV • Australian Children’s Television professional learning and GTAV activities. Foundation – primary and lower GTAV has engaged in consultation with

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Geography Teachers Association to date information along with our very own Action for Promotion of Geography of Queensland (GTAQ) AGTA Chair Malcolm McInerney, discussing Meetings have taken place throughout 21st century Geography and the Australian the year on a range of issues relating Curriculum. to Geography. These initiatives have President: Anne-Marie Gerlach The University of Queensland hosted its been undertaken to provide feedback highly successful Careers Day in July. This day to ACARA and AGTA regarding the Membership is similar to the corresponding incorporates lectures and presentations for Australian Curriculum and to participate in period for the past couple of years. students about the huge range of careers teleconferences. Membership continues to be relatively stable and options available to them at after a Lucie Sorensen – QSA – former GTAQ in the low 200s (223 total members as at 19 Geographical course of study at school or Councillor, Kaye Schwede EQ – GTAQ October 2011). university. Treasurer and Anne-Marie Gerlach -AGTA Professional Development Geography Teachers’ seminar hosted by -President GTAQ all attended the Korean GTAQ hosted its highly successful annual Bond University and Gold Coast GeoNet held Studies work shop in Seoul in August. conference at the University of Queensland at Bond University on Friday August 26. The Most recently Anne-Marie Gerlach in July 2011. This was the biggest GTAQ day comprised four sessions: represented GTAQ at the Transit of Venus conference in recent years with over 150 • Understanding catchments presented (6/06/12) Education Project Reference Group people registering for the day. The format by Emeritus Professor Tor Hundloe – Tor Meeting. Anne met with the Program and content of the day changed markedly presented an overview of catchments Manager, Graeme Rush and Nick de Weger from previous conferences and the feedback around the world and the important role from SSSI. The project will develop materials for schools including: was overwhelmingly positive regarding the that they had played throughout world choice of workshops which topics ranging history. • Lesson plans for both primary and from teaching pedagogy, to senior, middle secondary teachers, in the areas of and primary Geography topics, to the use • Sustaining communities presented geography, history, mathematics and of a number of new technologies. by Nicole Webb - Nicole focussed astronomy. This year the theme was “Planning for on the growing population of many Change” with the committee constructing areas, in particular the growing urban • A school engagement process that will a fantastic day filled with workshops, guest populations and what that means in allow the school to receive a free or speakers, and show bags full of “goodies”. The terms of traditional settlement patterns. subsidized Solarscope. huge number of trade displays not only filled • Use of “on line access” to a software the venue and looked great; they provided • Connecting people and places an opportunity to find out the latest and presented by Amy White – Amy’s package that predicts astronomical greatest products and purchase resources. presentation really gave new meaning to events, and simulates their occurrence The conference focused on providing how teachers might teach this focus unit at any time or location on earth. information regarding the challenges facing in the Social Environments theme. • Materials promoting the spatial our Geography curriculum, as well as the professions need to plan for change especially after a • Responding to natural hazards summer of wild weather and presented by Associate Professor • Advice on the safe viewing of the sun. natural disasters. Bhishna Bajracharya – the focus of this presentation was that, in light of the Delegates had the pleasure of listening and participating in a vast range of sessions recent summer of natural disasters, including a new stream this year focusing there was an urgent need to focus on on primary Geography. Of particular acclaim responding to natural hazards. was the key note presented by Peter Skinner, Verification meetings this year took place Head of Architecture at the University of in October in all districts with State Panels Queensland who discussed “Planning for meeting in early November to discuss any future floods in Brisbane”. Representatives submissions that were not resolved and to from QSA, ACARA, State Panel and a range assess comparability of assessment across of expert presenters gave much needed up the state.

Australian Capital Territory teachers to go back to schools armed with Work on the fieldwork project is progressing - Sub Branch of GTANSW readings and updated knowledge. Teachers slowly. The ACT will be working on the came from both the government and fieldwork book in 2012 so that it is ready non-government sectors and from regions to roll out with the Australian Curriculum ACT around the ACT district. All teachers who Geography. We will be approaching the Coordinator: Carol Pogson attended thought it was an excellent day ACT Education and Training Directorate Membership is stable with good and valued the interactive style taken by the for financial assistance and to help deliver representation across government and non presents. professional learning. government schools. Carol Pogson spoke to Graduate Diploma As the Australian Curriculum Geography A mini conference was delivered by GTANSW Secondary Teachers regarding life in the looms interest is gathering. Teachers are in Term 2, focusing on the development of classroom and about the teaching of contacting the ACT Education & Training the Australian Geography Curriculum. Rod geography. The graduates were interested in Directorate and both Carol & Karen for Lane, David Hamper, Lorraine Chaffer, Nick hearing about how the Australian Curriculum details. Hopefully, when the final document Hutchinson, Grant Kleeman and Susan Bliss would impact on them. is made public people will come to meetings presented interesting content and inspired for information and support.

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Geography Teachers Association by exploring the changing nature and Africa, The Critical Decade: Climate Change of New South Wales (GTANSW) characteristics of population, as well as Report); globalisation and citizenship the nature, characteristics and impacts of (Bitter Sweet Chocolate: From Ground to NSW natural hazards. The topics presented at the Mouth, Tobacco: Fatal Global Epidemic); President: Nick Hutchinson conference related to Stage 4, 5 and 6 in the resources (ABS website, book reviews, new Geography curriculum. The morning session resources from World Vision, Oxfam and Membership stands at approximately 370 included speakers who addressed topics Global Education); and the importance of financial members. such as the causes of natural hazards and Geography for a future career. Professional Development the role of technology in weather prediction Future editions of the Geography Bulletin Simple spatial technology: In May, 2011 a as well as the government response to will no longer be sent to members as a hard workshop was conducted, titled, ‘Simple natural disasters. The afternoon session copy but will be presented electronically. spatial technology for ACT and regional included speakers providing practical Instead of increasing membership fees the Geography teachers – Primary and approaches in the use of ICT technology in Geography Council decided that electronic Secondary level’, conducted by Mick Law, both population and natural hazards. Geography Bulletins will not only be cost Contour Education. An update on current ACARA developments saving but also environmentally sustainable. The GIS Skills covered over the day include: concluded the conference. Speakers The Parramatta Park project was launched • What are Spatial Technologies? included: a spokesperson from Emergency at Parramatta Park in October, 2011. The • How can they be easily used in class? Management Australia; Dick Whitaker resource is a teaching program with • What online GIS are out there? from the Weather Channel; Mick Law from worksheets for fieldwork/site study, focused • How can my students create their own Contour Education; Pat Beeson from the on the World Heritage status of the park as maps online? Australian Bureau of Statistics; and Mark one of the Australian Convict Sites. It is now • How can I get started using Google Earth Eldridge coordinator of Shades4Aids. being published on the Parramatta Park in class? The successful conference was organised Trust website for schools. by Sharon McLean with the support of Regional mini conferences HSC Student Lectures were conducted at: Sarah Menassa-Rose, Grace Larobina, Robert Brisbane Waters Secondary College Woy Susan Caldis, Senior Curriculum Officer, Gandiaga, Paul Alger and Carmel Logalbo. Woy Campus, Gibbs St, Woy Woy), Callaghan ACARA, provided an update on the The presentations are available on the GTA Secondary College (Jesmond Campus, Janet Australian Geography Curriculum, at the website – www.gtansw.org.au/resources. St, Jesmond); St Andrews Cathedral School four mini conferences held at Newcastle, php and the University of Wollongong. Canberra, Orange and Coffs Harbour. Rod Lane, David Hamper, Lorraine Chaffer, Nick Publications and Projects Susan Caldis, Senior Project Officer, Hutchinson, Grant Kleeman and Susan Bliss Geography Bulletin Geography, ACARA provided an update on spoke on a variety of topics including: an Geography Bulletin is edited by Grant the Australian Curriculum, Geography in the innovative look at Geography skills; urban Kleeman and Susan Bliss. Geography Bulletin, Vol. 43, No 2 2011and dynamics; working with students’ ideas to Vol. 43 No 4 2011. Vol. 43.3 2011 contained sections on the build geographical understanding; Australia National Geographic Channel Australian Thanks to Rob Berry the new website, in its regional context with a focus on Geography Competition, Racism in the launched on 7 June is progressing well. China; and promoting student engagement Tertiary Education Sector: a case of Indian The Journals have been archived for online and conceptual understanding using student attacks in Australia, Globalisation: access. GTANSW proposes to produce future contemporary issues, geographical skills coffee from bean to café, Defence: Australia journals as electronic copies. These can be and visual literacy. in its regional and global links, AGTA news emailed and attached as PDF copies for All conferences received excellent in brief and Geographia; resources: Arab members. evaluations. Teachers’ comments included: Gateway http://www.arabgateways.edu. Fantastic; This was an excellent conference, au ; free resource called the Atlas of New thank you; Excellent worthwhile mini South Wales http://atlas.nsw.gov.au ; conference; Had a great time and well Exploring 21st Century Geography DVD organised; Great resources for Geography; Vol. 43.4 2011 included: an update on the Well planned, timed and excellent Geography National Curriculum; active content selection; Presenters informative, citizenship projects (Shades4Aids, Surfaid approachable and constructive toward International); use of information and professional development – excellent; One communications technology (Augmented of the best conferences I have been to – the Reality, Contour Education); school projects content given was more valuable than the (Birthing Kit Assembly Day at North Sydney food; Lots of excellent up to date information Girls’ High School), classroom activities and ideas to take back to the classroom. (Natural Hazards Using You Tube at The 2011 GTANSW annual conference Chatswood High School); contemporary focused on the topic of People and Hazards geographical issues (Famine in the Horn of

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Tasmanian Geography Teachers Professional Development TGTA continually circulates resources Association (TGTA) A Professional Development day for all and information to Geography teachers Geography teachers from around the state throughout the state. TAS was held in mid October prior to the AGTA President: Wayne Sutton Board Meeting. Special thanks to Bec, Anne- Membership continues to steadily increase Marie, Malcolm and Steve for giving up a and currently stands at 24 active members, day of their work time, coming to Hobart with 21 of these teachers actually teaching early for the AGTA meeting and preparing Geography in 2011. The new additions are a PD session for Tasmanian Geography teachers who are teaching Geography in teachers. It is very much appreciated by us. Years 7 – 10 in private schools and one who 17 teachers attended who made up of most will be teaching it next year. of the teachers who are currently teaching Geography in 2011.

Geography Teachers Association Publications and Projects • One approach was to develop a standard of South Australia (GTASA) The GTASA marketing and promotions letter for each conference participant to committee met in July and devised a personalise and send to the Minister for SA long term plan to attract and service our Education. This was very well received President: Alex Piggott members, initiated a special primary school by our members! Currently 125 teachers are members membership rate and are investigating the • Further letters were written to local of GTASA. possibility of joining with History re offering papers regarding the new SACE and the joint membership to primary schools. The new journal editor is Roger Smith. drop off in numbers for many subjects. The primary school geography kit is in its GTASA are delighted that Roger has taken • The president was also interviewed final stages of development and planning on this role. His first edition was a jumbo on ABC radio regarding the demise of for the 2012 conference already underway.. version with a focus on Islands. Roger’s Geography. geographical knowledge and experience GTASA concerns regarding the demise of will enable him to guide the journal in a new Geography was addressed through the Curriculum Developments and exciting direction. following: First year of Stage 2 Geography has GTASA is keen to attract more primary • Executive of GTASA met with Professor highlighted some concerns regarding school teachers to be involved with the Nick Harvey, Adelaide University to flag the use of the performance standards GTASA and through the promotions concerns regarding geography numbers and general teething problems. Only 375 and marketing committee have devised and the New SACE. Professor Harvey was students are studying Geography at Y12 some strategies to action this. Succession supportive, offered some new strategies level, most of whom are in independent planning remains an issue along with the and will be able to advocate for GTASA at schools. dilemma of fulltime teachers being able to the Adelaide University Council level. give up time to conduct GTASA business. • GTASA has been proactive and has Professional Development written to other academics to flag the The special one day conference “Geography concerns and have had a range of Challenges” was the main professional support. In addition letters were written learning activity for teh GTASA in 2011. to every SA politician to voice our Professor Millington was the key note concerns. speaker. The topic of his address was the Wild Geographical Frontiers of Cocaine – new insights into the considerable impacts of the illegal drug trade in South America. His presentation was different and engaging. A range of workshops and an AC Geography session from Malcolm McInerney were also held.

PAGE 14 Geographia Geogr aphia AGTA Awards Early time-frame to be developed – finalised by the end of Term 3 and notified early Term 4 2012. Education Services Australia

Malcolm welcomed spatial technologies will be integrated into Michael Gehling and Leanne the curriculum from early primary school onwards to ensure the development of Robinson from Education students’ ICT skills matches their cognitive Services Australia. abilities, and the application of those skills in The key responsibility of Education Services the topics being studied. The curriculum will Australia (ESA) is to provide curriculum also provide opportunities for students to and assessment materials, supporting explore the effects of these technologies on the development of the new Australian places, the location of economic activities Curriculum. and on people’s lives, and to understand the changing spatial relationships enabled Education Services Australia (ESA) has by ICT. recently launched SpatialGenie, an online education system to promote GIS in ESA has morphed out of The Learning Australian schools. It is available for free Federation, Curriculum Corporation and use at http://www.spatialgenie.edu.au/ EDNA as the resource development arm spatialgenie/ of the Australian Curriculum initiative. The development of Spatial Genie by ESA is ACARA’s, Shape of the Australian Curriculum important because for the first time the articulates the importance of the education system in Australia, via ESA, has technology skills through the Information invested in the development and promotion and communication technology (ICT) of GIS in schools in a practical way.” SpatialGenie -Spatial data visualisation and General Capability. When commenting on Spatial Genie analysis (http://www.spatialgenie) Students develop ICT competence as Malcolm McInerney said that, “Irrespective • A basic spatial analysis tool they learn to use ICT effectively and of some of the platform problems, this • Uses open source web mapping appropriately when investigating, creating development is especially important technologies and communicating ideas and information for the geographer wishing to use GIS • Access to real data at school, at home, at work and in their in their classroom because of the data • Incorporates data from government and communities. access function of the product. ESA has organisations The geography curriculum will provide worked hard at acquiring data from SpatialGenie as a tool provides: many opportunities to develop and use government and private providers for use • Easier access to geospatial data and ICT skills. in SpatialGenie. Such a data bank acquired imagery by a government organisation such as • Excellent introduction for both students These include basic computing skills and ESA is just what Australian geographers and teachers the use of computer software to locate, have been looking for to make data • Open- ended tool, exploratory in nature manage, analyse and present geographical access, storage and configuration on a • For Australian schools this is well suited information. Geographical ICT skills include national scale a reality. In time Spatialgenie for Years 4-10 the use and application of geographical will also have data associated student information systems (GIS) and global activities and support materials integrated Potential further developments: positioning systems (GPS) management into the site.” (Accessed 22 October 2011 • Interactive, editable datasets (combines and representation of geographical data in on http://www.geospatialworld.net/ spatialgenie and datagenie(business graphical and other visual forms. index.php?option=com_content& intelligence data tool) strengths • Thematic maps The use of spatial technology is a rapidly view=article&id=22976:spatialgen • User interface improvements growing area of ICT, with significant ie-set-to-promote-gis-in-australian- • Analysis tools, temporal and spatial employment opportunities in the schools&catid=77&Itemid=1) dimensions expanding spatial industry. The use of

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