Geographies of Impact: Local in a Global Context

AISNSW Geography Conference 2022 Geographies of Impact: Local Actions in a Global Context.

Brendan Stewart Head of Geography

At the conclusion of Term 2, the Geography Department was afforded the opportunity for professional development as a team through a collaborative initiative between The King’s School Institute and the Studies Office, with funding derived from the Academic Enhancement Fund. The facilitator of a two-day workshop was Dr Susan Caldis, Lecturer, Secondary Social Sciences; President, Geography Teachers Association of NSW and ACT (GTANSWACT); Chair, Australian Geography Teachers Association (AGTA) and 2020 STEM Ambassador, Science & Technology Australia.

It was the first time, outside of departmental time, that members of the department have been able to immerse themselves in our common vocation over an extended period. The onsite professional learning day provided the department with an opportunity to collaboratively align our approaches to the teaching and learning of Geography, identify what the teaching of Geography aims to achieve, and provided us with an open forum discussion of the strengths, opportunities, and perceptions of geography in the broader context of the community and the school.

Dr Caldis also provided us with recent research articles, which were excellent discussion starters and supported the current work of the department. The professional learning day extended and affirmed the department’s common direction and approach to teaching and learning Geography. Additionally, Stage 4 and 5 teaching staff were provided with the opportunity to practise marking at an HSC level, thus consolidating our practices and upskilling Stage 4 and 5 Geography staff.