In this episode of GeogPod our host, John, talks to Fiona Sheriff about several different topics. From Fiona’s journey about how she first got into teaching, discussing her current projects and work-life balance to the direction of the geography curriculum, and something close to her heart - the importance of using maps and taking part in fieldwork…

John is joined by Professor Jamie Lorimer and Dr Timothy Hodgetts to talk about what it means when geography is more-than-human. In a wide-ranging discussion, they look at the crossovers between geography, environmentalism, anthropology and the sciences. They talk about the importance of multiple and situated knowledge and how geographers can think…

In this episode John’s discussions with Dr Philipp Horn include ‘Urban Informality’ and they explore terms such as ‘slums’ and ‘favelas’ which are less used in geography education these days. It is worth listening to the whole episode to understand the use of the words and how many of them have been adopted and reclaimed by some people who live in …

A conversation with Hayden Taylor of Unloc, on the value of student governors - how to engage them, and how to hear the wider student voice.By Fiona Chalk

This episode of GeogPod was recorded live at the GA’s Annual Conference in April 2024. Our host John Lyon talked to our guest, Donald McClean, from the Sheffield Environmental Movement. In the session they discussed the importance of fieldwork, widening participation in the natural environment, supporting diverse Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic Refug…

In this episode our host, John Lyon, chats with John Hopkins, Katherine Baulcomb and Luke Hinchliffe - members of the GA's Assessment and Examinations Special Interest Group (AESIG). They discuss topics such as progression in geography, the progression and assessment guidance, sequencing, enquiry based learning and more. Resources: Progression and …

In this episode join John Lyon and Professor James Esson from Queen Mary University of London as they discuss viewing the world through a geographical lens. They cover a wide range of topics including conspicuous margins, pedagogy and voice, inequality, social economy, and improving the future. Professor James Esson will also be our keynote speaker…

On this episode, Diana Steward-Brown of Nurole, shares her insights in to good practice on board recruitment, succession planning, and appointing a Chair from outside of the Board.By Fiona Chalk

In this episode of GeogPod John is joined by Paul Chatterton, Professor of Urban Futures at the University of Leeds. A few topics they discuss include Paul’s book How to save the city, the climate crisis, social inequalities and the breakdown of our natural world. Visit howtosavethecity.org to find out more about the book. Follow Paul on X (Twitter…

Many colleges now reference technology and innovation in the vision, mission, or strategic objectives. The question is, does this extend to the Boardroom? Emer Brogan from Board Intelligence shares her experience of working with multiple boards, on how to improve the provision of information coming to the Board through the leveraging of technology.…

Join John Lyon discussing the topic of Educake with Charley Darbishire, MD and Founder of Educake, and Claire Power, Head of Geography. John, Charley and Claire discuss retrieval practice, how Educake was founded, what it is, how it can be used and the benefits for both teachers and students. Get your first month free, try Educake here. Follow Educ…

In this episode you are invited to listen in on a conversation held earlier this year as part of our Navigating EDI through geography course. Course presenters Kit Marie Rackley, Akhera Williams, Alice Hoy and Sarah Hayden sat down together to discuss their thoughts on integrating EDI into everyday geography lessons and the challenges teachers migh…

Trudie McGuinness shares her insights into governance oversight of safeguarding, the work of the lead safeguarding governor, and how governors can add value to the Executive in this important area of work.By Fiona Chalk

In this episode John Lyon discusses the Chalk Stream Challenge with Hazel Metcalfe and Sarah Smith. Hazel and Sarah created The Chalk Stream Challenge as part of the Watercress and Winterbournes Landscape Partnership Scheme. They discuss how the challenge began, who the challenge is suitable for, some of the activities involved, features of a Chalk…

Heather Cross, appointed Chair in August 2023, shares the group's vision and how its work is supporting the development of governance professionals in the FE sector.By Fiona Chalk

In this episode, we discuss the theoretical and practical means by which diversity and inclusion can be embedded at Board level; what we mean by diversity; the benefits of recruiting diverse talent; and how this and inclusive practices can support effective governance.By Fiona Chalk

This is a hugely insightful conversation with Matt Atkinson, a finance and strategy advisor. Matt is an accountant and insolvency practitioner working with FE & HE institutions, amongst others, and previously of the Provider Market Oversight team within the ESFA, supporting FE institutions in financial difficulty. Matt talks about good practice in …

In this episode John Lyon discussed the topic of place with Professor Richard Phillips from the University of Sheffield. Richard was joined in this podcast by Tariq Jazeel and Maddy Starzak in the first ever live recorded episode from our Annual Conference 2023. Richard Phillips, Professor of Human Geography at the University Sheffield, discusses s…

Understanding oversight of the quality of education is one of the fundamentals every governor needs to get to grips with. This educational expert husband and wife team, consisting of 2 former Ofsted inspectors, delivers a podcast full of insights and practical tips on how board members can have exceptional oversight of educational quality, and its …

In this episode we hear from Eversheds solicitors on where governance professionals and governors should be focusing their attention to ensure they meet the new requirements and suitably fulfil their fiduciary duties.By Fiona Chalk

As a Chair or Governance Professional, have you considered the benefits that coaching can bring? In this episode, Kay White talks about her work with Governance Professionals in FE - the emerging trends, impact from this work, and her insights to support those in the role with the challenges they face.…

In this episode, Joanna Griffiths, DfE's policy lead on governance in FE, shares her knowledge and expertise on what is meant by an exempt charity, the difference between being both a governor and a trustee on an FE college, and what the key duties of trusteeship in the FE sector involve.By Fiona Chalk

In this episode, the FE Commissioner shares with us, her views on the importance of governance and the support her team can provide on developing effective governance in the FE sector.By Fiona Chalk

In this episode John is joined by Helen Mazalon, a GIS Technician at Alcis. They discuss many topics surrounding GIS for example: Who Alcis are and what they do, the difficulties students face getting into the entry level job market, the 30 day map challenge, the accuracy of data, and more. Visit the Alcis website here Here are Helen's top 5 sugges…

This frank and insightful podcast with Drew Richardson-Walsh of Peridot Partners, discusses recruitment and retention challenges for boards. Touching on sensitive issues such as term limits, having the 'right' people around the table, diversity, skills audits and succession planning, Drew draws on his experiences from his professional role and his …

In this episode John is joined by Professor Alex Densmore, Deputy Head of Geography at Durham University. Focusing on his research in Nepal, they talk about how investigating tectonically active landscapes can reveal chains of linked hazards, and why it is important to link international humanitarian efforts with local communities. Find information…

In the 66th episode, John Speaks to Daanish Mustafa, Professor in Critical Geography at King's College London. The episode centres on what Critical Geography is and how Daanish's thinking was shaped. They also touch on the concepts of structuralism and post-structuralism before discussing the 2022 Pakistan floods and flood management. Find Gender a…

In this episode, John speaks to Chris Winter and Dan Whittall, both Research Engagement Leads at the GA. Their conversation centres on the projects in which they are currently involved and their hopes for the future of research within geography education. They also touch on areas such as Diversity & Inclusion and de-colonising the curriculum. Find …

All organisations deserve an effective board and all organisations deserve a board worthy executive team. Join us on this podcast as we discuss the many benefits to governor/trustee/executive development on the topic of governance, such as: keeping the organisation safe; building trust; increasing innovation; improving performance; developing the b…

In this episode, John speaks to Professor Dave Petley, the new Vice-Chancellor at the University of Hull. Their conversation centres of Dave's work on landslides, their relationship to earthquakes, the evolution of slopes and how they can be better taught in the classroom. Dave has a wealth of knowledge, recounting his work in Taiwan as well as dis…

In the first episode of Series 11, John speaks with Clarry Simpson, a geography teacher and ECT Induction Lead in Brinsworth. Their discussion centres on the NQT & ECT programs, the problems affecting new teachers, how the programs have changed and the importance of subject and curriculum knowledge. Follow Clarry on Twitter. Series 11 of GeogPod is…

In this session I discuss with Stephanie Mason, Head of Further Education Skills and Academies at RSM, the role, functions, and frameworks of audit committees and their oversight of controls and risk. Stephanie gives her insights on effective governance in these areas and shares some good practice, to support all governors function optimally in thi…

This week, John speaks to Richard Bustin, Alice Matthews & Charlotte Milner to discuss getting involved with Teaching Geography and how to write your first article for Teaching Geography. Find out more about writing for the GA at https://www.geography.org.uk/Write-for-GA Series 10 of GeogPod is kindly sponsored by AQA. Everyone has the potential to…

This week John speaks with Ilan Kelman, to discuss why disasters aren't natural, and why it is up to us to make the positive changes so that diplomacy can work for everyone. Links from the pod: Follow Ilan on Twitter or Instagram Read Disaster by Choice Read his papers: Axioms and actions for preventing disasters and Does Nature Play Disaster Games…

In this special, 60th episode of GeogPod, we hand over the guest seat to our stalwart presenter, John Lyon. As a longstanding member of the GA community, he answers questions sent in by staff and members about his experiences, and about what makes him passionate about geography. Follow John at https://twitter.com/GAGeogger Series 10 of GeogPod is k…

The guest for this week's podcast is Gemma Sou, Vice Chancellor's Postdoctoral Research Fellow at RMIT University in Australia. Gemma and John talk about the human geography of the climate crisis, and how she uses graphic novels to represent her research into human-environment relationships and the gendered impacts of climate change. They look into…

In this podcast, I discuss with Charlotte Bonner (National Head of Sustainable Development at ETF) the definitions of sustainability and education for sustainable development, alongside the role of the Board in oversight of this topic - the board ultimately being accountable to stakeholders for the long-term stewardship of the organisation. Charlot…

In this episode, John chats with Narinder Mann: lecturer of Geography and Humanities Education at the University of Manchester. Their conversation centres on what makes a good geography teacher and what a good geography curriculum looks like. Series 10 of GeogPod is kindly sponsored by AQA. Everyone has the potential to achieve, so we make sure tha…

In the first episode of Series 10, John catches up with David Lambert, Honorary Professor of Geography Education at the UCL Institute of Education and former GA Chief Executive. They look back together at the recent history of the GA, and key concepts which helped to build its manifesto for geography: A Different View. Their discussion looks closel…

Join us to get insights into the work of the Governors' Council. Hear from Simon on his vision for the Council's role to develop further both its reach and influence; its desire to use the experience and expertise of Chairs and governors in enhancing its work; to represent more fully their views in the formulation of policy; and to continue to prom…

Listen in to the final episode of Series 9 to hear Ryan Ing, current GA postgraduate intern, talk to us about what geography means to him and how he progressed from A levels in physics and geography to a research career in glaciology. John and Ryan discuss the transition from A level to University and beyond, the future of glaciers in Greenland and…

Join us as we discuss the importance of the role of the governance professional in positively contributing to institutional outcomes. A role that at its best, delivers strategic leadership, acting as a vital bridge between the executive management and the board, and facilitating the delivery of organisational objectives. We hear from Seamus too, on…

Joe Usher is Assistant Professor in Primary Geography Education and Social, Environmental and Scientific Education at Dublin City University. He joins John this week to talk about how to get teachers and pupils to recognise the threads of geography running through everyday spaces and places, and how to implement tools like Minecraft to get them to …

In this episode, John chats with Dawn Gessey-Jones: teacher and geography co-ordinator at Two Rivers School, a special school providing for pupils and students with a wide range of educational needs and recipient of the Gold Primary Geography Quality Mark from 2009-2021. They talk about the school's approaches to making the subject relevant and inc…

In this week's podcast, John speaks with Alan Parkinson, President of the Geographical Association 2021-22, and Paula Richardson, of the GA Fieldwork and Outdoor Learning Special Interest Group, as we head into National Fieldwork Week. They look at all aspects of fieldwork: why it is necessary, what teachers can do to get pupils and students involv…

In this episode, John speaks with Gill Miller, Senior Lecturer Emerita at University of Chester. They talk about Gill's history in the field of geography education, from examining to assessment and specification development, and look into geography's potential to widen perspectives and inspire pupils to become informed, concerned and ethical citize…

In this episode, John talks to Dr Sarah Greene, Associate Professor of Palaeoclimates at the University of Birmingham. Their discussion covers the importance of field teaching across schools and universities, and working to make fieldwork practices inclusive and accessible. They also look at Sarah's research into the carbon cycle, and how looking t…

By Fiona Chalk

In this episode, John is joined by Dr Natasha Dowey - Senior Lecturer in Physical Geography at Sheffield Hallam University specialising in Volcanology and the editor of Geoscience for the Future. Their discussion centres on geoscience, its decline at A level and equity in geoscience. Twitter: @DrNatashaDowey Geoscience for the Future Geology for gl…

This week, John is joined by educational consultant and author, David Gardner. Their conversation includes topics such as the intricacies of geography curriculum planning and the importance of sequencing; how teaching has changed through the years as the result of technology; climate change and COP26. Some of the resources mentioned are linked belo…