PAGE 1

Occasional Newsletter of The Australian Geography Teachers’ Association Limited

GE GrAPhiAGeographia is the national newsletter of the Australian Geography Teachers’ Association Limited.

JULY 2011

The DVD contains:• Articlesandresourceson

21stcenturygeography

• GISskillsdevelopment,GISinPhysicalGeographyandHistoricalGISbooks–step-by-stepinstructionswithstudentactivitiesandteacherguidelinesplussupportinggeographicaldataallsuppliedontheDVD

• 21stcenturyinternetsites

• Technologyinthegeographyclassroomarticles,internetsitesandresources

• Inquiryprojectdesignandworksamples.

How to orderThe‘Exploring21stCenturyGeography’DVDcontainingallprocesssheets,studentactivitiesandexamplesisnowavailableatapurchasepriceof$95.00(GSTandpostageincluded).

PurchasefromAGTA’swebsiteatwww.agta.asn.au/productsandpaybycreditcard(VisaorMasterCard)oryourPayPalaccount.Schoolsmaypurchaseusinganauthorisedpurchaseorder.

AcopyoftheDVDwillbepromptlydispatchedtoyoufollowingconfirmationofpayment.

Only $95.00 for the complete resource postage includedIncludesunlimitedsitelicenseandcopyingrightsinyourschool.

Aresourcetosupportschoolstoenterthe21stcenturyworldofgeography

Exploring 21st Century GeographyATTENTION:Geography/SOSE Coordinators

IfyourequirefurtherinformationontheproductjustringAGTAon0418568201oremailproducts@agta.asn.au

Contact

www.agta.asn.auAnewproductfromtheAustralianGeographyTeachersAssociation(AGTA)

Exploring 21st Century Geography 01

From the Chair 02

AGTA Website 02

Meeting 107 - Overview 03

Surveyors and Spatial Sciences Institute (Sssi) 03

NGC National Geography Competition 04

Final for under 16s 04

Asia Pacific Regional Geography Olympiad 04

Geography’s Big Week Out 05

GeoCareers website 05

National Geographic World Championship 05

Comment 06

Susan Caldis (Senior Project Officer: Geography) 06

2010 AGTA Awards 07

National Education Forum 08

Affiliate News 09

AGTA Conference 12

In this issue:

GEoGrAPhiA

PAGE 2 PAGE 3

AGtA WebsiteTheAGTA2011ConferencesectionhasbeenthemajorareaofdevelopmentontheAGTAwebsitesincethelastBoardmeeting.FieldworkandworkshopresourceshavebeenaddedaswellaseditedvideohighlightsofthekeynotepresentationsbyRitaGardner,DuncanChessellandTimCostello.InformationaboutTimCostellohasbeenaddedtoanewpageonthewebsite.AfullreportoftheAGTAAwardwinnershasbeenalsobeenpublished.

Inaddition,aFacebookpagehasbeensetupwithbothgeneralcommentsandanAGTA2011conferencewall.AtributetoRexWalfordwasoneofthefirstpostingsaddedalongwithaselectionofphotostakenenroutetotheconference(anaerialphotooftheMurrayRivermouthtakenbyStephenCranby),aswellasduringthepreconferenceKangarooIslandtour,fieldtripsandtheconference.

TheChairperson’sannualreportprovidesusefulinformationformembersabouttheachievementsofAGTAwhilstthe‘Geographydiscussions’sectionprovideslinkstoWeb2.0geographywebsitesandaportaltoanumberofusefulblogs,wikis,nings,forums,discussionsandotherparticipatorywebapplicationsthatsupportgeographyteachingbothinAustraliaandoverseas.Otherchangestothewebsiteincludeupdatestothenewssection(e.g.latestissueofGeographia),Boardmembers,affiliatedetailsandresources.Updateshavealsobeenmadetothenationalgeographycurriculumwebsite,standardsforgeographyteachinganddetailsofaffiliateconferences.Thelistingofstateconferenceshasbeenupdatedwheresuchdetailsareknown.

Finally,theonlinemarketingofGeographical Educationandsomeresourcesisnowactiveonthewebsite.

National AGTA Conference January 2011 ThehighlysuccessfulAGTAconference,convenedbytheGeographyTeachers’AssociationofSouthAustraliawasheldinAdelaidefromJanuary8-13th2011.Over240teachersattendedtheconference,titled“GeographygoingNational”,tohearwonderfulkeynoteaddressesfromPeterHill(CEOACARA),RitaGardner(DirectorRGSintheUK),TimCostello(AGTAPatron)andDuncanChessel(explorer).IfyouwishtoviewtheseexcellentpresentationsandsomeoftheworkshopPowerpointsgotowww.agta.asn.au/conf_presentations/index.htm.ManythankstotheconferenceconvenorMarkManualandtheGTASAExecutivefortheirhardworkinmakingtheconferencesuchagreatsuccess.IamsurewewilllookbackonAGTA2011asapivotaleventinthedevelopmentoftheAustralianCurriculumforgeography.

AGTA Patron announcedAtAGTA2011wewerepleasedtoannouncethatTimCostellohasagreedtobecometheAGTAPatron.WeseetheappointmentofTimasanimportantdevelopmenttosupportAGTA’saimtopromotegeographyinthepublicspace.TimisawellrespectedandinvolvedmemberoftheAustraliancommunityandashisarticlesinrecenttimesshow,apersonconvincedoftheimportanceofgeographyforyoungpeopleandtheneedtoensuregeographyhasplaceinschooleducationinAustralia.GototheAGTAwebsiteatwww.agta.asn.au/patron/index.htmformoreinformationonTimandhisperceivedroleasAGTAPatron.

Geocareers WebsiteOneofAGTA’simportantpromotionalactivitiesistheGeocareerswebsiteatwww.geocareers.net.au.Thesite,developedbyRobBerry,isprovingtobeanoutstandingresourceforeducatorsandstudents,linkingourdisciplinewithpotentialcareers.AtpresentthemajorsectionsincludeMeetaGeographer,StudyingGeography,UsingGeographyandResources.

Australian Curriculum for GeographyInJanuary2011ACARAreleasedtheShapeoftheAustralianCurriculum:geographydocument.SincethenACARAhasappointedwritersandanadvisorypaneltodevelopthecurriculum.InJune2011ACARAreleasedthefirstdeliverableofthewritingfortargetedconsultationprocesseswithstatejurisdictionsandgeographyteachersassociations(coordinatedbyAGTA).AtthisstagethefutureprocessfortheAustralianCurriculum:Geographyhasbeenannouncedas(naturallysubjecttochangebyACARA):• InAugust2011aNationalForumofkey

stakeholdersistentativelyplannedtobeheldinSydneytoviewanddiscusstheworktodate.Thisshouldinvolvetheviewingofthedraftrationale,aimsandascopeandsequence.

• Adraftscopeandsequencecontainingcontentdescriptions(includingelaborations)andachievementstandardsisplannedtobereleasedinSeptember2011fornationalconsultation.Thison-lineconsultationistentativelyplannedtobeheldbetweenSeptember-December2011.Thisconsultationperiodwillbefollowedbyanotherphaseofcurriculumwritingguidedbytheadviceprovidedfromtheconsultation.

• AsecondNationalForumistentativelyplannedforFebruary2012todiscusstherevisions.

• Anothernationalon-lineconsultationistentativelyplannedtobeheldbetweenMay-June2012,followedbyrevisionsbythewriters.

• AtthisstageACARAissayingthattheAustralianCurriculum:Geographywillbepublishedon-lineduringSeptember2012

ThereisplentygoingonintheworldofAustraliangeography!WearefacingthechallengesofbeingcloselyinvolvedinthedevelopmentofanAustralianCurriculumforgeography,promotingthe‘brand’ofgeographyinthecommunitywhilstcontinuingouressentialroleasanassociationsupportingteachers.

Malcolm McInerney AGTAChair

From the Chair - In Brief

PAGE 2

GEoGrAPhiA

PAGE 3

Meeting 107 – Overview

Surveyors and Spatial Sciences Institute (SSSI) TheSurveying&SpatialSciencesInstitute(SSSI)isAustraliaandNewZealand’speakbodyrepresentingtheinterestsofsurveyingandspatialscienceprofessionals,combiningthedisciplinesoflandsurveying,engineering&miningsurveying,cartography,hydrography,remotesensingandspatialinformationscience.

AtthemeetinginCanberra,Professor Ken Lyons, University of QueenslandspokeofhisworkontheQueenslandWorkforcedocument.Inparticular,thatdemandissignificantlygreaterthansupplyforspatialindustryemployment.Supplyanddemandwerematchinginthe1980sand90sbutsince2000therehasbeenasignificantdivergence.Thetrendisforfewergraduates,increaseddemandandoverseasrecruitmentincreasing.Problemisthatdemandisa6monthgrowthtimelinebutcreatingsupply

(graduates/retrained)canbeanythingupto6-10years.PresentlytheindustryislobbyinggovernmentforthespatialindustryemploymenttobesupportedbytheAustralianGovernmentCriticalSkillsFund.AtthisstageProfessorLyonsconsidertheattemptstoeducateteachersinschoolsabouttheopportunitiesinthespatialindustryhasfailedandneedstoberevisitedasaninitiative.

TheSpatialIndustriesBusinessAssociationproposaltodevelopaSpatial Industry Statistics Programdiscussionpaperhasconsiderablepotentialtoprovidequantitativedataonthelevelofdemandandopportunitiesinthespatialindustryforcoursecounsellinginschools.

RogerBuckley,newlyappointedSSSICEOoutlinedtheeffortsbySSSItopromotethespatialindustryinschoolsandthecommunity.Theyare:

• Re-developmentoftheSpatialtechnologyinSchoolscompetition

• PackagingofavailablecareerorientatedDVD’sintooneportal

• NewSSSIwebsitefocusedoncareers

• ‘DestinationSpatial’atwww.destinationspatial.org/isaneffortbytheSSSItopromotespatialcareers.

Highlights of the event for AGTA

• ThepositiveinvolvementintheadvocacyworkforgeographybyLizMarchant(ANZLIC)andRogerBuckley(SSSI).InparticulartheiroffertotrytomeetwithPeterHillinthenearfuturetopromotetheimportanceofthespatialindustryintermsofgeographyandallitcanoffer.

• TheopportunitytobrieftheSpatialIndustrypeopleonthedevelopmentwithgeographyinAustralia,inparticulartheAustralianCurriculum:geography.

• Viewingofthedestinationspatialwebsiteatwww.destinationspatial.org/andtheGeospatialRevolutionfromPennsylvaniaUniversityatwww.youtube.com/v/ZdQjc30YPOk&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&version=3

AspecialwelcomewasextendedtoDarrylMitchie,VicePresident,GeographicalAssociationofWesternAustralia.

Thestructureofthismeetingwaschangedtothenormwithbreakoutgroupsbeingre-introducedtoinitiatepro-activeplanningonvarioustopicstomoveAGTAintothefuture.

Sincethe105Boardmeetingahugeamountofworkhasbeengenerated,particularlywiththeAGTAConferencethatwasheldinAdelaideinJanuarythisyear.

AGTA’sfinancialpositionremainsstablewiththebalancesheetasatthe7/5/2011showingAGTA’stotalassetsas$177,483.05andtotalliabilitiesas$2,780.13withnetassetsof$180,263.18.

AssociationsareremindedthataffiliationfeesarepayablefortheyearcommencingaftertheAGMi.e.the2010-2100affiliationfeesweredueattheendof2010basedonmembershipnumbersasat30October2010.Clause11oftheconstitutionstatesthat“Ifthesubscriptionofamembershallremainunpaidforaperiodoftwo(2)

calendarmonthsafteritbecomesduethenthemembermayafternoticeofthedefaultshallhavebeensenttothememberbytheSecretarybedebarredbyresolutionoftheBoardfromallprivilegesofmembershipandthemember’snamemayberemovedbytheBoardfromtheRegisterofMembers.”

MalcolmwelcomedSusanCaldis(SeniorProjectOfficer:Geography,ACARA)tothemeeting.Susanprovidedanupdate/overviewonwhereweareatwiththeAustraliaCurriculumandwhereAGTAcanassistwiththeconsultationanddevelopmentprocess.ItisimperativethatGTA’sgiveinputintotheShapePaperregardinganyhighlights,issuesandconcerns.

FollowingqueriesbytheGeographicalAssociationofWAregardingtheAGTAConstitution,AGTAengagedBarristersandSolicitors,ScammellandCo,toassessandamendtheconstitutiontoclarifyanyanomaliesandinconsistencies.Afterminor

amendmentsweremadetheBoardunanimouslypassedthefollowingmotion:

Motion: “ThattheconstitutionasamendedbesubmittedtoGeographyTeachers’AssociationsforratificationattheAnnualGeneralMeetinginOctober2011.”

Moved: MalcolmMcInerneySeconded:SteveCranbyCarriedUnanimously

The107thmeetingofAGTABoardwasheldinSydneyatLeichhardtPublicSchool,LeichhardtNSW.

GEoGrAPhiA

PAGE 4 PAGE 5

State/Territory 2011 (interim) 2010Students Schools Students Schools

AustralianCapitalTerritory 2602 15 2330 14

NewSouthWales 30244 286 33384 318

NorthernTerritory 114 4 336 7

Queensland 15216 157 17957 166

SouthAustralia 4209 38 4771 49

Tasmania 713 21 787 16

Victoria 14997 134 15680 140

WesternAustralia 10572 87 9856 104

Other1 446 4 30 1

TOTAL 79 113 746 85 131 8151IncludesExternalTerritoriesandoverseas

NGC National Geography Competition

The2011AsiaPacificRegionalGeographyOlympiadwasheldfrom4to9JulyinMéridaontheYucatánPeninsulainMexico.FourstudentswereselectedtorepresentAustralia,basedontheirperformancesatthe2010Geography’sBigWeekOut:

• BridgetAnderson,StMary’sCollege,Hobart

• LauraBennett,CoffsHarbourSeniorCollege

• TarangImmidi,SydneyGrammarSchool• JonathanSteven,CamberwellGrammar

School,Melbourne.

ThenextfullInternationalGeographyOlympiadwillbeheldinCologne,Germany,inAugust2012.Australia’steamwillbeselectedfromstudentswhoexcelatthe2011Geography’sBigWeekOut.

Asia Pacific Regional Geography Olympiad

TheCompetitionismanagedbytheAustralianGeographyCompetition

Committee.Thenumberofstudentsenteringthe2011Competitionisprovisionally79,113.Thisincludesstudentsfromschoolswhohavenotyetpaid,andthenumberwillthereforedropslightly.

Thedeclineinnumbersofthelasttwoyearscontinuedin2011,althoughWesternAustraliahadrecordstudentnumbersthisyear.Laterintheyear,theCommitteewillsurveyschoolsthatcompetedin2010butnot2011totrytoestablishreasonsforthedecrease.

Final for under 16sStudentswonaplaceattheFinalforunder16sbasedontheirscoresintheschoolround.

Aspartofthenamingrightsagreement,theFinalforunder16sisheldinSydney.TheFinalwasheldonMonday6JuneatFoxtelStudios.NationalGeographicChannelwillfilmtheFinalagain.MalcolmMcInerneyofficiallyrepresentedAGTAattheFinal.SydneyschoolsthatenteredtheCompetitionwereinvitedtoattend.ThestudentsthatcamefirstandsecondattheFinalrepresentedAustraliaattheNationalGeographicWorldChampionshipinSanFranciscoinJuly2011.

PAGE 4

GEoGrAPhiA

PAGE 5

Geography’s Big Week Out The2010Geography’sBigWeekOutwasanotherroaringsuccesswithgreatfeedbackfromtheparticipatingstudents.Itwasheldfrom5to10DecemberinPerthandRottnestIsland.Thestudentparticipantswerethehighest-scoringmaleandfemaleYear10/11studentsfromeachstateandthecombinedterritories,plustwootherhigh-scoringstudents,whotookpartintheseniordivisionoftheCompetition.Photosandcommentsfromthestudentsareonthewebsiteatwww.rgsq.org.au/gbwo.htm.

Thanks to the leaders who made Big Week Out possible:• KathBerg,RoyalGeographicalSocietyofQueensland• LidiaDiGiuseppe,GeographicalAssociationofWesternAustralia• MikeFazio,GeographicalAssociationofWesternAustralia• AliHarris,GeographicalAssociationofWesternAustralia• MarcHarris,WoodvaleSeniorHighSchool• TrishHarris,AustralianGeographyTeachers’Association• PhilHouweling,JohnCalvinChristianCollege• MargaretMcIvor,AustralianGeographyTeachers’Association• DeniseMoore,GeographicalAssociationofWesternAustralia• SimonRoos-Freeman,LeemingSeniorHighSchool• NormSnell,GeographicalAssociationofWesternAustralia• EmmyTerry,AustralianGeographyTeachers’Association

AftertwoyearsinPerth,BigWeekOutisshiftingtoVictoriain2011.WeverymuchappreciatethatGTAV,withacommitteeundertheleadershipofPatBeeson,hasagreedtotakeonthisresponsibility.

PlanningisunderwayforGBWOthatwillbeheldinVictoria.ThevenuewillbeattheMorningtonPeninsulafromSunday2toFriday7October2011.

Contextistostudythechallengesofmanagingthepressureofurbandevelopmentandtouristgrowthinfragileenvironmentsandexploringpolarizationofsocio-economicgroupsontheMorningtonPeninsula.

Date Program Sunday2ndOctober OrientationtoMelbourne–visitstoEurekaTowerandrideon

citycircletram.TraveltoMorningtonPeninsula.

Monday3rdOctober Orientationtopeninsulawithfieldsketchoverlookingarea,talkbyCEOandothersfromshire.StudyofMaincreek-adrainagebasininaruralarealargelyuntouchedbyurbandevelopment.

Tuesday4thOctober Impactoftourismandurbandevelopmentoncoastalecosystems–oceanandbaybeaches.StAndrewsBeachandRye.

Wednesday5thOctober ExploringsocioeconomicdivisionsonthepeninsulafromRosebudWesttoPortsea.

Thursday6thOctober BalcombeCreek.Urbandevelopmentinarivercatchmentandimpactofpressuregroups.

Friday7thOctober GBWOassessment.FerrytoQueenscliffandtransporttotheairport,completestheclockwisecircumnavigationofPortPhillipBay.

ThankyouisextendedtoGTAVandtocoordinator,PatBeesonforhostingthisevent.

2011 Geography’s

National Geographic World ChampionshipAustraliawillcompeteatthebiennialNationalGeographicWorldChampionshiptobeheldfrom23to28JulyinSanFrancisco.GoogleissponsoringtheWorldChampionshipandtheFinalwillbeheldatGoogleheadquarters.RileyKernaghan,MacGregorStateHighSchool,Brisbane,hasbeenselectedfortheteamfromthe2010Finalforunder-16s.Theothertwoteammemberswillbechosenfromthe2011Final.

GeoCareers websiteChangesandrevisionshavebeenmadetotheGeoCareerswebsitethankstothesuggestionsofpeopletobeincludedintheprofilesectionbeingforwardedtoRobBerry.Membersareinvitedtosendrecommendationsofpeopletobeapproachedwithaviewtoprovidingaprofileforpublicationastherearestillmanycareerareaswewouldliketoinclude.

Pleasesendtheperson’sname,theiremailaddressandcurrentareaofemploymenttoRob(rberry@agta.asn.au).Robwillthencontacteachpersonnominatedandprovidethemwithastandardproformaandagreementsheet.

GEoGrAPhiA

PAGE 6 PAGE 7

Ref: 00103721582Copyright Agency Ltd (CAL) licenced copy

Adelaide Advertiser31/05/2011Page: 29By: Tim CostelloSection: Education NowRegion: Adelaide Circulation: 190665Type: Capital City DailySize: 147.00 sq.cmsFrequency: MTWTFS-

Ref: 00103721582Copyright Agency Ltd (CAL) licenced copy

Adelaide Advertiser31/05/2011Page: 29By: Tim CostelloSection: Education NowRegion: Adelaide Circulation: 190665Type: Capital City DailySize: 147.00 sq.cmsFrequency: MTWTFS-

Ref: 00103721582

Copyright Agency Ltd (CAL) licenced copy

Adelaide Advertiser

31/05/2011Page: 29

By: Tim Costello

Section: Education Now

Region: Adelaide Circulation: 190665

Type: Capital City Daily

Size: 147.00 sq.cms

Frequency: MTWTFS-

AspartoftheconsultationprocessonthedraftbroadoutlineofthecurriculumforGeography,ACARAwouldlikeAGTAtobeinvolvedintheprocess.

On27May2011ACARAprovidedAGTAwiththedraftbroadoutlineofthecurriculumforgeography,withtheexpectationthatthedocumentswouldbesharedwiththeExecutivetoprovidesomefeedbacktoACARAviateleconferenceandalsoinwriting.

Geographyistheinvestigationandunderstandingoftheearthanditsfeaturesandthedistributionoflifeonearth,includinghumanlifeandimpacts.Itisthestudyofthemanydifferentplacesofenvironmentswhich

makeupourworldandisdescribedasthe‘whyofwhere’

What has been achieved for Geography?• Initialscopingofcurriculaandthe

submissionofapositionpaper(2009-2010)

• DevelopmentandpublicationoftheShapeoftheAustralianCurriculum:GeographyPaper(2010)

• Nationalconsultationontheabovepaper(2010)

• PublicationoftheShapeoftheAustralianCurriculum:GeographyPaper(2011)

• Curriculumwriting(2011)

Feedbackwillbesoughtonkeyareasincludingtherationaleandaims;conceptsF-12;Concepts:PlaceandSpaceand“bigticket:itemssuchas:

• Fieldwork• SpatialTechnologies• Defining‘environment’• Defining‘sustainability’.

SubscribetoACARAUpdate:www.acara.edu.au

AustralianCurriculum:www.australiancurriculum.edu.au

SeniorProjectOfficer,Geography:susan.caldis@acara.edu.au

Timelines for Development:

Consultation PublicationoftheShapeoftheAustralianCurriculum:Geography 1February2011

CurriculumWriting Broadoutline,scopeandsequenceContentdescription(andelaboration)andachievementstandards

FebruarytoMay2011May–August2011

Consultation NationalConsultationStateandTerritoryjurisdictionconsultationTrialSchools;curriculummappingCurriculumrevisionandfinalconsultationperiod

September–December2011May–June2012September–December2011February–August2012

On-linePublication Digitalpublication August–September2012

Susan Caldis (Senior Project Officer: Geography)

PAGE 6

GEoGrAPhiA

PAGE 7

2010 AGtA Awards

TheAustralianGeographyTeachers’Associationpresentsbiennialawardstoproducersofmaterialsusedintheteachingofgeography.Itispleasedtoannouncethewinnersofthe2010Awards.

Category Award Winner Highly Commended

1. Primary school resource Get ConnectedPublisher:WorldVisionAustralia

The Big Picture Book of EnvironmentsAuthor:JohnLongPublisher:Allen&Unwin

2. Junior secondary school textbook

Oxford Big Ideas Geography Level 6Author:MarkEason,KirstyLeahy,JohnRamsdaleandMarianneWardPublisher:OxfordUniversityPress

GTAV Geospatial Skills Activity Book Level 5Publisher:GTAV

Oxford Big Ideas Geography Level 5Author:MarkEasonPublisher:OxfordUniversityPress

3. Senior secondary school textbook

Our Global Future: the Geography of Planning Cities and Climate ChangeAuthors:KathrynAFordandNormanJSnellPublisher:GAWA

VCE Geography New Perspectives SupplementAuthors:RaymondPaskandJohnRamsdalePublisher:GTAV

4. Broadsheet, chart, wall map Oxford Big Atlas 2Publisher:OxfordUniversityPress

Oxford Big Atlas 1Publisher:OxfordUniversityPress

GTAV 2008 Topographic Map SetPublisher:GTAV

5. Atlas The Jacaranda Atlas Edition 7Publisher:Jacaranda(JohnWiley&Sons,AustraliaLtd.)

Oxford Atlas with OBook Publisher:OxfordUniversityPress

Oxford Atlas Project 1 Publisher:OxfordUniversityPress

6. Video Noaward

7. DVD Noaward Fraser Island World Heritage Area in Queensland Author:StephenWeingarthPublisher:ProDoc

Geographers in the Field Publisher:VEA

8. Website DataGenie Publisher:EducationServicesAustralia

9. Non-commercial, teacher produced resource

Building Global AwarenessAuthor:MarkWildyPublisher:GlobalEducationCentreofSouthAustralia

10. Geography teaching resource material

Keys to Geography Essential Skills and ToolsAuthors:JeanaKriewaldtandBobDigbyPublisher:MacmillanEducationAustralia

The 2010 GAWA Examination PackageAuthor:GAWAPublisher:GAWA

11. Geographical education publication

GTAV Interaction Global Geography Volume 38 No 2 June 2010 Authors:JudyMraz&DeniseMilesPublisher:GTAV

GEoGrAPhiA

PAGE 8 PAGE 9

NationalEducationForumisanorganisationrepresentingapproximately32associations.TheNEFmeetsthreetimesayearwithapossibilityofafourthinParliamentHouse,Canberraduring2011.

The meeting consisted of:• Aworkshopsessionexploringthe

purposeandpotentialofProfessionalTeacherassociations.

• GainingfeedbackfromgroupstobethebasisofapaperdevelopedbytheNEFonthepurposeofProfessionalTeacherassociations

• APaneldiscussionwithAITSL(CEO,MargeryEvans),AngeloGavrielatos(AEUNationalPresident)andJayneJohnstone(ExecutiveDirectorSchoolsACT)

Insmallgroupsthequestionwasposedtothe32associationrepresentatives:“Whoareandwhatdoprofessionalteacherassociationsdo?”

Extensive discussion resulted in a number of responses including that professional associations are:• predominatelycomprisedofclassroom

teachersbutalsohavemembershipfrompre-serviceteachers,universitylecturers,industry,curriculumauthoritiesandretirededucators.Someofthecrossdisciplinesassociationsarealsoexpandingthestakeholdersintheeducationalenterprisebeyondschoolstoincludeparentsandcarers

• representativethroughindividual,schoolandinstitutionmembershipstructuresprovideforadiversegroupofeducators

• thevoiceofteachersrepresentingteachersintheclassroomaformoflearningcommunitywheretheonlybarriertomembershipisafee

• self-sustainingandnotdependentonfundingfromgovernmentorjurisdictionalbodies

• areindependentvoicesnotbeholdentojurisdictionsoremployers,beingresponsiblesolelytotheirprofessionalresponsibilityaseducators

• notpoliticallyalignedandthusabletoprovidefearlessanindependentadvice-balancedandprofessionalviewonissues

• providersofcosteffectiveresourcesandprofessionallearningasaresultofthededicationoftheprofessionaltovolunteertheirservices(intermsofintellectualandtime)totheworkoftheassociation

• avalue-add(notfree)resourcetojurisdictionsandgovernmenteducationbodieswishingtodevelopandconducteducationinnovationandinitiativesacrossAustralia

• primarilyfocusedonstudentlearningandoutcomes

• insomecasesspecifictoalearningareabutalsomaybecross-discipline

• involvedinawarenessraisingactivitiesconcerningtheirareaofeducationandincreasinglybeingaskedtooperateasadvocatesfortheirmembersandareaofeducation

• initiatorsofresearchintheirareatosupportqualityimprovementandprovideconnectionbetweenresearchandpractice

• abletoprovideaconduitandfilterbetweentheclassroomandtheNationalAgenda

• involvedindevelopingprofessionalteacherstandardsfortheirlearningarea

• regularpublishersofjournals,newsletters,websitesandteachingresourcesfortheirremembers

• themajorprovidersofprofessionallearningforqualityclassroompracticeintheirareaoflearning.

• theprovidersofleadershipwithprofessionallearning

• oftenaskedtocritiqueandhaveinputintotheeducationalpolicyagenda,butthereisnoevaluationofthisrelationship

• lookedtobyeducatorstoprovideexpertadviceintermsofcontentpedagogicalknowledge

• representedonawidevarietyofconsultativeandadvisorybodiescoordinatedbyindustry,jurisdictionsandnationalbodies

• atthe‘cuttingedge’ofdevelopmentsintheirareaofeducationandareusuallythefirstadoptersoftechnologicalandetachingpracticeintheirfield

• abletoberesponsivetoinnovationandchangingeducationneedsbecausetheyarenotencumberedbybureaucraticrisk-aversioninhibitors.

• closelyinvolvedincurriculumdevelopmentviastateeducationauthoritiesandACARA

• networkersbetweenotherteacherassociations,jurisdictions,parentgroups,industry,universitiesandschools

• abletoprovidethroughtheirmembershipmentoringofyoungteachersinremoteandregionalsupport

toschools

• abletodevelopasenseofbelongingforteachersthroughprofessionallearningandsocialactivities.Teacherself-identitythatassociationssupportisspecificallyrelatedtooneinterestedinprofessionallearningandprofessionalinquiry

• theenablersforprofessionalidentityandprofessionalismforindividualsthroughidentificationwithaprofessionalbodyoflike-mindedindividualsalloperatingasprofessionals

• representativeofallstatesandterritoriesofAustraliaandinmostcasesaretrulynationalbodies

• comprisedofeducatorsfromState,CatholicandIndependentsystems

• representativeofprofessionalengagedpersonnelwillingtoinvestinmembershipoftheassociations,attendprofessionallearningactivitiesconductedbytheassociationsandprovidetheirintellectualpropertyandcommitasdedicatedprofessionalstoconductandparticipateinactivitiesoutsideoftheirnormaldutiesaseducatorsatparticularworksites

• bodieswithgreatcredibilitywitheducatorsacrossAustraliabecausetheyarepractitionersawareofthedemandsandrequirementofeducatorsworkingintheirparticularareaofeducationalexpertise

• groupswhoprovideexcellenceinteachinginitiativestopromotegoodpracticeandrecognitionofoutstanding.

Highlights of the event for AGTA• Smallgroupstructureprovidedthe

opportunitytodevelopsomeveryusefulmaterialforthepaperonassociationsbeingdevelopedbytheNEF.

• MargeryEvans(AITSLCEO)andAngeloGavielatos(AEUPresident)givingverygoodinsightintothedevelopments,thinkingandpoliticsofAITSLinrelationtoNationalProfessionalStandardsforTeachers.Theyalsostatedthattheyareunclearoftheroleofassociationsinthefutureofprofessionallearningtosupportthenationalagendare:education.

• ItwasanexcellentopportunityforMargeryEvanstofindoutabouttheworkofAGTAwithGEOGstandardsinparticular.

National Education Forum

PAGE 8

GEoGrAPhiA

PAGE 9

Affiliate News

WAGeographical teachers Association of Western Australia (GAWA)

President:TrishHarris

Currentmembershipstandsatapproximately250.In2010theassociationcreatedanewwebsitewithloginfacilitiesandmembershipserviceshavebeenexpandedthroughaccesstothewebsite.

ANewtoGeographyTeachingProfessionalDevelopmentsessionwasattendedbyapproximately40teachers.ArangeofteachingresourcestosupporteachstageandYear11and12wasprovidedinelectronicformattoallparticipants.AmappingandpracticalskillssessionwashostedbySandraTressiderwhoalsohasextensiveexperienceworkingwithESLstudentsandwasabletoincorporateliteracyandnumeracystrategies.

GAWAheldaverysuccessfulWACErevisionseminarforYear12studentsin2010.Basedonthesuccessof2010planningisunderwayforasimilarlytimedbutlessshortnoticerevisionevent.

Planningforthe2010Conferenceisunderwaythatwillbeheldfrom19-21August2011attheJoondalupResort.

GAWAhasagreedtohostthe2013AGTAconference.Asubcommitteehasbeenformedandinitialpreparationsareinprogress.

GAWAisproudtohaveproduced6newtextsforthenewcoursesonofferinWesternAustralia.RegularsalesarerecordedfortheYear 11 and 12 texts: Hazards, Impacts and ResponsesbyNormanSnelland

Sustainable Planet byTamaraBoyerforYear11;andOur Global Future: Planning for Cities and Climate Change,writtenbyKathrynFordandNormanSnellforYear12.NormSnell’sThe Geographers ToolkitanditscompanionstudentactivitybookareGAWA’smainskillstexts.

Inthepipelineformid-2011isanewtextforStage3GeographyrevisionwithacurrentworkingtitleA Student’s Guide to the Stage 3 Geography (WACE).Latein2010GAWApublishedanewStage1textCoastal Environments at Risk – Unit 1 AGEOwrittenbyKateFordtoaddressalackofresourcesforstage1studentsandteachers.AccompanyingthetextareextraresourcesonaCD.Saleshavebeenstrongandlotsofpositivefeedbackreceived.

TheStage3AandStage2GAWAExamsresourcesonofferincludebroadsheets(printed),mockexamandmarkingguide(digitalandprinted).

GAWA’s activities included:• ParticipatingintheGEES(Geography,

EarthandEnvironmentalScienceDay)thatwasheldonApril13.ThiseventpromotedGeographycareerswithpracticalhandsonactivitiesatthePerthZoo.GISactivitieswereusedtopromotegeographicalunderstanding

• HostingtheJohn Forrest Competitionprovidesanexcellentopportunityformemberstoinvolvetheirstudentsinanactivitythatfocusesonapplicationofknowledgeandskillsdevelopedthroughtheirstudyofgeography

• AcknowledgingandrewardingexcellenceinGeographyteachingandconsidering

nominationsforJoseph Gentilli Memorial Award for Excellence in Geographical Education.TheJosephGentilliMemorialAwardforExcellenceinGeographicalEducationisconferredonaGAWAmemberwhohasmadeanoutstandingcontributiontoGeographicalEducationandinrecognitionofitsimportancetheawardcomeswithprizemoneyof$2000

• HostingThe Big Week OutinDecember2010.OnceagainMikeFazioasconveneroftheBigWeekOutorganisedaterrificevent.Itwasgreattobeabletotweaktheprogramfromtheyearbeforeandtheimprovementswerewellreceivedbystaffandstudents

• Launchingthewebsitein2010.Thetemplateandgeneraloperationofthewebsitehasbeenpleasing.RobMcFarlanepopulatedthesiteandisdiligentinmaintainingthecurrencyofthematerial.Hehasundergonetrainingwiththewebdesigncompanyandcompletedsomediagnosticstraining,whichisusefulintrackingwebtraffic.Thesitealsoprovidesa‘login’capacitytofurthersupporttheprovisionofserviceandresourcestoGAWAmembers

• ParticipatingintheAustralianCurriculumGeographyForumheldonApril27.GAWAdelegatesprovidedfeedbackontheinitialadvicepapertoinformtheGeographyShapingPaper.

TAStasmanian Geography teachers Association (tGtA)

President:WayneSutton

Membershipcontinuestosteadilyincreaseandcurrentlystandsat23activemembers,with20oftheseteachersactuallyteachingGeographyin2011.

AProfessionalDevelopmentDaywasheldonFriday11FebruaryatHobartCollegeandwasattendedbymostoftheYear11/12GeographyteachersfromaroundTasmania.Inall,17teachersattendedfromasfara-fieldasSmithton,BurnieandDevonportinthenorthwest,Launcestoninthenorth,aswellasfromHobartinthesouth.Topicsthatwerediscussedincluded:

• ThepresentGeographysyllabus,asthereareanumberofteacherswhoareteachingGeographyforthefirsttimeduetoincreasedinterestfromstudentsinschoolsthathavenottaughtitpreviouslyorforsometime.Ifeelthatthegreater

exposureofGeographyaspartoftheAustralianCurriculumhasbeenamajorfactorandthisgrowthreflectswellontheactivitiesofAGTA.Therewasaverygoodexchangeofideasandresourcesinthisdiscussionbetweenteachers.Informalregionalgroupswereorganisedtosupporteachother

• Teachingresources,manyofwhichcamefromtheAGTAConferenceinAdelaide,werediscussedandprovidedtoalltheattendees.Threeoftheparticipantswhoattendedtheconference,Julie,CarynandWayne,alsogavepresentationsontopicsfromtheseminarsandfieldworkthattheyattended,aswellascommentsfromtheguestspeakers

• theexternalassessmentprocessfor2010,includingtheexpectationsofthemarkersandthestate-wideresultsthatwereobtainedbystudentsandtheramificationsforteachersintheirteachingandlearning.

TeachersinschoolsandcollegesacrossTasmaniawereactivelyencouragedtoparticipateinTheNationalGeographicAustralianGeographyCompetition.

Statewide,thenumberofschoolsandcollegeswithviableGeographyclasseshasfurtherincreasedin2011to18andthenumberofstudentsstudyingGeographyinYear11/12in2011isslightlyhigher,butsimilartothepreviousthreeyears.Thenumbersthatweregraduallydecliningnowseemtohavestabilizedoverthepastfewyears.TherearealsomanystudentswhostudyGeographyinhighschoolatprivateschoolsandtwogovernmentschools.

TGTAhasmaintainedgoodlinkswiththeSchoolofGeographyandEnvironmentalStudiesatUTASin2010andthiswillbefurtherenhancedin2011onanindividualandatanassociationlevel.

GEoGrAPhiA

PAGE 10 PAGE 11

VICGeography teachers Association of Victoria (GtAV)

President:TrishDouglas

Membershipisslightlydownfromlastyearandcurrentlystandsat538.Numbershaveactuallyincreasedinmanycategoriesbutsomeindividualmembershaveoptedforschoolonlymembership,resultinginthedecline.Membershipisnowprovidedon-line.

GlobalEducationProject(GEP)providesaccesstopre-serviceandpracticingteachersatbothsecondaryandprimaryschools.In2010GEPprovidedprofessionallearningto4185individualsamassing10,063contacthours.

Allprofessionaleventshaveonlineregistrationwiththesystemworkingwellfortheassociation.TheGTAVhasofferedprofessionallearningtoexperiencedandinexperiencedteachersofGeographyincluding:-NewteacherstoVCEGeographyConference;MeettheExaminers;Help!HowdoIteachGeographyforinexperiencedteachers;GIStrainingatanumberoflevels;PrimaryTeachersConferenceinMay2011.GTAVisalsocollaboratingwithGlobalEducationProjectandothersubjectassociationstoofferProfessionalLearningtoteachers.

Thefollowingresourcesareinproductionorhavebeenproduced:

NewPerspectivestextbook2ndedition;2011VCETrialExam;full-colourresourcecatalogue;full-colourInteractionxfoureditions;Borneomultimediagame–basedonforestandculturalsustainability;BushfiresresourceasaresponsetoarecommendationfromtheVictorianBushfiresRoyalCommissioninconjunctionwithEducationServicesAustraliaandtheVictorianCurriculumandAssessmentAuthorityfortheAustralianChildren’s

TelevisionFoundation–primaryandlowersecondaryGeographyworksheetsbasedontheMyPlaceTVserieswhichwillbeavailableontheMyPlacewebsite.

GlobalEducationProject(GEP)-StaffnowincludetheDirectorofProjectasProjectManagerandfourGlobalEducationstaffwhodelivertheproject.Threesessionalcontractorsarealsoemployedtoassistduringtimesofheavydemand.ResourcesproducedorinproductionusingGEPfundsinclude:ForestandbiodiversityCD–ROM;Forest:aglobalperspective:bookletforsecondarystudents;Waterbooklet:basedontheGlobalEducationlearningemphasesandGeographyskillsandknowledgeandunderstandings.

GTAVispartofDestinationSpatial–anewEducationCommitteewhichincludesrepresentativesfromthespatialindustries,tertiaryinstitutionsandeducation(GTAVandCareers)–topromotecareerpathwaysintothespatialindustryandhasalsodevelopedasimilarrelationshipwiththePlanningindustryandhasbeenapproachedbytheSurveyingTaskForcetodevelopasimilarrole.

OtheractivitiesInclude:

• WritingtonewspapershighlightingtheimportanceofstudyingGeographytocoincidewithEarthHour

• ParticipatinginthewritingofcurriculummaterialwithaGeographyfocusforthesecondseasonofthetelevisionseries“MyPlace”fortheAustralianChildren’sTelevisionFoundation

• Developingapartnershipwith’TheAge’whowilladvertiseGTAVactivitiesandprofessionallearning

• Hostingofthe‘BigWeekOut’inOctober.ThisweekofactivitiesisbeingcoordinatedbyPatBeeson(GTAVCommitteemember)

• CollaboratingwithothersubjectassociationstoprovideProfessional

Learningforteachers

• HostingaFacebookpagewithapproximately100members

• Hostingstudentlecturesduringtheyearandrevisionlecturesattheendoftheyear

• ProvidingaprimaryandsecondaryschoolrepresentativetoanAustralianCurriculumConsultativePanelhostedbyMonicaBiniatVCAA.

ThePatronoftheGTAV,RobGell,iskeentoplayamoreactiverolewithinandfortheAssociation–hewillspeakattheAGMandhostaforumatAnnualConference.HehasalsowrittenletterstotheVictorianMinisterforEducationandFederalMinisterforEducationadvocatingtheimportanceofGeographyintheCurriculum.

GTAVisprovidingteacherswithinformationabouttheAustralianCurriculumviaGTAVNews,websiteandprofessionallearningopportunities.Forexample,inMay2011,theGTAVwillhosttheinauguralGeographyPrimaryConferencetoupdateprimaryeducatorsontheplaceofGeographyintheAustralianCurriculum.

AttheGTAVAnnualConferenceinAugustaforumwillbeheldwhichwillprovideteacherswiththeopportunitytoreceiveinformationandaskquestionsabouttheAustralianCurriculum.

SAGeography teachers Association of South Australia (GtASA)

President:AlexPiggott

GTASAputinplaceanincentivetoencouragerenewalofmembership.AMyer$200voucherwillbedrawnatconference.

FocusthisyearhasbeentheAGTAconferencesonoothermajorprojectshavebeenimplementedsinceJanuary.TheGTAwillbeconductingaonedayconferenceon27thMay.KeynoteisProfessorAndrewMillingtonondeforestationanddrugsinSouthAmericaandMalcolmMcInerney

isrunningasessionontheAustralianCurriculum,alongwithacollectionofworkshops.

TheGTAcontinuestosellitsmapkits.ChangestothecurriculuminSAhasimpactedsignificantlyonstudentnumbersinGeography(inoneyearalossof66%).Thelowup-takeofGeographyatyear12levelisduetothelackofa“subjectpattern”intheSACEandreductionofstudyrequirementsforsubjectsfrom5to4.ThisremainsasignificantandmajorissueforthesubjectofGeography.

TheassociationhaswrittentotheMinisterandwillbeschedulingameetingto

presenttheGTA’sviewsonchangestothecurriculum.Theassociationwillcontinuetolobbythegovernmentandgathersupportfromthemedia.Thecommitteeisalsoworkingwithothersubjectassociationstogathersupportforchangestothenewseniorcurriculum.

Affiliate News

PAGE 10

GEoGrAPhiA

PAGE 11

Geography teachers Association of Queensland (GtAQ)

President:Anne-MarieGerlach

Membershipandcommittee/staffhaveremainedstable.

Spatialtechnologyworkshopsarecurrentlybeingplannedforlaterintheyear.

GTAQishostingitsstateconferenceon30thJulyattheUniversityofQueensland.Thethemeis“PlanningforChange.Adedicatedwebsitefortheconferencehasbeenestablishedalongwithablogtohelpkeeppeopleup-to-dateontheeventincludingpresenters,keynoteaddresses,howtoregister,sponsorshipandtradedisplayoptionsandevents.GTAQwillbetriallingelectronicregistrationforthefirsttimethisyear.

TheQueenslandStudiesAuthorityhostedaconferenceinApril;Visiontoreality:Queensland’sneweducationallandscape”.Topicsrelatedto:ThefutureofGeographyintheClassroomYears4-12;MakingAustralia’sCapitalCityaMust-doExcursionDestinationYears4-12;TheAustralianCurriculum:AnUpdate–Geography;theArtsandLanguagesYearsP-10;fromSOSEtoHistoryandGeographyandBeyondYears4-10;and,TeachinggeographyinaOne-to-OneEnvironmentYears8-12.

GTAQhascontinueditspromotionofthedisciplinethroughthesaleofGeographyposters.Anewinitiativehasbeenthenewformatofthejournalwhichisnowamuchshorter,colourfulandglossypublicationandincludesanewsectionshowcasingschoolsandtheirworkaroundtheState.

TheGTAQwebsitealsohasanewlookbeingmoreuserfriendly,aimingtoencouragea

largernumberofcontributors.AFacebookpageisalsobeingestablished.

CloserlinkshavebeenestablishedwithWorldVisionandtheGlobalLearningCentre.Thishasledtoawidervarietyofmaterialbeingmadeavailableforthejournalandthewebsite.

A“CareersinGeographyDay”isplannedforFriday22JulyattheUniversityofQueenslandandconductedthroughtheSchoolofGeography,PlanningSchool&EnvironmentalManagement.Thiswillprovideanopportunityforseniorstudentstoaccesspresentationsandworkshopswithcurrentstudentsandstaff.

ACTAustralian Capital territory - Sub Branch of GtANSW

Coordinator:CarolPogson

Membershipcontinuestobesolidwithgoodrepresentationacrossgovernmentandnon-governmentschools.

AverysuccessfulProfessionalDevelopmentDaywasheldonTuesday10thMayinCanberraentitled,SimplespatialtechnologyforACTandregionalGeographyteachers

conductedbyMickLaw,ContourEducation.

AminiconferencerunbyGTANSWisplannedlaterthisyear,focusingonthedevelopmentoftheAustralianGeographyCurriculum;enhancingskillsindevelopingqualityassessmenttasks;assistingnon-GeographytrainedteacherstoteachGeographyskills(includingarangeofICT-basedskills).

AtourlastsectormeetingtheGTAdiscussedthatafieldworkbookletonkeyACTandRegionalFieldworklocationsandactivitiesshouldbedevelopedtoassistteachersof

Geography,especiallyinthelightofthenewNationalCurriculum’semphasisonFieldwork.Itisanticipatedthatthiswillbefinalisedbyearly2012.

TheACTisbuildingrelationswithuniversities,theANUandUniversityofCanberrareencouragingstudentstostudyGeographyatuniversity.

TeachersinschoolsandcollegesintheACTwereactivelyencouragedtoparticipateinTheNationalGeographicAustralianGeographyCompetitionandtoattendsubbranchmeetings.

NSWGeography teachers Association of New South Wales (GtANSW)

President:NickHutchinson

TheGTAhasapproximately370financialmembers.

HSCExaminationReview2011workshopswereconductedinSydney,NewcastleandWollongong.ExperiencedteachersandHSCmarkerssharedtheirthoughtsaboutthe2010examinations.

AContourEducationworkshoptitled,Simplespatialtechnology–PrimaryandSecondarylevelwasheldinStirlingACT.

RegionalminiconferencesareplannedtobeconductedinNewcastle,Orange,CoffsHarbour,CanberraandNowra.Thisseriesofmini-conferenceswillfocusonthedevelopmentoftheAustralianGeographyCurriculum;enhanceskillsindevelopingqualityassessmenttasks;assistnon-GeographytrainedteacherstoteachGeographyskills(includingarangeofICT-basedskills);andtoenhanceparticipants’contentknowledgeinareasrelevanttotheStage4/5andStage6Geographysyllabuses.

TheannualconferencetobeheldatParliamentHouse,SydneyFridayAugust262011hasthethemePeopleandHazards,withpresentersfromEMAAustralia,theWeatherChannel,theABS,ACARAandContourEducation.

TheParramattaParkprojectisateachingprogramwithworksheetsforfieldwork/sitestudy,focusedontheWorldHeritagestatusoftheparkasoneoftheAustralianConvictSites.ItisnowbeingpublishedontheParramattaParkTrustwebsiteforschools.ItwillbelaunchedinearlyAugustinconjunctionwithateacherworkshopforbothhistoryandgeographyteachersofYear7classes.

TheNSWGlobalEducationProjectisnowmanagedbytheProfessionalTeachers’CouncilofNSWandfinancedbyAustralianGovernmentAusAIDwhiletheGeographyBulletiniseditedbyGrantKleemanandSusanBliss.

InNovember,2010theProfessionalTeachersCouncilofNSWrecognisedthecontributionsofGTACouncilmembers:DrGrantKleeman,DrSusanBlissandMrMartinPlüsswereallrecognisedfortheircontributionstoteacherprofessionallearning.SusanBlissreceivedan

ExceptionalServiceAwardforherleadershipinGlobalEducation.

InFebruary,2011GTANSWheldtwoawardpresentationsatParliamentHouse–theHSCStudents’andTeachers’Awards,and,theArthurPhillipAwards.HerExcellency,AdministratoroftheCommonwealthofAustralia,ProfessorMarieBashirAC,CVOwasaguestattheawards.

OtherAwardsinclude:theGTAFieldworkandVisualPresentationAward;theGlobalEducationFieldworkandResearchAward;theDrDonBiddleIssuesinAustralianEnvironmentsFieldworkAward;theBrockRoweSeniorGeographyProjectFieldworkAward;theWaterforLifeFieldworkAward;theDrMaurineGoldston-MorrisAwardforExcellencebyTeachersandSchools;and,GeographyTeachers’AssociationofNSWAwardofRecognitionandAppreciation

GEoGrAPhiA

National Geographic Channel promotes and encourages Geography education in Australian schools.

Next Meeting 21-22 October 2011 Venue: Hobart

Registered Address 503 Burke Road Camberwell South VIC 3124

Postal Address PO Box 2066 Camberwell West VIC 3124

Atotalof245delegatesattendedtheAGTANationalConferenceheldinAdelaideinJanuarythisyear.

MarkManuelwascongratulatedforhisoutstandingworkinorganisingtheconference.MarkwasablysupportbytheveryenthusiasticGeographyTeachersAssociationfromSouthAustralia.

TheoverwhelmingsuccessoftheConferencewasaffirmedthepositivefeedbackfromavarietyofsourcesincludingthenumerousemailspraisingtheorganisation,venue,keynotes,presenters,fieldwork,socialeventsandthedinner.Commentsinclude:

• “Itwasexcellentinmanyways,venue,atmosphere,balance,timing.Allfourspeakerswerestimulatingandgavedelegatesplentytothinkabout”

• “Whatafabulous10days.TheKangarooIslandtripwasfantasticandresultedinsomewonderfulmemoriesforallofus.”

• “Anoutstandingconference,fantasticmixofinspirationalkeynotespracticalandhandsonworkshops,interestingfieldtripsandgreatsocialevents

• InshortthebestconferenceIhaveeverbeento..”

• “Thanksfororganisinganawesomeevent!”

• “ItwasagreatConference,oneofthebestIhaveeverattended.”

• “lastweekwasabsolutelyamazing,Ican’tthinkofanyotherwaytodescribeit.Thecontent,location,contactsandexperienceswereworldclass”

• “CongratulationsonamostsuccessfulConference.Thehospitality,interestingprogramandvariedfieldworkandsocialactivitieshelpednurturethesenseofgeographycommunity.”

• “Onbehalfofmyselfandmytwocolleagues,Iwouldliketothankyouforalltheworkthatwentintoorganisingsuchaprofessionalconference.Youandyourstafforganisedthelogisticsoftheevent,providedinterestingandinformativekeynotespeakersandwellasverypracticalworkshops.ThefieldworkdayswereafabulousopportunitytoseeAdelaideandenvironsaswellasgainingvaluablefieldworkideas.Allthiswasdoneinaverycalmprofessionalwaythatenabledthedelegatestohaveaveryenjoyableexperience.”

A conference such as this would not be possible without the support of an extensive number of people. A big thank you to:

• ThesuperteamofMalcolmMcInerneyandRobBerrywhomanagedthebigpicture.Malcolmwiththekeynotes,sponsorsandpatron,Robwiththewebsiteandfinancialmanagement

• TheorganisingCommitteeofMalcolmMcInerney,AlexandraPiggottandRitaShepherdfortheirhelpinmanagingthewholeshowandkeepingitallinperspective

• GTASAExecutivememberswhopulledtogetheroverthefivedaysandworkedsensationallyasateam.(Theyhaveallbeenthankedpersonally)

• Thefieldtrippresentersoverthetwo

days.Thefieldtripsreceivedravereviewsfromparticipants;theylovedthelunchesandthefocusonteachingaboutfieldwork.Theyalsoappreciatedtheinputfromoutsideagencies.(Againtheyhavebeenthanked)

• SandyStuartandKateJohnsonwhohostedtheWineryTours–theywereahugesuccessandsetthetonefortheweekahead

• JulianCousins,RossJohnson,CliveWestandGregWaywhosteppedupandtookoverthemanagementofthebusesintimesofneed.Theparticipantsappreciatedthetransportarrangementseveniftheywereconfusedattimes.JulianandWaynePriestmanageditfamously

• RogerSmithandGrahamSlaterfortheAGTAGames.Ahugeamountoffunandlovedbyall

• ScotchStaff,MalcolmMassie,JanetRainey,RichardBlinco,MartyCoombe,ChefPaulWharramandtheGroundstaffforassistinginnumerousways.–anamazingteamwhovolunteeredtheirtimeintheholidaybecausetheywantedtoseeitallworkandhelpmeout

• Walford,RussellBarnettandtheirdrivers-theirfacilitiesweresensationalandappreciatedbyall

• EveAyliffeandKevinPahlwhomadethePreConferenceToursospecialforallparticipants

• Finally,ScotchCollegeforprovidingmorethanjustthesuperbvenue.

AGtA Conference