About Us - Meet the team
Simon Ross is a former Head of Geography and prolific author of geographical teaching resources.
He has written extensively for the new GCSE and A-level specifications. He acts as a geography consultant for a variety of organisations, and has written and presented educational videos from locations around the world, including Iceland and Italy. He also delivers CPD training for teachers and students. In his spare time he enjoys running, gardening and tending his allotment!
Emma Espley, freelance author, CPD provider and educational consultant.
Emma has taught geography across all key stages, but is particularly interested in supporting teachers and working with children in local primary schools. She is passionate about developing teaching materials and using strategies to stimulate creative, innovative, knowledge-rich and skills-focused learning experiences. Emma has established a Primary Humanities Network based in Gloucestershire and supports the delivery of critical thinking initiatives (Geographical Association and British Council). Regular early morning swims, leisurely walks and a weekly pilates class help her maintain her fitness and youthfulness!
John Davidson, educational consultant, author and former Head of Geography
John is an experienced geography teacher from the South West. 
He has contributed to several geography publications including GeoActive, and has led fieldwork trips throughout the UK and Europe. John has extensive knowledge of the South West landscape and geography, and regularly gives talks to a variety of audiences, and delivers CPD to schools. His other interests include moorland walking, lifesaving, wildlife conservation, photography and history of art.
Paul Berry B Ed (Hons) MSc FRGS, former Head of Geography and Assistant Vice-Principal, currently working part-time as a Field Studies Tutor in Iceland.
Paul took early retirement after 35 years as a Geography Teacher, and has written GCSE exam revision books for Collins, Hodder, and BBC Bitesize. He currently works as a Field Studies Tutor in Iceland for education travel company Rayburn Tours. He has travelled extensively in all seven continents, and in his spare time he supports Exeter Chiefs rugby team, plays golf, and does his best at taxidermy.
Gill Johnson is a former Head of fundraising and partnerships and charity specialist.
Having failed to make it as a rock drummer, Gill decided to try and do more good in the world. After working in South Africa on an HIV AIDS awareness programme for young people, she embarked on a career in fundraising and operations in the international development and humanitarian sectors. She now runs Open Skies Consulting – helping charities and not-for-profits with their strategy and fundraising – as well as a small charity, Wicked Weather Watch, which delivers climate change education for primary schools.
Harry West is a Geographic Information Systems specialist at the University of the West of England, Bristol.
Harry has developed the Explore SW mapping system. He frequently works with the Geographical Association and schools across the South-West to deliver a range of GIS-related CPD and training courses
Alan is an experienced and award-winning Head of Geography and author who has previously worked for the Geographical Assocation as Secondary Curriculum Leader.
Alan has written or contibuted to over 30 books including the Mission:Explore series, children's books and textbooks. He currently works at King's Ely Junior. Alan is a Primary Geography Champion, a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and a Chartered Geographer. He works with Rayburn as a field tutor in Iceland. Alan was also President of the GA for 2021-22. He enjoys reading, blogging, cinema, photography and wandering the streets of a city he's never visited before.
Nicola Warren-Lee leads the Geography PGCE at The University of Bristol
Nicola taught geography in comprehensive secondary schools in Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire for many years before supporting student teachers in her role as PGCE mentor. She went on to tutor geography PGCE students at The University of Oxford and The Open University for over 15 years. During this time she studied for a Master's in Education and a Doctorate which focussed on the student teacher - school mentor relationship. She has worked with practising teachers, helping them to investigate, reflect and improve on student outcomes through practitioner research. Nicola now leads the Geography PGCE at The University of Bristol, is a Fellow of The Royal Geographical Society and Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. She enjoys wild swimming, occasional triathlons and has one of the UK's 'Three Peaks' left to climb.
Susi Ross – teacher of geography and geology
Susi has been teaching full time in the state sector for five years and is currently teaching geography and geology at Ralph Allen School in Bath. She has a particular passion for the south west, having been brought up in Somerset since the age of 7. After studying geography at Swansea University, she studied for her PGCE at St Lukes, Exeter. She is a keen traveller, having visited the USA on several occasions, Morocco, Iceland (running school trips) and, most recently, Thailand. Susi enjoys running, walking, baking and recently completed her first Half Marathon in Bath.
Steve Durman – Senior Examiner/Consultant
Steve is a Chief Examiner and Senior Moderator for a major awarding body. He grew up in Zimbabwe, was Director of Geography in the first humanities college in Cornwall, and has over 35 years’ experience of geography teaching and leadership. He also works as a consultant, speaker, and trainer, and has written textbooks, revision booklets and examination aids for GCSE and A-level. He enjoys cycling, swimming, playing tennis and coastal walking in his spare time.
Keith Bartlett is a former Head of Geography, teacher trainer and senior examiner.
Keith taught at schools on the Jurassic Coast for 34 years. He has contributed to several textbooks and produced online resources for teachers. He is a senior examiner and has written GCSE specifications for a major Exam Board. Keith now delivers CPD to teachers all over the UK and abroad. In his spare time Keith plays bridge on the national circuit and enjoys carp fishing and walking Meg his springer spaniel.
Ollie Cooper
Ollie Cooper is a freelance graphic designer and illustrator, based in London with over 12 years experience. Ollie designed the geographysouthwest logo and provided advice on the website appearance.