Geography Southwest Newsbites June 2023
Welcome to our June Newsbites. Over 70 teachers came to the Geography Southwest Conference 2023 on Monday 26 June 2023 at the University of the West of England, and we have started to plan for the next conference in June 2024. Presentations from the lectures and workshops will be posted soon on the conference page of this website.
https://www.geographysouthwest.co.uk/conference/geog-sw-conference/sw-geography-conference-2023/.
Are you teaching coasts, planning coastal fieldwork or seeking ideas for NEAs? Look at our recent articles on this website on Dawlish – coastal processes, hazards and management produced in collaboration with the National Oceanography Centre (NOC), and Christchurch Bay, Naish Cliff and Barton on Sea, produced from the Christchurch Bay and Harbour Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management (FCERM) Strategy, in collaboration with Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council (BCP). Both articles include links to downloadable teacher materials, including detailed PDFs, student worksheets and PowerPoints.
https://www.geographysouthwest.co.uk/secondary/gcse-articles/coastal-management-at-milford-on-sea/
Looking for inspiration for the last few lessons before the end of term? Check out the Big Summer Quiz from Discover the World, which is now available on their website. The Big Summer Geography Quiz 2023 (discover-the-world.com) The 8-round quiz can be downloaded and adapted by teachers. It is aimed at KS3 but would also be appropriate for GCSE students.
Don’t forget to encourage your students to enter the RGS Young Geographer of the Year competition! The 2023 theme is to create a Blueprint for the Future! The deadline for entries is 5 pm on Monday 2 October. Royal Geographical Society - Young Geographer of the Year (rgs.org)
Do also look our Primary Newsbites for ideas and resources for Early Years and KS 1 and 2. https://www.geographysouthwest.co.uk/primary/primary_news/primary-newsbites-may-2023/
The next Geography Southwest Newsbites will be published on Monday 11 September with lots of ideas for the new School year and forthcoming events for the Autumn Term.
Geography events
Here is a selection of July events and some that will take place in the Aurumn highlight some events that are planned for July or the forthcoming autumn term.
The Royal Geographical Society (RGS) programme of talks and events for teachers can be found on their website: Royal Geographical Society - Browse our events (rgs.org)
Forthcoming RGS events include:
Supporting candidates for interviews and Oxbridge on Tuesday 2 October at 17.00. This event is free and online. Royal Geographical Society - Supporting geography candidates for interviews and Oxbridge (rgs.org)
GIS CPD RGS workshops led by ESRI UK: These courses will use ArcGIS to provide CPD on GIS at events throughout the summer and autumn terms.
Monday 25 September, 10.00 to 4.00 pm, Exeter
Teach with GIS – getting started with ArcGIS Online at York St John University -
Tuesday 3 October, 10.00am-4.00pm, York.
Teach with GIS – getting started with ArcGIS Online at Newcastle University -
Wednesday 25 October, 10.00am-4.00pm, Newcastle
The Geographical Association have a free on-line course with one hour sessions designed to support teachers in classroom research starting on 7 July. Developing your classroom research: plan, present and publish booking form - Geographical Association (geography.org.uk)
Discover the World, The Field Studies Council and The Geographical Association are providing a FREE in-person geography CPD event on Friday 1 September, which is an ultimate guide to geography school trips and fieldwork. It is based at Discover the World Education's Offices at Dorking, Surrey, and will cover the planning of trips, how to enrich fieldwork opportunities and trips for creating a successful student experience.
GlosGeog, the Geographical Association’s local branch in Gloucester next event is on the afternoon of Thursday 13th July 2023, from 1.30 pm to 3.00. Dr Chris Spencer, Senior Lecturer, University of West of England will present a lecture on Evaluating coastal flooding in Somerset using GIS, which will be preceded by a 30 minute talk for sixth form students on choosing Universities and courses for studying geography. This free event will take place at Senior Hall, Stroud High School, Beard’s Lane, Cainscross Road, Stroud, Gloucestershire, GL5 4HF, and a live stream option may be available. Contact Emma Espley emma.espley@gmail.com for further details and to book places.
Fancy a trip to Morocco? Join the upcoming teacher inspection/study tour (27-29 October 2023) with Richard Allaway (international geography educator and author), an opportunity for Geography teachers to explore the superb range of geographical learning experiences available to students who undertake a field study trip to Morocco. All ground expenses (accommodation, food, transport) will be covered by Discover Ltd. You pay for flights and insurance. Included in the visit is time spent exploring the markets of Marrakech, trekking in the foothills of the Atlas mountains and camel riding in the Agafay desert. Places are limited to 10. For further information and to reserve a place, contact Discover Limited at info@discover.ltd.uk . A flyer is available here
Somerset Wildlife Trust are running a free Marine Science Day on Friday 4 August at Dunster Beach. Young People's Marine Science Day | Somerset Wildlife Trust
Aimed at 14 to 18 year olds with an interest in marine conservation, the interactive day will include marine surveys and the opportunity to work with professional marine scientists. Note that booking is required and young people under 16 will need to be accompanied by a designated adult.
Interested in wildlife surveys? Check out the Somerset Bat group events, in particular the Castle Cary Big Bat Count on 8 July. Somerset Bat Group – Somerset Bat Group was formed in 1985 to help protect bats in the county of Somerset, UK and other opportunities around the County to be involved.
Geography resources
The Royal Geographical Society (RGS) have new resource on their website. Those teaching weather and climate and the implications of climate change will find the new, detailed resource on El Nino relevant and useful. Royal Geographical Society - El Niño: Phenomenon of Opportunities (rgs.org)
There are also new podcasts with ideas and examples for lessons including marine plastics.
Royal Geographical Society - Marine plastic in the Southern Ocean with Dr Clara Manno (rgs.org)
Geographical Association: The GA’s National Fieldwork fortnight continues until 7 July. There are various resources and links on their website, and ideas for teachers. National Fieldwork Fortnight - Geographical Association (geography.org.uk)
The GA has a series of books to assist teachers with planning and delivering fieldwork, including a new edition of the comprehensive handbook Fieldwork through Enquiry (2nd Edition). This book covers both physical and human fieldwork topics and a range of skills required for GCSE. Fieldwork Through Enquiry (2nd Edition) (geography.org.uk)
Teaching about Iceland or planning a visit? Do look at the latest materials on the Rayburn tours website which include FREE Rayburn Tours Iceland Series Teacher Resources. There are 2 units of FREE teacher resources focusing on Iceland’s geography. Vibrant, informative and easy to base a lesson around, the first focuses on volcanoes whereas the second puts a spotlight on sustainable energy resources. Just click the link below to access the posters, activity sheets and Power Point presentations. The Iceland Series - Rayburn Tours
Do you teach about glaciers or the Alps? There is a very detailed interactive 3D map which allows you to fly over Switzerland and zoom in on landscapes such as the Aletsch Glacier, mountain villages or ski resorts. Many opportunities for students to do their own searches and exploration.
https://www.swisstopo.admin.ch/en/maps-data-online/maps-geodata-online/3d-viewer.html
Teaching about the Oceans, global commons or climate change? Ocean News from the National Oceanography Centre (NOC) provides updates and useful resources. A recent report in May describes how nearly 25% of the Ocean Floor has been fully mapped, which is part of a massive undertaking to know more about the deep oceans and complete mapping them by 2030. The international project is being led by Seabed 2030, and the mapping of the Ocean Floor is an important step to help inform decision-making relating to resource management, environmental change and ocean conservation. A quarter of the ocean floor is now mapped | National Oceanography Centre (noc.ac.uk)
A report in June looks at the record rise of ocean temperatures around the UK recorded in spring and early summer 2023. These record high ocean temperatures are likely to be affecting the UK weather and may also be affecting marine life. Near real-time data shows record rise in North Atlantic sea surface temperatures | National Oceanography Centre (noc.ac.uk)
Teaching about Polar regions? The latest maps from British Antarctic Survey show the extent of ice loss in both Polar regions and the loss of ice around Greenland and Northern Canada is startling. These maps received national publicity and also show the effects of ice shelf retreat in Antarctica. New map reflects ice loss and name changes - British Antarctic Survey (bas.ac.uk)
Teaching the environment, landscapes and ecology in Somerset or North Devon? There is a detailed website on the Quantocks AONB which includes various resources, walks, leaflets and ideas. Quantock Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Broomfield, Somerset
UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology: The latest post from the UKCEH website details research being undertaken to look at the effects of climate change on wetland biodiversity. UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology website also has a range of resources suitable for 16+ students including those embarking on their research for the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ).
Teaching extreme weather or natural hazards? Time for Geography’s latest video is on extreme weather and its effects on the UK, including cyclonic storms, thunderstorms and hail, winter anticyclones and snow and summer anticyclones and their associated heatwaves and droughts. This 20-minute video provides a detailed introduction for GCSE and would also be useful for introducing weather hazards at 16+. Time for Geography | UK Extreme Weather
Teaching about coasts? The home advice website One Home has produced an interactive map of coastal areas at risk to the year 2100 which includes sites in Cornwall and Dorset. The interactive map includes detailed images, large scale maps and information about particular sites and coastal defences and links to Shoreline Management Plans. One Home is the consumer awareness campaign of the Climate Alliance Community Interest Company. Collapsing cliffs: English seaside communities under threat from climate change | One Home
English communities most under threat from coastal erosion by 2100 – mapped | One Home
Rivers and Flooding: The Gov.UK website has a recent report on how the Exeter Flood Scheme in Devon led to the creation of an orchard through the FLOW community project. Planted in 2018, the project included 200 trees and various initiatives to help wildlife including fish passes. Full details of the project and its ecological benefits can be found on the link below, along with a detailed video on the Exeter Flood Scheme. The ‘secret’ orchard which grew out of Exeter’s flood defence scheme - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Teaching UK weather, heat waves, droughts and cold snaps? The latest Blog from the Royal Meteorological Society focusses on how air masses affect the UK’s weather and explains the contrasts in the weather across the UK experienced during the May 2023 half term. Clear animations and diagrams show the effects of the air masses and the weather they bring. MetLink - Royal Meteorological Society Air Masses
Geography News:
Skern Lodge celebrates GA’s National Fieldwork fortnight: Skern Lodge in North Devon is marking the GA’s National Fieldwork fortnight from 26 June to 7 July by hosting school trips from Dorset and Buckinghamshire. Students from Dorset will develop fieldwork skills for their NEA data collection and visit the Pebble Ridge at Northam. They will also study the nearby Westward Ho! village to understand historic decisions over coastal management. Students from Buckinghamshire will experience a kayaking experience down the river Torridge to the estuary looking at core river processes and field testing the Bradshaw model from the river itself. Schools | Skern Lodge
More Cliff falls occur in Devon and Dorset. Major mass movements have occurred this summer along the Jurassic Coast. At East Cliff, Sidmouth, more dramatic rockfalls have followed several in 2022. The red sandstone and mudstone cliffs have dried out during the spell of hot weather in mid May, and a combination of high tides and high waves produced by prolonged easterly winds made the near vertical cliffs unstable. Watch the cliffs crumbling into the sea at Sidmouth | ITV News West Country Fortunately, no one was hurt during a fall on Thursday 25 May, but East Cliff beach was officially closed due to risk of further collapse. Further east along the Jurassic Coast at West Bay near Bridport, the coastal footpath to the east of the town and the beach below were closed off following rock falls on 21 May. Mass movements are hazardous and the closure of areas below cliffs and cliff top footpaths can affect tourism. However, the debris produced is an important input into the local sediment cells. The fresh supplies of sediment are essential to replenish beaches along the coast through natural processes such as longshore drift. 'Stay away' - message as part of cliff falls away from Dorset coast | ITV News West Country
New solar farms for Dorset. Several new solar farms are under construction in Dorset. In May, Voltalia's solar farm near Spetisbury, Dorset was completed. This 49 MW solar farm produces enough electricity to power 15000 homes. 100,000 solar panels occupy 75 acres of farmland. Several other solar farms in Dorset are planned. However, not all local residents agree with the solar farms, considering that the land should continue to produce food and that the solar panels can have a negative effect on the landscape. Dorset solar park starts providing power to buildings 100 miles away - BBC News
New Battery Factory planned for Somerset: The Gravity Business Park near Bridgewater in Somerset is being considered for a new giga-factory to produce batteries for Jaguar Land Rover. The new factory is needed to ensure that batteries are produced in the UK rather than Asia. The Gravity Business Park is located on the former Royal Ordnance Factory which produced munitions and explosives for the armed forces for over 60 years. Gravity Business Park which covers over 600 acres is linked to the M5 motorway by a new link road. It is close to the docks at Bristol and the new Hinkley Point power station. It became an Enterprise Zone since 2017, and will receive Government investment support until 2042. Up to 9000 jobs may be created by the new factory and associated businesses if it goes ahead.
Gravity Smart Campus | Fast-track to the future, naturally (thisisgravity.co.uk)
Somerset site 'eyed for multi-billion pound gigafactory' - BBC News
Blue Anchor coastal protection update. The £ 3.8 million coastal protection scheme is currently under construction at Blue Anchor on the Bristol Channel in Somerset to protect the B 3191 road which is currently blocked at Cleeve Hill. In recent weeks the ship Hagland Saga has delivered 13,500 tonnes of granite rocks from the Glensanda Quarry in Scotland to Blue Anchor. The rocks are transferred to a barge, unloaded on the beach at high tide and positioned against the eroding cliffs. The work is due to be completed in September with the re-profiling of the slope.
https://www.somerset.gov.uk/work-starts-on-blue-anchor-coastal-defence/