Promoting geography

Geography teachers often find themselves having to promote and even market their subject to a variety of audiences, such as:

• young people and their parents
• senior management and other colleagues in schools
• governors and other members of the local community
• people outside schools, who have their own perceptions of what the subject is about.

The reasons for promoting geography include:

• informing others of what the subject is about
• helping others to understand the distinctive contribution geography makes to young peoples' lives and learning
• helping others to understand your approach to teaching and learning in the subject
• celebrating young peoples' achievements in the subject.

The method and the message are important when addressing these different purposes and audiences. Promoting the subject and celebrating the successes in teaching and learning geography also helps to create pride within a school.

This section provides ideas for teachers on ways to exploit the potential for promoting geography.

Examples of ideas for promoting geography are currently being collected. If you have a good example, submit it for possible inclusion.

Other information

The Geographical Association website provides downloadable copies of documents that can be used to promote geography in early years settings, and primary and secondary schools. The 'Teaching geography online' section of the site also provides downloadable copies of a PowerPoint presentation Why do geography?, a checklist for GCSE uptake and a year 9 options questionnaire.

The RGS-IBG website provides examples of how some teachers in secondary schools have marketed geography in their schools.