Schools and departments need to assemble a range of study support activities and materials for pupils who are gifted in geography as well as their teachers.

It can be helpful to set up a school resource centre that is available to different groups of pupils at different times. Pupils should have access to a wide range of resources, for example:

• a range of types of satellite imagery;
• aerial photographs of different scales;
• different map types from a range of locations worldwide;
• professional journals (for example the Geographical Association's Teaching Geography and Geography);
• a wide range of ICT resources (for example the internet, a fax machine);
• videos of documentaries from terrestrial and satellite television;
• resources for practical tasks and investigative work;
• puzzles and games.

Computers are an important resource for pupils of all abilities, but they are particularly useful for gifted pupils because they can be used independently in lessons, free time or at home. Pupils can be encouraged to use a variety of computer resources, including:

• an integrated learning system, which allows pupils to work at their own level and rate, and monitors progress;
• a range of CD-ROMs for enrichment or extension work, such as databases of materials, revision programs and games;
• the internet, to research topics and activities;
• computer programs, such as CAD, spreadsheets and databases, to develop and extend their work and enhance presentation.

Schools may also need to consider what practical learning opportunities are desirable, for example what equipment needs to be acquired or shared with other departments or schools (for example microscopes to study soil types). Providing opportunities for self-supported study activities has implications for supervision, especially if older pupils are collecting primary data during field work.

Teachers need a range of resources to draw on when planning lessons and tasks for pupils, including:

• reference books that help them to increase their own understanding;
• books outlining approaches to teaching particular topics;
• a range of textbooks;
• photocopiable activity sheets.

The internet is a valuable source of information, ideas and resources for enhancing the teaching of geography.

Colleagues from other departments in the school can help to support more advanced learning, especially with older pupils. For example:

• mathematics staff can advise on mathematical modelling, the use of data loggers, palmtop computers and graphic calculators;
• chemists can help with studies of river pollution;
• biologists can help with work on flora, fauna and ecosystems.

Access to other professionals, especially town planners, might be helpful.

See the 'Help your child discover' website (DfES) for activities in:

settlements

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