Your views on teaching geography...

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2023: Denise Freeman

Denise Freeman will be the GA President for next year: 2023-24

Denise is another serving teacher President, which is rare but also a female state school teacher President, which is very rare indeed. I think she may be the first to be a secondary classroom teacher rather than in a leadership role.

Denise is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society.

I sent Denise the questions that I had given to all other Presidents and used them to create the post below. I'm grateful to Denise for the level of detail she provided.

When and where were you born? 

"I was born in May 1977, in Ipswich, Suffolk."

Where did you go to school / university?

"I grew up in Ipswich, having what can only be described as a very standard and uneventful childhood. I went to school in Ipswich, starting at Britannia Primary School, before moving onto Copleston High School and then Northgate High School to do my A Levels, where I was taught by Mr. Murray, who I'm still in touch with.

Mr. Murray of SLN and Geography Photos (GA Award-winner) fame it turns out.

I didn’t begin to show any great passion for geography until year 10. 

I had attempted to make a Plaster of Paris volcano with my Dad and it failed terribly (we found we had used some sort of paint rather than plaster). I was also well known for my terrible knowledge of where places were, something I am ribbed for to this day (I am much clearer on this now!)

Throughout Primary school and early on in Secondary school I had been very interested in History, particularly the Tudors and was most concerned that I wouldn’t get to study it at GCSE due to limited availability on the course. 

Then I went to the options talk for Geography, heard all about the Amazon Rainforest, and the rest (as they say) is history!

I was completely captivated by my geography teacher, Mr Moon and his almost lecture-style delivery (perhaps even geographical sermons) on consumerism, the planet and urban issues. 

Highlights for me, at school, were learning about Glasgow, urban models and visiting Milton Keynes. I loved learning about redevelopment and new towns. I also had Mr Moon for Sociology and found so many connections between the two subjects, and in particular my growing interest in urban geography. I could apply knowledge from sociology to my geographical studies e.g the cycle of poverty, the culture of poverty, race, class and gender. The focus on research methods in Sociology is really useful to help with fieldwork planning. Today, I find myself cross-referencing Sociology in my lessons a lot.

My Dad also played a key part in fostering my love for geography, taking me places, including Sheringham to do my A Level fieldwork! 

We still enjoy a good geographical discussion today, usually about energy and climate change."

Image: Denise's dad on a fieldwork trip to Sheringham

"I took three A Levels: English, Sociology and Geography. I also did AS Photography. I continue to make links between all my subjects, including taking endless photographs of the places I visit.

I went to the University of Reading to study for a BSc in Human Geography. 

I am still slightly amused (along with my Dad) that I have a BSc, as my Science and Maths are not always great. 

I made some poor module choices in my first year and often wish I could go back today, and do it again! I was so committed to my Human Geography (and terrified of Physical Geography) that I took all the Human modules I could, including those outside of the Geography department. This led me to a Law module, which I did terribly at! 

I regret this choice now and wish I had had the confidence to study more Geography in Year 1. Ironically, I now really enjoy teaching some Physical Geography topics and can of course see the interconnections between all areas of our discipline. 

There was a great module, about the representation of Place in films. I still regret not picking this!

At university my main areas of interest were Development Studies with Dr Sally Lloyd Evans and Tourism with Erlet Cater. I also enjoyed some Planning modules with Michael Breheny. A real highlight for me was a field trip to Glasgow, in which we visited some of the edge of city housing estates I had learned about at High School. We spent a day on one estate in the local community centre, interviewing people. I was captivated and Glasgow remains a top fieldwork destination for me and my students today.

I went on to complete my PGCE and an MA in Geography in Education, both at the Institute of Education, University of London. 

My PCGE year was a special time for me, with so many fires lit! 

I embraced both of my teaching practices and was inspired by those around me, including David Balderstone as my tutor, and later during my MA, Dr Claire Brooks and Dr Alun Morgan."


Tell us about your career to date:

"When I left University, I worked for a year for Eastern Power and Energy Trading, part of the Eastern Group (energy company). I worked in the accounting department (another ironic move for me). I had no idea what I wanted to do when ‘I grew up’! My Dad said I would make a good teacher but I scoffed at such a suggestion…

One day I visited a recruitment fayre in Islington. I got chatting to two Primary teachers on a teaching stand. Again, the rest is history.

I currently work as a geography teacher at Oaks Park High School in the London Borough of Redbridge, where I have been teaching since September 2003! 

Having previously been Head of Geography, Head of Humanities and ITT lead, I now have responsibility for our own bespoke ECF programme and I look after the many ECTs who complete it."

What theme did you choose when President, and why did you pick it? 

What had been your involvement with the GA leading up to that time, and since that time?

"I joined the Geographical Association when I was a trainee teacher in 1999. 

We were advised to join by UCL (Institute of Education), which was very good advice! Membership was free in this training year and I really made use of the support the organisation offered. I have very distinct memories of sitting in the staff room of my placement school with my first copy of Teaching Geography magazine open, fervently reading through looking for examples of classroom resources, teaching ideas and anything that helped me understand my new role as a teacher better. I can still picture some of the pages I read and the front cover (see below)

I could see real teachers doing what I was starting to love doing, and they had some great ideas and thoughts on good classroom practice. 

Of particular interest was an article by Susan Bermingham on ‘multiple Texts, alternative texts and multiple readings’. 

I was passionate about this topic at the time and remember devouring it all.

I should declare my training year was a great one and is a period that is clearly etched in my memory!

I attended the GA Conference frequently in the early years of my teaching career. I have very fond memories of going to Brighton with another teacher from my PGCE course: Caroline Kemp, and taking part in one of the field trips around the city. I also remember Alun Morgan and his giant Earth Balloon and taking part in a panel discussion in Derby, giving advice to NQTs.

Since this time, I have written a number of chapters for the GA Secondary Handbook and contributed to Teaching Geography magazine myself, most recently writing about supporting students with visual impairments in geography. I am also active in the geographical community, online and beyond, which the GA and its members are a key part of.

As part of the Presidential cycle, I have spent the past year as a Trustee for the GA, sitting on the Governing Body, something I have found to be great CPD for me and an enjoyable experience. I have also met so many interesting and inspiring people.

I am really enjoying planning the GA Conference for 2024 and am looking forward to the event."

What is your Presidential theme, and how did it develop?

"My chosen theme for the conference is ‘Geography for Everyone’. 

I chose this as I am really captivated by the idea that we all have our own geographical journeys and areas of interest. I am keen to hear about (and celebrate) all of these personal passions for Geography at the conference, but also to consider how our lived experience shapes our geographical interests and the way we see the world around us. I am also passionate about discussions around how we can make geography as inclusive and accessible to all (particularly in the classroom).

I have been very lucky over the past few years to collaborate with so many wonderful and inspiring people in the GA, including Past Presidents. I can’t even begin to list them all here but thanks to everyone in the GA for all their encouragement so far, on my journey.

After meeting at the GA Teachmeet in 2019, I have enjoyed ‘working’ with Dr. Susan Pike on many occasions including hosting an online session for our students and her trainees, leading a workshop at the recent Guildford conference and writing a chapter together for an upcoming publication. 

Denise in action in 2022 - Image copyright Shaun Flannery / Geographical Association

All of this arose from sharing our nerves in a packed room at the University of Manchester (although I am sure Susan was just being polite and wasn’t nervous at all)! 

I have future ideas for collaboration with Susan, as part of my Presidential year, she just doesn’t know it yet! 

In Manchester, I also met Kit Marie Rackley and the wonderful Bob Digby. Both have been very supportive of me, with Kit visiting and leading a session for my local East London teacher hub. Another great support over recent years has been Brendan Conway. Again, I met him in Manchester in 2019. Although we had chatted via Twitter, a face to face meeting was great and led to collaboration, including hosting a joint workshop at the 2023 Sheffield conference. Brendan has supported so many of my online hub events and answered many an IT question. 

In 2019, I also met Alan Parkinson face to face. Again, we had conversed online but it was great to meet in person. Alan's support for the GA and those undertaking roles in the Governing Body and as President is intensely valuable. It goes to show, so much can come out of attending the GA conference and making strong connections! 2019 was a great conference year for me!

Denise is announced as the GA President elect in 2022.

Image copyright: Shaun Flannery / Geographical Association

Finally, over the past year, I have worked with Professor Alastair Owens, supporting him in my role as Vice President. It has been such a pleasure to do this and we have made a great team and I now have a great ‘outside of work colleague’ that I can turn to for advice and guidance. Thanks Alastair. Can’t wait to grow the same relationship with Hina Robinson!"

Good luck to Denise in her role.

Denise's Presidential conference will take place from the 4th to the 6th of April 2024 at the University of Manchester. You can find out more here.

Most images provided by and copyright Denise Freeman unless otherwise captioned

As part of my @The_GA presidential year, I am heading out on tour! Myself & students from @OaksParkHighSch will be visiting schools & universities, advocating for geography, sharing lived experiences of place, and promoting geography for all. Watch this space for updates! https://t.co/pwB8fQj8AZ

— Denise Freeman 🌎🙋🏻‍♀️ (@geography_DAF) September 1, 2023

GTE Conference 2023

Geography Teacher Educators Conference 2023

Trinity College Dublin

27th – 29th of January 2023

I have attended quite a few GTE Conferences over the years. Unfortunately I am going to have to prioritise the GA Conference and the Charney Manor Conference this year, but I recommend this event to you, and the venue is a lovely one. 

The GA has helped with the administration of this event, and numerous former GA Presidents have spoken at the event. I've always offered a session when attending over the years, which have included talking about ERASMUS and also the development of my GA Presidents blog.

I've done a couple of events in Dublin over the years including a Google Teachers' Institute and a trip for the Geography of Happiness project with Simon Renshaw.

The GTE brings together researchers, lecturers and teachers involved in research and scholarship in Geography Teacher Education.

The draft programme is below so that you can see rough timings. Conference fee includes all coffees and lunches within Trinity College. 

Well done to the conference team for putting the programme together.

  
Friday 27th January 2023

• 15:30 Welcome and coffee in the Education Department in the Arts Building, TCD – included

• 16:00-17:30 Session A: 6 presentations of 15 minutes

• 17:30-18:30 Keynote 1: Dr Ruth McManus, President of the Geographical Society of Ireland and
Associate Professor in Historical Geography at Dublin City University

• 18:30-20:00: Break

• 20:30 Dinner and networking upstairs at Café Amore, George’s Street – €20 (approximately £17)

• 22:00 Optional pint of Guinness in the Stag’s Head – cost €7 (approximately £5)

• Return to accommodation

Saturday 28th January 2022

• 8:00-9:00 Breakfast at the hotel or elsewhere

• 9:30-11:00 Session: 6 presentations of 15 minutes

• 11:00 Coffee – included

• 11:00-11:45 Session: Lived experiences of Geography in Ireland, from a panel of ITE student geography teachers

• 11:45-12:45 Keynote 2: Zainab Boladale TV presenter on RTÉ, Ireland’s National Broadcaster

• 12:45-13:30 Lunch - included

• 13:30-14:30 Session: 4 presentations of 15 minutes

• 15:00-15:30 Coffee break – included

• 15:30-!6:30 Session: 4 presentations of 15 minutes

• 16:30-18:30 Tour of Trinity College followed by reception in the Department of Geography, Museum

Building hosted by Professor Iris Moeller, Head of Geography

• 18:30 Dinner at the Cedar Tree, St Andrew St, Dublin 2 – cost €30 (approx. £27)

• Return to accommodation

Sunday 29th January 2023

• 8:00-9:00 Breakfast at accommodation

• 9:30-11:00 Session: 6 presentations of 15 minutes

• 11:00 Coffee – included

• 11:30-13:00 Session: 6 presentations of 15 minutes

• 13:00-14:00 Lunch and future plans for GTE – included

• 14:00 Optional trip to the National Museum of Dublin: Antiquities and National Museum of Dublin: Natural History Museum www.museum.ie/en-ie/home All free admission

Conference costs

• Hotel - €120 (approximately £100) per night, includes breakfast

Conference Fee:

Face to face 2 days - £140 or Conference, 3 days – £160, includes coffees and lunches

Online – £60

Accommodation and some meals (and the Guinness) extra.

Booking and more details here.

Image: A pint of Guinness in Dublin, Alan Parkinson, shared under CC license

2020: Dr Susan Pike

Updated August 2025

Dr Susan Pike is Assistant Professor (Education) at Trinity College Dublin (TCD) and was previously Lecturer in Geography Education in the School of STEM Education, Innovation and Global Studies at the Institute of Education in Dublin City University, in the Republic of Ireland. 

She moved to Ireland from England in 2000.

School and University

Susan had a shaky start with geography. 

She remembers copying off the board in primary school in Scotland and learning off examination answers and standing up when getting questions wrong in secondary school in England. Luckily for her last year of A level, she had an inspiring teacher Mrs Fairclough, as she remembers

"Jane was amazing, she realised very quickly we had pretty poor experiences of Geography so far. She listened to our complaints, and acted upon them! She took is out on fieldwork, passing on her passion for Geography and the environment. She was so caring, she also persuaded me to apply for university, something I had never considered before. For this I remain so grateful to her." 

Susan attended Nottingham University's School of Geography from 1987. One of her lecturers was Professor John Cole. Susan had lovely memories of him: 

"As geography students we were a social lot, most of the class went out on Thursday nights to Rock City. But we were all there at 9 am on Fridays for his 'Developing World' lectures. He was so interesting, teaching us geography through story. I was very lucky to have him as my tutor in 2nd Year, through his stories and questions, he never failed to get us thinking geographically". 

Her other memorable lecturers were numerous, and included Dr Catherine Delano-Smith and Professor Louise Crewe. Over the past 20 years Susan has designed and taught on a range of modules in Geography,

Teaching

After graduating, Susan worked for Compassion in World Farming for three years, hence the idea for her GA Conference theme in 2021. She worked in all sections, from despatch to campaigns but also knew that she wanted to move on and teach. 

She gained a place on the PGCE at the University of Southampton, and her tutor was Professor Nick Foskett. She had very positive experiences at Southampton. 

"I was so fortunate on the PGCE. My tutor was Nick, who was so dedicated to his role. he really cared for us all. At Bournemouth School for Boys, we were treated with such care, as we were the first PGCE students there and at Oaklands Community School in Southampton, the same was so as they always took students." 

During this time Susan realised the importance of her subject association:

"I was always aware of the GA, having read Geography at university. But on the first day of our PGCE, Nick told us to join the GA and that the Conference would be in Southampton that year, so I joined and went the Conference. I remember being 'star-struck' by meeting so many of the people whose work I had read. And they were all so lovely!" 

Susan worked at King Richard School in Paulsgrove, Portsmouth, then back to Oaklands Community School in Southampton. All whilst completing her Masters in Geographical and Environmental Education at Southampton. She then became Head of Geography at Hayling School near Portsmouth. She fondly remembers all the roles she held as well as the students and teachers she worked for. 

"I was so fortunate to work in great schools, with such dedicated teachers. All the school I worked in were challenging in terms of the issues some students' experiences, but luckily as a geography teacher you were able to link the learning to the students' lives and engage them. Most of them eventually liked geography and many did better than they thought they would at GCSE! We also went on many trips, working out the very cheapest ways to travel, from down to the local beach or shops and all the way to EuroDisney and the Christmas Markets in Germany." 

Working in teacher education.

Susan continued to be a member of the GA, and on moving to Ireland and working in teacher education, she started writing for the GA. She first wrote about research on children's national identity in Primary Geography in 2001. She went on to become more involved in the work of primary geographers, presenting at several GA Conferences, Geography Teacher Educators' Conferences and Charney Primary Geography Conferences. 

During this time Susan completed her doctorate in education at Queen's University Belfast as well as other published research in geography education and teacher education. As can be seen from her DCU profile, she has written numerous books, papers, chapters and resources all related to geography and geography teacher education. She is also on the Committee of the Geography Society of Ireland, a member of the Geography Education Research Collective (GERECO), the editorial board of International Research in Geography and Environmental Education (IRGEE). 

Susan and the GA Presidential Role 

Over time, Susan became more involved in the work of the GA. In 2016 Susan's first book was published, 'Learning Primary Geography: Ideas and Inspirations from Classrooms', featuring theory and practice in primary geography. Over this time Susan wrote articles, many with teachers for Primary Geography. 

She received the Geographical Association Award for Excellence in 2016. 

She worked extremely hard as Secretary of the GA’s Early Years and Primary Phase Committee from 2017. She then became Junior Vice President in 2018. 

Over the past two years she has chaired the GA’s Education Group meetings for the last year in her role as GA Vice-President and President, and is currently a GA Trustee. Susan’s 2021 Presidential theme of ‘Compassionate Geographies’ grew in significance and resonance since it was first announced, as we all became increasingly aware of our own personal geographies and connections with others. The Conference, held online, was a great success. Session downloads are still available to obtain by those who attended, and can be purchased by those who didn't attend the event. Susan was delighted about how the Conference went: 

"Thanks to all the GA member and staff who got involved, the event went as well as it could! The keynote speakers, the workshops and lectures as well as the Wonder Room were all wonderful." 

The online format of the conference allowed those who could not normally attend the event to come along. As Susan says:

"My original reasons for wanting to become President were to encourage more people to get involved in the Association, as the restrictions this year has actually helped this process. I think people are more likely to say they can volunteer for the GA, as it's been easier to meet up online. However, I also know folk are really looking forward to seeing each other for real! There's also more to do to make the GA more diverse and inclusive, but we are all working on that as you can see in each issue of GA News. It's been a strange year to be GA President, but I've enjoyed every moment of it. It has been a privilege everyday. Luckily I was in the presidential cycle for the two years before, working with Education Group and Governing Body before our movements were restricted. However, there are many GA members I've only really got to know online, many of whom have become more involved in the Association. All of them are so dedicated to the Association and promoting and developing geography in their settings. So, like many of us, I am really looking forward to Conference in 2022, for many missed cups of coffee and chats, as well as the quiz, BeerMeet and other events in Guildford!" 

As she steps down from being GA President, she is looking forward to continuing her work for the GA, as a member of Governing Body and working on various projects for the Association. Most of all she is looking forward to linking up her students with schools, principals, teachers and children again, something that has been impossible recently. 

Images copyright: Bryan Ledgard / Geographical Association - the next images were provided by Susan Pike.

Susan with teachers involved in Learning Primary Geography, and Dr Harold Hislop, Chief Inspector of Schools in Ireland in 2016

Some of Susan's Geography Specialism students at the GA Conference in 2017

Some of Susan's BEd2 students 2011, out of fieldwork with Barnaby Bear

Rethinking risk by making fire with BEd3 students at DCU, 2018

References

https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=_PFcqb8AAAAJ&hl=en - Google Scholar

Generous Geographers

After my involvement in the GA Awards, I started my main GA Conference 2021 input by being on a panel called 'Generous Geographers'.

Thanks to Kit Rackley for the screengrab of the session as it was underway. I was joined by Simon Catling, Gemma Collins, Jen Monk, and we were chaired by Susan Pike.

I made a presentation just in case it was needed and here are the slides with some thanks and questions for some of the people who've helped me over the years. There were certainly many former GA Presidents mentioned by all the panel, with Simon Catling himself being a former President of course.

Generous Geographers from GeoBlogs

The session will be available to view again (or for the first time if you chose to go to a different session) by all delegates registered on that day of the conference. I shall certainly blog here once those recordings become available.

 It will take a while to process, upload, tag and prepare / edit well over 100 hours of video recordings so please be patient.

GA Conference 2022

The details of the 2022 GA Conference are now up on the GA website.

The theme is EVERDAY GEOGRAPHIES. Geographies of the every day, and encouraging thinking about geography every day.

Everyday geographies

‘Little minds are interested in the extraordinary; great minds in the commonplace’ – Elbert Hubbard

My theme for 2022 encourages exploration of everyday geographies. We are all living geography. Our diurnal routines connect us with places, people, environments and cultures. Repeated exposure means we sometimes forget how significant these are in shaping our identity and impacting the planetary emergency we all face.

Our quotidian experiences are both individual and shared. Speakers and delegates will be encouraged to revisit the stories of the commodities, cultures and landscapes that shape all our lives, unpicking the geographical connections behind them. In recent challenging times, some of those connections were temporarily severed or amended, and others deserve reassessment.

The 2022 Conference will be an occasion where we can once again come together and take the time to celebrate what makes us who we are: now and in the future, and explore how revealing the powerful hidden magic in these everyday stories can enrich our personal curriculum journeys.

Alan Parkinson, GA Vice President 2020-21

I hope to see you there, but more importantly for the time being, I hope to see you next week for the GA Conference 2021.

A few days left to book.

GA Conference 2021

There are only a few weeks to go before the virtual GA Conference for 2021. This will be very different to the technology that had to be sorted at very short notice for the 2020 conference. Those who attend will be able to move in and out of sessions they choose, and also access recordings of every session. You can still see some of 2020's sessions on the GA's YouTube channel.

Susan Pike had curated a wonderful range of speakers and guests, and some further new features.

At @The_GA Conference #GAConf21 we will have a chill out space, including a geographical playlist 🌍 100 on it so far, what would you like to add? 🎶https://t.co/9QyyhB2WS5 #geographyteacher #primarygeography pic.twitter.com/BgifOAUbWC

— Dr Susan Pike | GA President 🌍 (@SusanJPike) March 17, 2021

I hope to see you there. 

International Women's Day

It took from 1893 until 1968 for the first female GA President to be appointed in Alice Garnett. Since then, there have been many more, but still fewer than male Presidents, and we are yet to see the appointment of a person of colour. Keep an eye out for the Trustee elections which are announced towards the end of the year and think about whether you could put yourself forward to follow in the footsteps of previous Presidents. Click to see the full image.

#HappyInternationalWomensDay to all the past and future women @The_GA Presidents! pic.twitter.com/qGdW6rGzWY

— Dr Susan Pike | GA President 🌍 (@SusanJPike) March 8, 2021

GA Conference 2021 - time to book your place

April 8th - 10th is the date of the 2021 GA Conference.

Unfortunately it will be online rather than face to face once again, but we were prepared for that this time round.

Booking is now open.

The theme, chosen by President Susan Pike is an important one for our current times: Compassionate Geographies.

Compassionate Geographies
It gives me great pleasure to announce the theme of the GA Conference for 2021: Compassionate geographies. Geographers are compassionate about the planet and all who inhabit it. The conference theme also encompasses all the GA stands for – compassion in supporting and challenging geographical learning, with a view to a better understanding of the world and its people. Compassion works at numerous levels across a high-quality geography education:
The geography education community has compassion for all its members. Participating in this community, through support and collaboration, ensures every member of the community can find their professional voice.
Our community cares greatly about the quality of geography education for young people. We care about the accuracy of the learning we share with them and each other, the quality of our teaching and more.
Conference 2021 will be an opportunity to celebrate and meet to share our compassion to excite and inspire our learners in geography.

Dr Susan Pike

Charney Manor Conference

One of the events that is linked with numerous GA Presidents is the annual weekend at Charney where mostly Primary Geography educators (teachers and HE colleagues) gather at Charney Manor in Oxfordshire to discuss all things geography.
As I post this, the 23rd Charney Conference is in its final day.
I've been following the talks on the hashtag.


I was fortunate to be able to attend the 20th Charney Conference in 2017, and speak on the work we had done with Mission:Explore over the years to encourage some ludic pedagogies and involve ourselves with a range of stakeholders.

The Charney weekend events were first started by Rex Walford I believe in 1970 as informal conversations between school and university geographers, following on from previous courses at the venue, and numerous books derived from sets of papers presented at the conference were released over the years, including 1973 and 1982, edited by Rex Walford. I've got a few of those which I will refer to when this blog reaches the 1980s. More recently they have been organised by Simon Catling for many years, with help more recently from Steve Rawlinson and Jeremy Krause.

A piece of mine was included in the special book which was published for the 20th Anniversary Conference. This can be purchased from the GA Shop.

I am intending to be present at the 25th Charney Conference and speak on my Presidential theme, or perhaps the secondary talk which I am going to offer to GA Branches during the year which I am putting together at the moment based around my planned theme.

Much more to come on Charney when I reach the entries for those Presidents who have been involved. At this year's event, there are at least 6 GA Presidents, past, present or future in attendance that I've noticed on the pictures, and others who are yet to put themselves forward I'm sure...

Images: Alan Parkinson

UPDATE: I attended the 25th Anniversary conference.