Network with fellow Geography teachers and Sussex faculty members.

The University of Sussex is home to one of the world’s leading geography departments for research on migration and the DFID funded Centre for Migration Research. World-leading researchers work at the University on climate change issues including climate change science and energy policy. The University also has a world-class reputation for development studies which is supported by the presence of the Institute for Development Studies, a globally renowned research institute.

As an introduction to the conference Dr David Ockwell will present an overview of recent geographical research developments and achievements at the University over the past twelve months. 

Lecture 1: ‘The Biggest Migration in the World: mobility, urbanisation and informal housing’

Dr Mike Collyer, Reader in Geography at the University of Sussex and a fellow of the Sussex Centre for Migration Research will deliver a stimulating lecture centring on his most recent Royal Geographical Society flagship Field Research Programme. This programme is coordinated between academics at the Universities of Sussex, Durham and SOAS and focuses on the impact of migration in six cities in the Global South.

Short break

Lecture 2: Climate Change Science post IPCC fifth assessment report

Professor of Climate Change, Martin Todd, will share some of the latest research in climate change science and focus on one source of substantial uncertainty in the climate system: desert dust. Professor Todd is currently researching the role that dust plays in connecting the Earth's surface, the atmosphere and terrestrial and oceanic ecosystems, as part of a consortium project (with the Universities of Leeds, Oxford, Reading and Met Office). Find out more about the western Sahara ‘heat low’ and Professor Todd’s research here.   

 Light refreshments

Talk and Q & A

Dr David Ockwell (Admissions Tutor and Senior Lecturer in Geography) and David Winstanley (Head of Undergraduate Recruitment) will discuss how best to prepare your students for UCAS and for university. Current University students will talk about their experiences of applying to university and there will be an opportunity to ask questions of the panel.

Complimentary lunch with colleagues and faculty. Please advise of any dietary requirements when you book.

PhD students from the Department of Geography will be on hand to share their research with you: Melissa Lazenby is undertaking  research into sophisticated climate models designed to simulate a large-scale dynamic rainfall system known as the South Indian Convergence Zone and Julius Baker is looking at ‘integration’ among the long-term settled population, majority (white) and minority ethnic, and new migrants (post-2001) in a residential area in southeast England.

Helen and Evelyn will share examples of careers that Geography graduates have gone on to, and how their degree equips them for a wide range of careers. Helen Gorman is a Careers Development Adviser in the University Careers and Employability Centre, and has special responsibility for Global Studies students. Evelyn Dodds manages the Global Studies Resource Centre - a flexible and dynamic space for staff and students in the School. She is also involved in the student work placements programme. Helen and Evelyn will discuss the wide range of career opportunities available to Geography graduates. 

Choose one workshop from:

• Gender and Development

  Pathways Learning Platform Workshop - a free online learning resource for teaching gender and development in the classroom, with Professor Andrea Cornwall (Head of the School of Global Studies)   
  
  The Pathways Learning Platform Workshop will guide you through a new free, flexible, open access, learning resource for students and teachers. The Platform aims to support you in the teaching of human and developmental Geography and links directly to a range of key stage 3, 4 and 5 syllabuses. Andrea Cornwall will talk about the relevance and benefits of teaching womens' empowerment and gender equality within the classroom. You will also explore the Platform's key features and be able to take away a resource and activity workbook and interactive infographic guide to assist in using this Learning Platform after the Geography Teachers' Conference. 
  
  

• GIS

  New ways to use Google Earth for teaching Geospatial skills, analysis and map work, with Dr Alex Antonarakis
  
  The use of geospatial tools is a key emerging area for geography. In this session Dr Antonarakis will help you get the most out of Google Earth. You’ll learn to navigate around the world using Google Earth and Remote Sensing, unpick GIS terminology and understand the basics of digital geospatial analysis. This session will help you get the most from this powerful tool for academic and classroom development.
  
  

 Closing remarks and end of conference