The history and geography teams at Pearson are dedicated to inspiring and developing historians and geographers of the future.
We encourage learners to develop the skills they need to understand and interrogate the world around them, so that they become well-rounded global citizens of tomorrow, leading to positive outcomes for their future careers.
As the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) takes place in Glasgow (31 Oct to 12 Nov 2021), it is increasingly evident that how we respond to climate change is one of the major challenges facing the world today. Many students might be wondering how they can respond to this important challenge.
One way is for them to engage in meaningful project activities that relate to the challenges that we face with climate change. The Pearson Edexcel Level 3 Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) provides one setting for such engagement.
As you begin to plan for geography fieldtrips once again, in the local area or further afield, Eco-Schools Manager at Keep Britain Tidy, Lee Wray-Davies shares some useful tips for planning a greener fieldtrip.
Read Top tips for planning a greener fieldtrip (PDF | 2.3 MB)
As life begins to return to normal after a period of unrivalled disruption, you might be starting to plan fieldtrips with your students once again.
With World Environment Day falling on Saturday 5 June, it seems fitting to think about the term 'compassionate fieldwork' and how your students might feel about returning to the field.
At the Geography Association online conference in April 2021 we held an online discussion about compassionate fieldwork. The panel discussed what the term 'compassionate fieldwork' means, ideas for carrying out compassionate fieldwork, diversity and inclusion in fieldwork, the role of technology in making fieldwork more inclusive and accessible, and more.
The panel discussion at the Geography Association online conference included:
To celebrate World Environment Day (Saturday 5 June 2021), we are highlighting the work of some inspirational young people who are playing their part to help protect our planet and are affecting change beyond the classroom. With projects ranging from tackling plastic pollution to raising awareness of nature reserves and designated wildlife sites, these young people are determined to make a positive difference. We have created a series of posters, which we hope will encourage your students to get involved.
We’d love to see what your students are doing to protect the planet.
Please share your photos with us on Twitter by tagging @Edexcel_Geog and using #GenerationRestoration and #WorldEnvironmentDay.
Fieldwork is an important aspect of geography and helps develop an array of useful life skills. Fieldwork can be challenging, informative, sometimes messy but often a lot of fun. It allows students to explore issues and questions in a real-world context and to question their own findings. It nurtures analytical and critical thinking and helps to build resilience.
Take a look at our fieldwork videos and explore our free resources to help develop the skills you will need when you have the opportunity to go back out in the field.
As you know, we believe teachers are superheroes. There are so many skills that go into being a Primary school teacher that we can't even count them, but here are 10 we thought you might recognise!
Please feel free to tell us about other skills you'd like to see mentioned.
Preparing for a Renaissance in Assessment, written by Pearson’s Chief Education Advisor Sir Michael Barber and assessment expert Dr Peter Hill, says that new technologies will transform assessment and testing in education.
In a Q&A session about the essay, Barber says, “We are about to see big changes in the possibilities of assessment as a result of technology. Current assessment systems around the world are deeply wedded to traditional testing and exams and, some might argue, are holding us back from potential reforms. We should seize the opportunity and not cling to the past.”
According to the authors:
The authors set out a ‘Framework for Action’ that details the steps that should be taken for “policymakers, schools, school-system leaders and other key players to prepare for the assessment renaissance” (1):
Barber and Hill conclude the essay by saying that the significance of the coming renaissance in assessment should not be underestimated and “that it will help secure high standards for all, remove current achievement ceilings and support a focus on… skills vital for living and learning in the twenty-first century.” (2)
(1) Barber & Hill, Preparing for a Renaissance in Assessment, 64.
(2) Barber & Hill, Preparing for a Renaissance in Assessment, 70.
This article is a summary of:
Barber, M. & Hill, P. (2014). Preparing for a Renaissance in Assessment. London: Pearson.
Preparing for a Renaissance in Assessment is available to download below. Summary written by Vikki Weston.
