Independent Schools Special Interest Group

Contact

X (formerly Twitter): @GA_ISSIG

Our aims

To debate issues affecting geography teaching and learning in independent schools, such as transition between Junior, 11+, 13+, international students, international examinations (iGCSE, CIE, IB), how change in government may affect geographical education, future changes in exam board specifications and how they cater for the needs of independent schools.
To provide support for others teaching geography in different sorts of independent schools and be a central link between existing HMC and GSA cluster groups, such as Trinity, Eton, Rugby Groups.

What we do

Our members are geography teachers, both active and retired, from a range of independent day, boarding, single sex and co-educational senior and junior schools. We collaborate to share best practice in teaching and learning, for instance, embedding diversity and inclusion in the curriculum and discuss ideas for delivering the curriculum across the different exam boards that are studied at GCSE and A level/IB, as well as Common Entrance. We also discuss opportunities for professional development, fieldwork and enrichment.

Future plans

better connect independent schools
devise a clear ‘vision’ for the GA ISSIG
continue to support GA national model making competition for KS2-5
increase presence/visibility at future conferences.

Get involved

The Independent Schools Special Interest Group (ISSIG) is inviting colleagues from across the country and internationally to apply to join the voluntary special interest group. We welcome colleagues from a range of different types of independent schools, both day and boarding, single sex and co-educational, Prep and Senior and those secondary schools which follow A levels, CIE or IB. Previous experience in writing articles, speaking at conferences or other networking would be beneficial but we welcome proactive colleagues from all stages of their careers. Please express interest and apply using this link and a member of the group will be in touch.