Geography Ambassador scheme

I just thought you might like to know the follow up impact of the Ambassadors who we had in to help boost recruitment to our GCSE geography course... it has had an amazing impact... numbers taking GCSE geography have increased from 43 to 70. Teacher , Essex

This is typical of the positive feedback received from the Geography Ambassador scheme.

Building on this success, the Ambassador Project has expanded to provide access to enthusiastic geography ambassadors for all maintained secondary schools in England. The aim is for each school to have a visit from one of our geography volunteers.

In 2009/10 our volunteer ambassadors, undergraduates drawn from over 40 universities and graduates working in a wide variety of businesses, between them made over 1,300 school visits. These sessions included workshops, class sized talks especially to Year 9 pupils, Year 11 pupils and sixth formers to help explain and illustrate how geography can help with progression to the next level.

Our experiences show that ambassador involvement in geography activities in the classroom and the field is highly beneficial for all involved. By offering ambassadors high quality training and a structured well-resourced menu of activities we can provide schools with lively and engaging sessions. Feedback from Ambassadors confirms that they find participation in this scheme rewarding and a valuable addition to their CV.

What is the aim of the geography ambassador scheme?

The scheme recruits, trains and supports undergraduate and postgraduate geographers from universities and business to act as ambassadors for geography in the classroom. This is a great way to introduce younger students to the benefits of studying geography and encouraging them to pursue the subject beyond the compulsory stages. The ambassadors act as positive role models for pupils and they illustrate, with enthusiasm, both the specific and transferable skills they have developed as a geographer. The scheme offers schools the opportunity to strengthen links with local HE and businesses.

What will ambassadors offer?

Ambassadors deliver a presentation with activities to a group on a mutually agreed theme such as Why study geography?, Geography and careers or My research interest. Subsequently it may be possible for ambassadors to return to speak to additional groups, support geography clubs, homework clubs or fieldwork activities.

How do I become an undergraduate geography ambassador?

The ambassador scheme is a volunteering programme. It will give you the chance to make a positive impact on the lives of others by acting as a role model and enthusing young people about geography. In return you will benefit from enhanced experience, skills and employability.

• Download undergraduate information sheet PDF | MSWORD
• Download information sheet for all ambassadors PDF | MSWORD
• Download application form for undergraduate ambassadors PDF | MSWORD

When can I train to be a geography ambassador?

In 2009/10 we ran over 25 training sessions and as demand for ambassadors continues to increase we will do this again this year. This means that there is likely to be training happening at a venue near you. Check back or get in touch to see new dates and venues added here as they are confirmed. So far you can book for:

• Friday 21 October 2011, 1pm to 4pm, University of Chester
• Wednesday 19 October 2011, 5pm to 8.30pm, RGS-IBG, Kensington, London
• Wednesday 2 November 2011, 1pm to 3pm, University of Leeds
• Tuesday 8 November 2011, 5pm to 8.30pm, RGS-IBG, Kensington, London
• Thursday 17 November 2011, 4pm to 7pm, University of Sheffield
• Wednesday 30 November 2011, 5pm to 8.30pm, RGS-IBG, Kensington, London

I am interested in booking a geography ambassador. How do I get my school involved?

When would you like an ambassador to visit? Why not link a visit to a key intervention point such as option choices in Year 9, Level Three course choices in late spring or your Year 12 and 13 HE awareness programme? Book your visit now through our Find Geography Ambassadors website.

How can our university be involved?

Do your students need more real world experience? We are looking for university departments to encourage their undergraduate and postgraduate students to get involved in the scheme. Your university could even host one of our ambassador training events. The ambassador scheme is an excellent way of improving links between your department and local schools, raising awareness of the university amongst pupils and widening participation in further and higher education.

• Download university information sheet PDF | MSWORD

How do I become a graduate geography ambassador?

Did you study geography or a related subject at Higher Education level? Would you like to share your experiences of how geography's broad portfolio of skills has helped you in your career? We are just as interested in those of you who are using the transferable graduate skills which came from study at university as those of you who are currently employed in a more geographical line of work.