Past activity for students
Completed events 2023-24 (in reverse order)
Autumn lectures for Y12-13
Tuesday 5th Dec 2023 7 – 8 pm
Dr. Pete Rowley (University of Bristol)
‘The unknown unknowns – uncertainty in volcanic hazard assessment’
See Resources
Thursday 16th Nov 2023 7 – 8 pm
Dr. Liam Saddington (University of Cambridge)
‘Beyond ‘Sinking Islands’: resisting climate change in Tuvalu’
This event also included a brief session on UCAS advice.
See Resources
Tuesday 17th Oct 2023 7 – 8 pm
Dr. Chris Spencer (University of the West of England)
‘Managing Bristol region and North Somerset coastlines’
See Resources
Wednesday 27th Sep 2023 7 – 8.30 pm
Dr. Gemma Coxon (University of Bristol)
‘The future of the UK’s water supply’
See Resources
Completed events 2022-23 (in reverse order)
Friday 3rd March 2023 (for Yr 12)
Year 12 Geography Taster Day
Urban regeneration, focussing on Temple Quarter, Bristol
Lectures in the morning. Afternoon session included decision-making exercise with support and guidance. Additional support has been provided by the University of Bristol with funds for widening participation.
Location: Wills Memorial Building, Queens Road, Bristol, BS8 1RJ
Tues 6th December 2022 (for Yr 12, 13) 7-8.30 pm
Lecture 4 (for Yr 12, 13)
Extractive landscapes in motion: Exploring the lives of coal miners in Tajikistan
Dr. Negar Elodie Behzadi (School of Geographical Sciences and Cabot Institute, University of Bristol)
Location: School of Geographical Sciences, University of Bristol, BS8 1SS
8th Nov 2022 7-8.30 pm
WorldWise Quiz – Bristol schools (for Yr 10, 11)
Location: QEH Theatre, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, BS8 1JX, Bristol (host: Phil Amor)
Teams of 3 to be quizzed in GA-organised event, suitable for Yr10 and Yr11. General geographical and mapping knowledge.
Tues 22nd November 2022 7-8.30 pm
Lecture 3 (for Yr 12, 13)
A Tale of Two Rivers: The water cycle and what affects river catchment hydrology.
Harry West (University of the West of England, Bristol)
Tues 18th October 2022 7-8.30 pm
Lecture 2 (for Yr 12, 13)
Adapting to climate change in Africa
Dr. Rachel James (School of Geographical Sciences, University of Bristol)
Location: School of Geographical Sciences, University of Bristol, BS8 1SS
Thurs 29th September 2022 7-8.30 pm
Lecture 1 and UCAS options (for Yr 12, 13)
What is just energy transition?
Dr. Ed Atkins (School of Geographical Sciences, University of Bristol)
Location: School of Geographical Sciences, University of Bristol, BS8 1SS
Completed events 2020-21 (in reverse order)
Tuesday 9th March 2021. 7.00-8.30 pm
Spring lecture 2: Geographies of Covid.
Prof. Rich Harris (University of Bristol)
Locations: Zoom online
Tuesday 9th March 2021. 7.00-8.30 pm
Spring lecture 1: Blooming algae: Microbes and ice sheets.
Dr. Chris Williamson (University of Bristol)
Locations: Zoom online
Completed events 2019-20 (in reverse order)
From June 24th 2020 on.
Annual Summer Geography Conference (UWE/GA collaboration)
A virtual collection of resources from the 2020 “GEOGRAPHY Really Matters” Bristol geography teachers conference.
Included useful subject-specific information, careers advice, tools-of-the-trade. Relevant for those teaching geography, geology and environmental sciences. Many of the resources are suitable for students (A-level, BSc, PGCE). Convened by Michelle Graffagnino and Harry West at UWE.
- Keynote (Dr Charles Rawding); Subject Knowledge Boosters; Geographic Information Systems; Teach Meet; Geography South West; The Role of the Geoscientist; Closing Remarks and Endnote
Follow this link to the ESRI StoryMaps platform that hosts the material.
Tuesday 25th February 2020, 5.30-9.00pm
A-level Spring competition: Decision-making exercise on urban regeneration in Bristol
Teams of 3 or 4 engaged in rapid production of poster and presentation to judges in friendly, at times, frantic setting. They weighed up the consequences for development of a brown-field site, thinking economics, amenity, community (local and global), sustainability and much more.
Location: Peel Lecture Theatre, School of Geographical Sciences, University of Bristol
Tuesday 21st January 2020, 6.00-8.00pm
A-level conference: Urban regeneration and Temple Quarter, Bristol
Location: The conference had an unusual twist this year with the event taking place outside! The event covered the Changing Places, Contemporary Urban Environments and the Geography Fieldwork Investigation. The knowledge, understanding and skills learned was applied by some (*not* a pre-requisite) to the A level Geography competition held at the Peel Lecture Theatre at the University of Bristol on Tuesday 25th February 2020, 5.30-9.00pm. The conference includes commentary about recent changes to Bristol Harbourside by Dr. Andrew Tallon of the University of the West of England. A representative from Temple Quarter outlined the plans for the area.
Tuesday 26th November 2019, 6.00-8.00pm
WorldWise Quiz, Bath
Location: King Edward’s School Bath
Tuesday 19th November 2019, 7.00-8.30pm
Autumn Lecture 3: Development in response to climate change: Contesting the SDGs in Bolivia
Dr Jessica Hope, School of Geographical Sciences and Cabot Institute, University of Bristol.
Location: Peel Lecture Theatre, School of Geographical Sciences, University of Bristol
Tuesday 22nd October 2019, 7.00-8.30pm
Autumn Lecture 2: Flood risk on the Somerset coast: Causes and effective management solutions
Dr. Chris Spencer, Senior Lecturer, University of the West of England
Location: Peel Lecture Theatre, School of Geographical Sciences, University of Bristol
Tuesday 15th October 2019, 6.00-8.00pm
WorldWise Quiz, Bristol
Location: QEH, Bristol
Tuesday 24th September 2019, 7.00-8.30pm
Autumn Lecture 1: Tourism and human rights – justice and ethical dilemmas
Dr. Stroma Cole, Senior Lecturer in Tourism Geography, University of the West of England
Location: Peel Lecture Theatre, School of Geographical Sciences, University of Bristol
Completed events 2018-9 (in reverse order)
Tuesday 19th March 2019, 6.00-8.00pm
WorldWise Quiz, Bath vs Bristol
Hepple Lecture Theatre, Geographical Sciences, University of Bristol
Tuesday 26th February 2019, 5.30-9.00pm
Spring Competition
Plastics in our Ocean: A Toxic Mix?
Brief talk about the problem from Eleni Michalopoulou, who teaches on the Sustainable Futures course at Bristol and is passionate about improving the state of all water bodies, especially the Adriatic in the Mediterranean. Teams (4 students) were then involved in a mad-dash attempt to work on a poster and brief pitch, performed to three judges, separately.
Hepple Lecture Theatre, Geographical Sciences, University of Bristol.
Wednesday 21st November 2018, 6.00pm onwards
WorldWise Quiz, Bath
Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institute, Queens Square, Bath
Tuesday 13th November 2018, 6.00-8.00pm
WorldWise Quiz, Bristol
Queen Elizabeth’s Hospital School, Bristol
Tuesday 6th November 2018, 7.00-8.30pm
Autumn Lecture 3: Carbon cycles and forests (draft title)
Dr. Jo House (Geographical Sciences, University of Bristol). Reader in Environmental Science and Policy and Co-chair of Cabot Institute of the Environment’s Global Change theme. Jo discussed carbon cycles and land use, drawing upon her research expertise in land and climate interactions, climate mitigation potential from land and science policy.
Tuesday 16th October 2018, 7.00-8.30pm
Autumn Lecture 2: Geographical perspectives in human trafficking
Jason Snelling, University of the West of England
See Reports and Slides available in ‘Resources for students
We also held the briefest of Branch AGMs at this event (< 10 mins)
Tuesday 25th September 2018, 7.00-8.30pm
Autumn Lecture 1: Volcanic hazards: Guatemala
Dr. Matt Watson, University of Bristol
Also ‘Geography at University’ advice, focussing on admissions, student experience and subject matter.
See Report and Slides available in ‘Resources for students’.
Completed events 2017-8 (in reverse order)
Tuesday 10th April 2018, 6.00-8.00pm
Practical strategies for succeeding in geography exams with Mark Jones, UWE
Geographical Sciences, University of Bristol
This session introduced AS and A2 students to a variety of hands-on revision techniques. See reportand reflections
Tuesday 20th March 2018, 6.00-8.00pm
Worldwise Quiz, Bath vs Bristol
King Edward’s School, Bath. 1st and 2nd placed team from Bath and Bristol pit their wits against each other in regional final
See report
Tuesday 27 February 2018, 6.00-9.00pm
Energy+resources decision making exercise and poster presentation (competition for groups of 4).
Geographical Sciences, University of Bristol
See report
Tuesday 30th January 2018, 7.00-9.00pm
A level conference (Energy+resources)
“Biofuels: a solution to climate change?” Dr Alan Terry, UWE
“Population: the ‘definitive’ resource?” Dr Simon Arlidge, UWE
“The Volkswagen emissions scandal: Taking the public for a ride?” Dr. James Palmer, University of Bristol
Evening of lectures in mini-symposium with follow-up competition (see below)
See Resources
Tuesday 28th November 2017, 7.00-8.30pm
Autumn Lecture 3: Embattled Deserts: The Future of Drylands in a Changing World
Dr. Katerina Michaelides, Geographical Sciences, University of Bristol
See Resources
Tuesday 14th November 2017, 6.00-8.00pm
WorldWise Quiz, Bristol
Redmaids’ High School
Tuesday 17th October 2017, 7.00-8.30pm
Autumn Lecture 2 (and AGM): Dealing with disease: evaluating global and local responses in the developing world
Gill Miller, Geography and International Development, University of Chester
See Resources
Tuesday 26th September 2017, 7.00-8.30pm
Autumn Lecture 1: Coastal flooding risk on the Somerset coastline and management responses
Dr. Chris Spencer, University of the West of England
Also ‘Geography at University’ advice, focusing on admissions, student experience and subject matter.
See Resources
Completed events 2016-7 (in reverse order)
Tuesday 4th April 2017, 6.00-8.00pm
Practical strategies for succeeding in geography exams with Mark Jones, UWE
Hepple Lecture Theatre, Geographical Sciences, University of Bristol
This session introduced AS and A2 students to a variety of hands-on revision techniques. After an initial introduction to revising for A level geography, students were allocated time exploring a number of interactive revision strategies, some familiar, others less so. The approaches were NOT designed for a specific theme such as rivers or population or a specific specification such as AQA, WJEC, ORC or Edexcel, but focused on skills that can applied to a range of themes and specifications. See report.
Tuesday 28th February 2017, 6.00-9.00pm
Year 12-13 Competition: Water Security Decision Making Exercise
Introductory lecture on California water shortage by Simon Killen (SMRT), followed by poster production and presentation. see
Tuesday 31st January 2017, 7.00-9.00pm
Year 12-13 Conference: Water Security
Staff and students from the University of West of England reflected on water security, revealing problems and potential solutions. The speakers considered policy, governance, active engagement in conservation and sustainable practice at a wide range of geographical scales and settings.
Thirsty Cities: Might our ever-expanding cities be both the cause and the solution to the burgeoning water crisis?
Prof. Chad Staddon (Professor in Resource Economics and Policy, UWE)
Enhancing water security in poor communities: options and outcomes
Dr. Alan Terry (Senior Lecturer in Human Geography, UWE)
Researching water-related issues in East Africa – undergraduate projects
Harry Chrispin and Calum Warriner (Undergraduate BA Geography students, UWE)
see Resources
Tuesday 29th November 2016, 7.00-8.30pm
Autumn Lecture 3: Population, Politics and Development in the Urban Age: Dr. Sean Fox (Univ. Bristol).
Peel Lecture Theatre, Geographical Sciences, University of Bristol
see Resources and News
Monday 14th November 2016, 6.00-8.00pm
WorldWise Quiz, Bristol:
Redland High School, Bristol
Tuesday 18th October 2016, 7.00-8.30pm
Autumn Lecture 2: Carbon Cycle Prof. Rich Pancost (Cabot Institute, Univ. Bristol).
Peel Lecture Theatre, Geographical Sciences, University of Bristol
see Resources and News
Tuesday 27th September 2016, 7.00-8.30pm
Autumn Lecture 1: Coastal Management Dr. Chris Spencer (UWE).
Peel Lecture Theatre, Geographical Sciences, University of Bristol
see Resources and Photos
Completed events 2015-6 (in reverse order)
Tuesday 1st March 2016, 6.00 -9.00 pm
Sixth form competition: Contested Arctic
Teams of up to 6 members, working against the clock to produce poster in decision-making exercise. Briefing session at the outset, followed by frantic production and presentation in friendly-setting with feedback.
Wednesday 3rd February 2016, 7.00 – 9.00 pm
Sixth form conference: “Contested Arctic” at Peel Lecture Theatre
Short talks by experts in the fields of geopolitics, biology of the high arctic, ice sheet monitoring and climate change, including a chance to chat over refreshments and engage in broader discussion or debate.
– Glaciers as a biome: The hidden biodiversity of the Arctic and Antarctica
Prof. Alex Anesio
– Global Governance, Geographical context and Geopolitics of the Arctic and Antarctic
Prof. Jonathan Bamber
– The Postcolonial Arctic: Questions from a Changing North
Dr. Mark Jackson
(all School of Geographical Sciences, University of Bristol)
Tuesday 1st December 2015 7.30 – 8.30pm
Lecture 3: Africa’s dry zone: Feast or famine?
Focussed on Tunisia and water management for agriculture, set in a wider physical and political context
Dr. Jenny Hill (University of the West of England website)
see Resources
Wednesday November 18th 2015, 6.00 – 8.00 pm
Bristol Worldwise Quiz (year 10 and 11)
Quiz for Years 10 and 11. An opportunity to compete against local schools in friendly format.
Redland High School for Girls
see Results and Winner’s report
Wednesday November 25th
Bath Worldwise Quiz (year 10 and 11)
Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institute, Bath
Wednesday 4th November 2015 7.30 – 9.00pm
Lecture 2: Congo’s Curse: Unearthing the link between Natural Resources and Violent Conflict
Drawing from Ann’s experience working in the Democratic Republic of Congo, we explored the links between natural resources and violent conflict in Africa while also addressing broader issues of security, north-south relations, and development. This was an interactive presentation based on the belief that knowledge and action are dependent ideals.
Dr. Ann Laudati (University of Bristol website) See Resources for presentation
Tuesday 6th October 2015, 7.30 – 9.00pm
Lecture 1: Improving the management of water at the community scale: Evidence from Uganda (also Geography at University talks)
Introduced water security issues in Africa, outlined the problems faced by Water User Committees in Uganda and illustrated how participatory techniques have helped to resolve them.
Dr. Alan Terry (University of the West of England website) See Resources for presentation
Completed events 2014-5 (in reverse order)
Wednesday 25th March 2015 4.30 – 6.30pm
Practical strategies for succeeding in geography exams with Mark Jones, UWE
Location: Hepple Lecture Theatre, Geographical Sciences, University of Bristol.
see Resources
Wednesday 18th March 2015 7.00-9.00pm
Worldwise Quiz Final: Bristol v Bath 2015. Old Council Chamber, Wills Memorial Building, University of Bristol. 6 to 9 pm max.
Tuesday 3rd March 2015. 6-9 pm
Sixth form competition: Sustainable tourism
Teams of up to 6 members, working against the clock to produce poster in decision-making exercise. Briefing session at the outset, followed by frantic production and presentation in friendly-setting with feedback.
Wednesday 4th February 2015 4.30 – 6.30 pm
Sixth form conference: “Tourism: Is it good or bad?” at Peel Lecture Theatre,
Contributions from Dr. Stroma Cole (Senior lecturer in tourism geography at the University of the West of England) and Dr. Jenny Hill (Associate Professor in resource management and ecotourism, University of West of England, and HEA National Teaching Fellow).
see Resources
Bath Worldwise Quiz. Monday 1st December 2014, 6-9 pm (year 10 and 11) at Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institute, Bath .
Bristol Worldwise Quiz. Thursday 20 November 2014, 6-9 pm (year 10 and 11) at Clifton College, Bristol.
Tuesday 11th November 2014 7.30 – 8.30.
Lecture 3: Earthquakes and cascading risks: Lessons from Japan and the UK
Dr. Katsu Goda (University of Bristol)
see Resources and Report.
Wednesday 8th October 2014 7.30 -9.00
Lecture 2: Urban regeneration in China
Dr Andy Tallon (UWE). Plus AGM
see Resources
Thursday 18th September 2014 7.30 – 9.00
Lecture 1: Population change in China
Dr. Simon Arlidge (UWE). Plus UCAS talks
see Resources and Report
2013-4 programme (in reverse order)
Wednesday 26 March 2014 4.30 – 6.30pm
Practical strategies for succeeding in geography exams with Mark Jones, UWE.
This session introduced AS and A2 students to a variety of hands-on revision techniques. After an initial introduction to revising for A level geography, students will have allocated time exploring a number of interactive revision strategies, some familiar, others less so. The approaches are NOT designed for a specific theme such as rivers or population or a specific specification such as AQA, WJEC, ORC or Edexcel but focuses on skills that can applied to a range of themes and specifications.
see
Location: Hepple Lecture Theatre, Geographical Sciences, University of Bristol.
Wednesday 19th March 2014 7.00-9.00pm
Worldwise Quiz Final: Bristol v Bath 2014. , Old Council Chamber, Wills Memorial Building, University of Bristol. 7 to 9 pm
Tuesday 4th March 2014. 6-9 pm
Sixth form competition
Sustainable transport in Bristol
Wednesday 5th February 2014 4.30 – 7 pm
Sixth form conference at Peel Lecture Theatre,
How can urban traffic problems ever be solved?
Modelling Urban Transport by George Lunt, AECOM (Associate Director, Bristol Office)
Collective mobility by Prof Graham Parkhurst (UWE, Centre for Transport Studies)
Student start-ups and sustainable transport by Sam Harris (Basecamp, University of Bristol and pedalpowertransport)
Urban transport and Sustrans by Ian Barrett (SW Regional Director, Sustrans)
See Resources page for pdf versions of talks. And report here.
Bristol Worldwise Quiz. Tuesday 19 November 2013 (year 10 and 11) at Redland High School. (6-9pm)
Bath Worldwise Quiz. Tuesday 26 November 2013 (year 10 and 11) at BRLSI in Bath.
Tuesday 12 November 2013 7.30 – 8.30.
Lecture 3: Urban-rural migration, social segregation and ethnic enclaves in a world city: London
Dr. Richard Harris (University of Bristol) see Resources and Report
Wednesday 9th October 2013 7.30 -9.00
Lecture 2: Rich People, Poor People, and Environmental Concern:
Evidence across Nations and Time
Dr Malcolm Fairbrother (University of Bristol). Plus AGM
see Resources and Report
Thursday 19 September 2013 7.30 – 9.00
Lecture 1: Why do rivers flood?
Dr. Chris Parker (UWE). Plus UCAS talks
see Resources and Report