Friday 13 June 2014 Keen geographers from local high schools came together for a day to use the latest technology for researching a topic close to their hearts – where to find the best mobile signal. The Grammar School at Leeds (GSAL) hosted the Geographical Information Systems (GIS) workshop for year 8 pupils, reflecting the introduction of GIS into the Key Stage 3 curriculum in the current academic year. Pupils from Harrogate Grammar School, Allerton High, Roundhay School and The Farnley Academy (pictured) took part in the day. Unusually for a school day, the pupils were instructed to have their mobile phones switched on and to hand. They walked around the GSAL campus and noted the strength of the signal for the different mobile networks at specific locations, before using GIS software in the IT suite to map their findings and analyse what might be causing the variations. The session was led by Mark Smith, GSAL’s head of biology, and Steve Dunn, teacher of geography, who coordinate the GIS project at GSAL. Mark said: “We chose to map mobile phone signals for our GIS activity as it’s a real life concern for the pupils. They respond well to learning methods that make use of technology and enjoy seeing the subject matter brought to life with the help of GIS. With GIS new to the KS3 curriculum we planned the day as a learning opportunity for teachers and pupils alike.” Steven Ashford, geography teacher at The Farnley Academy, said: “This is a great opportunity to see how GIS is used in a different school and share ideas, now that we are trying to embed it into the curriculum from year 7. KS3 are so good with computers that they take to GIS easily.” GSAL is designated a ‘Centre of Excellence’ by the UK’s leading provider of GIS, ESRI UK, in recognition of the school’s innovation and expertise in the use of GIS technology. General Senior School News
