This series has been written “to resource the QCA scheme of work for key stage 3”. Each chapter starts with a photograph-based activity and “Learn About” section, continuing through a series of double- or multiple-page spreads and ending with “Review and Reflect”. The quality of resources is high, with photographs, maps and diagrams.

Geography Matters reflects recent key stage 3 initiatives. Numeracy activities are more developed than literacy in the pupil’s book, but the teacher’s pack provides literacy activities at a much higher standard. These include some DARTs activities on a variety of interesting texts and opportunities for extended writing using the report and recount genres.

There are also some detailed ICT-based activities in the teacher’s pack, and the pupil’s book gives brief instructions for web research.

Thinking-skills strategies such as “Odd One Out” and “Mysteries” are included occasionally in the pupil’s book and more frequently in the teacher’s resource pack.

Higher is designed to give access to learning at levels 5-8 by the end of the key stage and Foundation is designed for levels 3-5. Many of the resources are identical, with activities and texts varying to a greater or lesser extent, so it would be possible to use both books in the same class.

It might be a slightly unorthodox suggestion, but you could buy the teaching pack even if you don’t need to buy the pupil’s books - many of the activities are self contained and would be a valuable addition to your resources.

Liz Taylor