Geography
The geography area of the Skills Space site is aimed at students aged 11–14, though some of the material may also be suitable for older pupils.
Please select a section below:
About this module
Who is it for?
This module is aimed at students aged 11–14. The resource is aimed for those studying Ghana, or at the earlier stages of work on development and LEDCs, though it is also beneficial during other key curriculum stages.
It provides a motivating and relevant real-life context for looking at these topics, including a variety of formats designed to engage a wide range of learners.
Elements of the resource will also be suitable for students aged 14+.
The module structure
The module provides a mixture of text, maps, slideshows, video clips and interactive activities. The three sections are:
Section 1: About Ghana
Maps, photos, facts and figures introducing students to Ghana.
Section 2: Cocoa farming
About the cocoa farms and farmers, and how cocoa beans are produced.
Section 3: The future
How the farmers, Cadbury and other organisations, are working in partnership to build a better future.
Downloadable PDF worksheets and “Taking it further” extension sheets are offered on the last screen of each section. “Taking it further” sheets explore the topics covered online in more detail and include ideas for extension work.
Using the module
The module is designed to be used flexibly. Sections can be delivered by whiteboard, for whole-class teaching, or accessed by students working alone or in pairs in the ICT suite. Where all students have internet access outside class, material can also be set for homework.
Timings
Each section of the module, plus a worksheet, will provide enough work for one hour of class time. Incomplete worksheets could be finished for homework.
The worksheets
There are two worksheets for each section. The first, Worksheet A, is aimed at younger or lower-ability students. The second, Worksheet B, is aimed at older or higher-ability students. They do not overlap in content, so students could benefit from doing both.
Although the worksheets are linked to the material in the section, the majority do not rely on access to it, and are designed to be completed off screen. They could be given out for class work at the end of a whiteboard session, or for homework.
The module allows students to print out their own worksheets. However, you may prefer to print out and photocopy them in advance.
The “Taking it further” extension sheets
There is one “Taking it further” extension sheet for each section. These sheets contain information related to the section, as well as suggestions for further work, for students who want to do some further research.
These sheets will be most suitable for older or higher-ability students within the 11–14 range, and students aged 14+.
Students can print out the documents for themselves, or you may prefer to print them out in advance, and photocopy them.
Technical preparation
The slideshows and interactive activities in the module require Adobe Flash Player version 8 or later.
The font size on most screens (the non-Flash ones) can be changed in Internet Explorer by going to the View menu and selecting Text size.
Images
You can click on and enlarge the majority of images and maps to examine them in more detail.
Vidoes
You can download and save higher resolution, full-screen versions of all the video clips featured in the Skills Space Geography area in the Resource Bank.
Ghana, Cadbury and the Cadbury Cocoa Partnership
The third section focuses on the Cadbury Cocoa Partnership.
In 2008 Cadbury set up the Cadbury Cocoa Partnership to secure the economic, social and environmental sustainability of around a million cocoa farmers and their communities in Ghana, India, Indonesia and the Caribbean, through:
- Long-term commitment to improving farmer livelihoods and farming communities
- Direct farmer involvement alongside NGO partners and governments
- Ghanaian President and United Nations pledge their support
This ground-breaking initiative, which will be carried out in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and other partners, marks 100 years since the Cadbury brothers first began trading in Ghana and aims to holistically support the development of sustainable cocoa growing communities in Ghana, India, Indonesia and the Caribbean.
The Partnership will focus on:
- Improving cocoa farmer incomes: by helping farmers increase their yields and produce top quality beans
- Introducing new sources of rural income: through microfinance and business support to kick start new rural businesses and introduce additional income streams such as growing other crops
- Investing in community led development: to improve life in cocoa communities e.g. supporting education through schools and libraries, supporting the environment through biodiversity projects, and building wells for clean, safe water
- Working in partnership: developing a pioneering model which will be led from the grass roots. Farmers, governments, NGOs and international agencies will work together to decide how the funding is spent and work with local organisations to turn plans into action
Cadbury has invested £1million in 2008 as a seed fund to establish the Cadbury Cocoa Partnership, with annual funding levels rising to a steady rate of £5million per year. The total investment is to be around £45million over the next 10 years.
Useful links
Mapping Sustainable Production in Ghanaian Cocoa report
Google Earth
http://earth.google.com/
Ghana Cocoa Board
http://www.cocobod.gh/
Details notes on each section and curriculum links are provided on separate pages: