Georgia Ramsay
Profile
Biography
I joined the Department of Education at the University of York in April 2020 as the Curriculum Area Leader for the newly established Geography PGCE Programme—an exciting addition to the university’s existing PGCE portfolio. My role involves the design and delivery of a comprehensive programme of study that supports beginning teachers in their development as passionate, knowledgeable, and reflective practitioners. The course aims not only to foster strong geographical subject knowledge but also to equip trainees with the pedagogical skills needed to inspire and engage young people in their own learning journeys.
Prior to joining the University of York, I gained over 20 years of experience teaching geography across four large, mixed comprehensive schools in the Yorkshire region. During this time, I held several key leadership positions, including Head of Department in two contrasting school settings and Assistant Headteacher for eight years. As a middle leader, I worked collaboratively with colleagues to build cohesive and consistent departmental practices, and I played a central role in the development and implementation of engaging and inclusive geography curricula. In my senior leadership role, I was responsible for curriculum planning, timetabling, and raising academic achievement through a strategic focus on improving teaching and learning via targeted professional development.
I believe that this extensive classroom experience forms a vital foundation for my work with beginning teachers. It allows me to draw on a wealth of practical knowledge and combine it with research-informed pedagogy to guide and support the next generation of educators. My university role enables me to remain a reflective practitioner, continuously refining my own pedagogical approach through research engagement and the exploration of innovative teaching strategies.
Alongside my PGCE responsibilities, I also contribute to the award-winning Sustainability Clinic module at the University of York, where I act as an expert advisor. In this capacity, I support both undergraduate and postgraduate students as they collaborate with community organisations to explore and recommend sustainable practices, encouraging meaningful and impactful real-world learning.
Outside of my professional commitments, I am married with two young children. As a family, we enjoy spending time in Dumfries and Galloway whenever possible, where we love walking, biking, and exploring the unspoilt coastline. As a geographer, I am passionate about fieldwork and the experiential learning it provides, and I am always seeking new places to discover and explore—both for personal enjoyment and professional inspiration.
