This PPT includes 20 key term retrieval practice starters for AQA GCSE Geography, The Challenge of Natural Hazards (Specification 3.1.1). It is the same starter, repeated 20 times with different key terms. It follows the order of the specification. Some words are repeated so knowledge can be consistently retrieved. Although this is for AQA, it could well be used with any exam board. It would be straightforward to adapt if required. From my experience, these starters, done in silence for five minutes, provide an engaging start to a lesson which has a positive impact on behaviour for the whole lesson. After five minutes, we go through the answers which have to be given verbally in full sentences which develops subject oracy. This time also allows for further questioning to challenge students as well as re-teaching where required. As well as being used as starters, they could easily be used as a revision resource.

This PPT contains twelve different retrieval practice starter templates that I use on a rotation with my classes. From my experience, they are engaging and effective. Furthermore, because there are twelve starters, students do not see them too often to be disengaged but see them often enough to know the routine and expectation. My classes complete them in silence for five minutes. We then go through the answers which have to be given in full sentences. This allows for further questioning or explanation. I adapt each template for each lesson.

This resource includes 54 questions and answers about key knowledge for the natural hazards topic. It is specifically aimed at the AQA specification but could be used with other specifications with minor adaptations made if necessary. It includes a section where answers appear next to the questions and a question only sheet. In the classroom, this resource can be used in a variety of ways. Students can verbally quiz each other, fostering collaboration and peer learning. The question-only sheet allows for students to complete this individually or in a pair. Students can then self/peer assess their work or go through the answers with the teacher. In addition, this resource empowers parents and carers to engage their child(ren) in knowledge-based questions, supporting effective revision through retrieval practice. I would stress to parents/carers that encouraging praise is essential, and when mistakes occur, promoting a growth mindset helps reinforce that it’s okay not to know the answer yet. The questions can be tackled in any order and don’t need to be completed in a single session - consistent, brief practice is key to success!

This resourced lesson is focused on destructive and constructive waves. The learning objective of this lesson is to describe the characteristics of waves, explain how they form and suggest how they influence coastal processes and landscapes. This lesson includes; Retrieval practice starter with self assessment Lesson objective with prompt to discuss importance of it Introduction of key terminology Competitive peer task to learn key terminology Individual task to draw and annotate a diagram Individual written task to allow students to see progress Short plenary to assess progress