Miss Lucie Towse

My career in education began as a teacher of Geography and Travel and Tourism to pupils aged 11-18 and latterly as Subject Leader for Geography and Travel and Tourism. Throughout my time in school I was committed to supporting the development of both my pupils and colleagues. This work included mentoring student teachers and NQTs. Moving in to Higher Education provided me the opportunity to focus on Initial Teacher Education.

Since joining Canterbury Christ Church University I have worked predominantly on the Teach First programme and held a number of roles which included leading the Professional Studies and Practice strand of the former Teach First PGCE as well as introducing and developing the Geography curriculum for the South East Teach First region. Most recently I was Programme Director for the South East and South Coast Teach First PGDE programme. Since mid-2019 I began work as the lead Curriculum Tutor for the Geography Secondary PGCE and School Direct routes into teaching.

I have worked on a range of programmes including the Teach First PGCE, the Teach First PGDE, the PGCE (11-16 and 7-14) and School Direct. During this time I have had the privilege of contributing to, leading on and teaching aspects related to the professional elements of secondary teachers practice, but the main focus of my teaching has been and continues to be with student teachers of secondary Geography.

Geography and Geography education are my passions. My Masters dissertation focused on the factors that affect children’s locational knowledge and this still remains a key area of interest. I also have a keen interest in curriculum development and this influences both my teaching and my current research. I am committed to ensuring my teaching is underpinned by research and theory as appropriate to help inform the depth of understanding about why we do what we do in our Geography teaching and our work with pupils in school. This certainly aided my work as a practitioner as I completed my MA alongside teaching full time in school.

I hold a Senior Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (Advanced HE).

Beyond my work at Canterbury Christ Church University I am currently an External Examiner for the Secondary Geography PGCE at Birmingham City University, a position I have held since 2019.

I have engaged with Advanced HE’s Aurora programme which is a leadership development initiative for women in leadership, providing opportunities to develop and explore issues related to leadership roles and responsibilities.

I am a member of the Geographical Association, the leading subject association for all teachers of Geography. As part of my engagement with the Geographical Association I have previously had the opportunity to present at the GA’s Annual Conference.

I have had the opportunity to review Geography education book manuscripts.