THE head of the geography department at The King Alfred School has had a book published to help thousands of students develop as geographers.

Catherine Owen has written ‘Introducing India’ as part of a Key Stage 3 geography teachers’ toolkit which has been published by the Geographical Association.

Teachers from all over the country and overseas will be able to purchase this book to support them in their teaching of the new geography national curriculum.

Catherine’s book includes everything teachers need to teach a series of ten lessons on India, covering topics as diverse as natural environments, transnational corporations and sustainable tourism.

Her department has been designated as a ‘Centre of Excellence’ by the GA and she has been awarded Chartered Geographer status by the Royal Geographical Society (RGS).

Catherine said: “People often have misconceptions about India, seeing it as a poorer country struggling against huge obstacles to develop.

“Although it is true that there are barriers to development in India, there are also many success stories. It is important that young people realise that India is a diverse and fascinating country.

“I hope that my book will enable teachers around the country to develop their students understanding of this rapidly changing and growing nation.”