Thousands flee Australian floods

Large areas of New South Wales and Queensland on Australia's east coast have been declared disaster zones following strong winds and torrential rain. This has caused massive floods, killing at least two people and cutting off 20,000. Beaches have been closed due to dangerous swells caused by the strong winds.

The Geography of swine flu

The spread of diseases like swine flu provides an interesting case study for geographers on how the increase in long-haul flights means that isolated cases can soon become global pandemics. See the interactive map at: http://www.latimes.com/features/health/la-swineflu-flash,0,5444368.htmlstory

There's no need to worry about this latest outbreak, just take sensible steps to stay healthy.

Happy Easter

Enjoy your three weeks holiday and good luck with starting your coursework. If you have any questions you can contact me at geography@belvoirhigh.leics.sch.uk. Don't forget to look out for Geography in the News stories - I need some to start a display in my new classroom!

Earth hour

At 8.30 on Saturday night thousands of people across the world switched off their lights as a symbolic gesture to draw attention to the issue of climate change. Were you one of them? To see pictures and videos of this event go to http://earthhour.org

Undersea volcano erupts

An undersea volcano near the Pacific island of Tonga erupted on Wednesday, throwing plumes of smoke, ash and steam 100m into the air.

FAIRTRADE FORTNIGHT

It's Fairtrade Fortnight! Support farmers in LEDCs and help them get a better deal by buying Fairtrade goods. You could start by buying some Fairtrade chocolate from the stall in school this week!

SNOW!!

School has been closed for two days due to snow! Why did we get more snow now than in the previous 20 years? Because a warm wet air mass from the south collided with an icy Arctic air mass from the north east, forcing the moist air upwards and forming snow.
Enjoy it while it lasts - global warming will make snow rarer in Britain!