Geography
 

Intent

In Geography pupils develop their knowledge of people and places to understand the physical, social and economic forces which shape those places and the lifestyles of the people who live there. We study local areas/issues and extend these studies into the wider world.

We aim for a high quality geography curriculum which should inspire in pupils a curiosity and fascination about the world and its people. Our teaching equips pupils with knowledge about places and people; resources in the environment; physical and human processes; formation and use of landscapes. We also want children to develop geographical skills: collecting and analysing data; using maps, globes, aerial photographs and digital mapping to name and identify countries, continents and oceans; and communicating information in a variety of ways. We want children to enjoy and love learning about geography, not just through experiences in the classroom, but also with the use of fieldwork and educational visits.

Implementation

To ensure high standards of teaching and learning in Geography, we implement a curriculum that is progressive throughout the whole school. Geography is a key driver for our curriculum.

In Reception, children will explore the different 'topics' through focused work and continuous provision around the classroom, with specific links to the Early Learning Goals. As pupils move into Key Stage 1, children continue to learn through topics, which link learning together in half termly blocks. As children progress into Lower Key Stage 2, they begin to focus on discrete areas of Geography, linking their learning to prior experiences. Our oldest children in Upper Key Stage 2 then begin to learn through thematic topics, such as exploring Rights and Responsibilities in America and Exploring different polar climates: this allows the children to review prior learning and make deeper connections across time periods and concepts in Geography.

The knowledge and skills stated in the National Curriculum are the backbone of teachers planning. We have developed schemes of learning, based upon the Focus Scheme alongside the interests and needs of our pupils.

Planning is created by teachers, using the whole school scheme of learning. Planning will:

• Set out clear learning objectives, linked to Curriculum programmes of study.
• Use the interests of pupils.
• Use the topic or theme to develop core skills, applying mathematical and English skills taught.
• Ensure progression and continuity of skills across the key stage.
• Match the needs of individuals in class to ensure the learning is accessible to all.
• Evaluate and assess understanding.

At the beginning of each unit, children are given the opportunity to share what they know already, as well as what they would like to find out. This informs the programme of study and also ensures that lessons are relevant and take account of children’s different starting points. Consideration is given to how all learners will be taught, as well as how learners will be supported in line with the school’s commitment to inclusion.
 

Within KS1 and LKS2, intended learning is based around topics focussing on one specific area of the curriculum – this may be, for example, a study of mountain regions and developing locational knowledge to compare their own locality to a place in Europe. In Upper Key Stage 2, children have the opportunity to consolidate their learning through thematic units, , Rights and Responsibilities etc. These units allow children to revisit prior learning and make broader comparisons, using their previously learned knowledge from LKS2 and KS1.

In Geography, children learn to use maps to locate cities, countries, mountain ranges, rivers, seas and oceans. They use atlases, photos and the internet to explore the environment and economics of those countries which they study. They then use the skills they have developed in English, Maths and Computing to report and record their findings.

Impact

Through our geography lessons, pupils should learn key vocabulary and be able to apply their geographical skills to a range of geographical enquiries. Specific skills will have been developed including:

• Drawing and interpreting maps

• Identifying geographical features

• Formulating questions and developing research skills.

We ensure that our pupils are equipped with geographical skills and knowledge that will enable them to be ready for the curriculum at Key Stage 3 and for life as an adult in the wider world. We want the children to have thoroughly enjoyed learning about geography, therefore encouraging them to undertake new life experiences now and in the future.

Due to copyright, we are unable to publicly post our schemes on the website. If you would like to view them, please ask the office/ your child's class teacher.