Threads and themes
We ensure that the skills in the National Curriculum are taught in a progressive way though carefully mapping out skills, core knowledge and vocabulary. Our Geography curriculum is broadly split into three concepts which allow us to discuss issues as a whole school and make clear links across year groups. The concepts are:
– Our Local Area
– Global Challenges
– How Our World Works
Each school has its own curriculum themes which we also make links with as we plan and teach.
Experience and Enrichment
We want our children to understand why they are learning what they are learning. Apart from answering enquiry questions, we take every opportunity to enrich learning with experiences such as field work, trips and visits. Geography is a highly practical subject and we expect teacher to plan lessons which reflect this. That means in real terms that field work is done ‘on site’ and that children are using resources such as maps and compasses in their hands, not on a screen or worksheet. Subject leaders plan relevant experiences for every unit of work where possible and make use of visitors such as Kit Theatre and Heyday too.
Assessment and Outcomes
Each lesson in geography should result in an ‘exit ticket.’ An exit ticket is a short task that children complete independently, demonstrating the geographical skill or knowledge taught in that lesson.
In geography, we expect children to answer their enquiry questions with a piece of work showing their understanding of the issue. Subject leaders and teachers work together to plan a ‘product’ which does just this. The product, to be produced at the end of a unit, should be planned for carefully and may
Geography in EYFS
Children are prepared for their learning in Key Stages 1 and 2 during EYFS. They explore geographical themes and content through the ‘Understanding of the World’ learning area. This involves guiding children to make sense of their physical world and their community through opportunities to explore, observe and find out about people, places, technology and the environment.
KS1 & KS2
In Key Stage 1, children explore their local areas, including their homes, school and the area around their school. They describe the features, comparing them with other places in the world and develop their basic map skills
In Key Stage 2, children develop their sense of locality further; recognising the similarities and differences between where they live with other places in more detail. Children investigate questions about the world, its people and the processes which shape the world, drawing conclusions using evidence. They present data gathered by observing, measuring and recording in different ways, interpreting their findings.
The Fundamental British Values
Democracy, Individual Liberty, Rule of Law and Respect and Tolerance are woven into the geography curriculum. Children are taught about different places and cultures and encouraged to question stereotypes and develop a respect for cultures different from their own. They are encouraged to debate, share and respect the opinions of others in our classroom discussions. As part of our curriculum, they have opportunities to understand our responsibilities to conserve resources and play our part in sustainable development and are encouraged to play our part as global citizens.
Cultural capital
Geography inspires pupils to delve deeper and with more curiosity and fascination into the world around them and its people. The knowledge they gain in their primary years, will stay with them for the rest of their lives. It is more essential than ever, in society, today, that we equip our pupils with knowledge about diverse places, people, resources and natural environments together with a deep understanding of the Earth’s key physical and human processes, in order that they grow to be tolerant adults able to care for each other and the planet on which we live.
