Geography

Geography

Geography

Geography Purpose of Study

A high-quality geography education should inspire in pupils a curiosity and fascination about the world and its people that will remain with them for the rest of their lives. Teaching should equip pupils with knowledge about diverse places, people, resources and natural and human environments, together with a deep understanding of the Earth’s key physical and human processes. As pupils progress, their growing knowledge about the world should help them to deepen their understanding of the interaction between physical and human processes, and of the formation and use of landscapes and environments. Geographical knowledge, understanding and skills provide the frameworks and approaches that explain how the Earth’s features at different scales are shaped, interconnected and change over time.

- National Curriculum, 2014

Intent

At Countess Gytha Primary School, we aim to fulfil the requirement of the National Curriculum for Geography by providing a broad, balanced and exciting curriculum which is inclusive of every child.

At the heart of geography is investigation which helps to provoke questions and discussion and provide answers about the human and natural world. We strive to inspire and promote the children’s interest and understanding of our diverse planet through investigation into the people and cultures in our world, the resources from our world and the natural and human environments, alongside the key human and physical processes of planet Earth.

Our geography curriculum is designed to develop these concepts, knowledge and skills so that the children progress in their geographical understanding and gain skills which will transfer into their daily lives both in and out of school. We want our children to enjoy geography though a variety of lessons in the classroom as well as through field work, practical investigations and educational visits.

Implementation

Geography at Countess Gytha is taught in either termly or half termly blocks throughout the year. These may be linked to class topics or standalone units. This enables a broad understanding of the subject and its links to other areas in the children’s learning.

Each class outlines their geography coverage in their long-term plan using National Curriculum guidance. These plans are further detailed in medium term and daily plans as appropriate. Geography coverage is highlighted in a whole school overview document to clearly outline the different geography-based topics and skills taught in each class. Split year group class teachers work closely together, using the National Curriculum, to ensure that all children will cover every element required and to minimise repetition of learning. Rolling programmes have been developed to ensure all children have met the aims of the National Curriculum in each key stage.

Teachers use a whole school geography progression document to support their planning and to ensure that key knowledge and skills are taught in line with the National Curriculum.

Cross curricular links with the geographical topic are made and are used to inform other areas of planning. Geography is strongly linked to British Values and the respect and understanding of other cultures as well as informing many aspects of ‘outdoor learning’ throughout the school.

All staff have a copy of the Geography Progression Map to support them in their planning and are able to ask the Geography Coordinator for support should they feel this is needed.

As a school we have developed an Eco Council which enables children to voice their environmental concerns and enables the group to develop ways of helping our planet. This has included thinking of how to attract more wildlife and sending home leaflets about the use of plastic as well as trying to use less plastic in our school. The Eco Council ensure that the whole school are informed of their ideas and progress though assemblies and displays and this helps to develop a broader understanding and feeling of responsibility across specific areas of geography.

Impact

We intend for the impact of our geography lessons to be broad and develop children’s geographical accuracy both in and out of school.

As children progress though the school, they develop a deep knowledge and understanding of geography as well as an informed appreciation of the subject.

Regular book monitoring and lesson observations will enable teachers to discuss and ensure that standards are high, and that the implementation of geography is having a good impact on the children’s learning.

Geography Concept Coverage