Geography is taught through our thematic ‘Learning Challenge Curriculum’. This approach provides a relevant, engaging and key skills-based curriculum that engages, inspires and challenges all children whilst raising standards in Foundation subjects. The National Curriculum statutory programme of study is mapped across the school, with specific subject-curriculum areas allocated to year group.
Geography is taught in blocks throughout the year so that children can achieve depth in their learning by accessing a learning challenge approach. Each topic begins with a question and every lesson a learning challenge feeds into the bigger question. Each unit is linked clearly to skills and vocabulary to ensure progress across topics throughout each year and across the school. Our curriculum is designed so that in EYFS children’s geography learning is based on the local area around them. As they move up through Key Stage One children focus on the United Kingdom making comparisons to an area outside of Europe (Kenya).
Moving into Key Stage Two, our curriculum allows children to have a more in-depth study of the wider world and the continents that make up our world. At the beginning of each topic, children can convey what they already know as well as what they would like to find out. The 2013 national curriculum is used to inform planning as well as taking into consideration the questions pupils’ have asked at the start of a unit. Outcomes of work are regularly monitored to ensure that they reflect a secure understanding of the key identified skills and knowledge.
Teaching in Geography will involve cooperative group work, individual work and class teaching. The use of ‘wow’ experiences and educational visits all contribute to the teaching of Geography. Within this structure:
- Groups are usually of mixed ability.
- Work is differentiated to meet the needs of those in the class.
- Relevant discussion is encouraged.
- Groups are encouraged to communicate their findings in a variety of ways.
- Fieldwork in the environment is a component of the Geography curriculum.
The emphasis in our teaching of Geography is on integrated learning, linking the subject with all other areas of the curriculum where possible. Our focus is on topic work which develops a range of study skills allowing children to increasingly take control of their own learning. To achieve this:
- Fieldwork, enquiry and investigation are central to geographical education. Every opportunity will be provided for hands on geography in the local area and if possible the contrasting UK locality.
- Information handling skills, including the use of a wide range of source materials are explicitly taught.
- ICT will be used to develop children’s research skills at all stages of development.
- Children will learn to read maps and the skills necessary for interpretation.
- Careful observation is fostered.
- Good quality resources are used to support learning.
In Key Stage 1, pupils will develop knowledge about the world, the United Kingdom and their locality. They will understand basic subject-specific vocabulary relating to human and physical geography and begin to use geographical skills, including first-hand observation, to enhance their locational awareness. Pupils will develop skills in the following four areas:
- Locational knowledge
- Place knowledge
- Human and physical geography
- Geographical skills and fieldwork
In Key Stage 2, pupils will extend their knowledge and understanding beyond the local area to include the United Kingdom and Europe, North and South America. This will include the location and characteristics of a range of the world’s most significant human and physical features. They will develop their use of geographical knowledge, understanding and skills to enhance their locational and place knowledge. Teaching in Key Stage 2 will further develop skills in the same four areas as Key Stage 1.