Intent

We aim to provide children with a sense of awe and wonder about the world they live in. We want children to learn about diverse places, people, resources within the world and through the study of natural and human environments, as well as physical and human processes. For children to study a range of topics varying from far away countries to our local area, developing their skills of enquiry, questioning and problem-solving. We encourage our pupils to recognise that they have a voice and feel empowered to use it confidently to discuss and debate topics that they are introduced to and feel passionate about, for example, deforestation or renewable energy. Our curriculum is designed to provide our children with the subject specific language they need to describe, question and discuss the world, as well as their place in it.

Implementation

Our curriculum, which covers the objectives set out from within the National Curriculum, outlines the core knowledge, understanding and skills which the children will be taught in Geography each term. In each unit, they have a key question to focus on e.g. ‘What impact do earthquakes and volcanoes have on our world?’. The children complete a given task for them to showcase what they already know about the topic and to highlight any gaps in their learning which is used to inform planning. We provide a clear progression through the topic units taught, with opportunities for children to revisit and build upon their previous learning, supporting their growth of knowledge and skills. We endeavor to use a range of stimulating resources, activities and opportunities including but not limited to; fieldwork, maps, pictures, videos and technology to develop their knowledge, understanding and interest in the world around them.

The children learn about a variety of locations around the globe, beginning with their own locality. As well as locational knowledge, the children learn about the key human and physical features of places; build knowledge of how to use and create maps; develop their understanding of the world's climate patterns and learn how to collect and use geographical data. Every year group carries out field studies in our local environment to provide opportunities to conduct observations, surveys, investigations and field sketches.  The use of maps and compasses enhances this experience.   Locational knowledge, fieldwork and map work are woven throughout the Geography topics.