We inspire our children to look beyond the immediate area they live in and develop their curiosity and interest in different places and environments in the world. Our aim is for them to find interest, curiosity and intrigue about different places and cultures through exploration of human and physical geography.

We provide children with opportunities to use a range of geographical skills and develop deep geographical knowledge as they move through the school. Skills are put into practice both through local fieldwork and trips.

Intent

We aim to fulfil the requirements of the National Curriculum for Geography through engaging children in a wide variety of topics through a carefully planned, phased approach to the subject that will that help them to discover the world they live in. Through this investigative subject, children will observe, describe and seek explanations about the world whilst developing geographical concepts, knowledge and skills that are transferable across the curriculum. The ultimate aim is to foster a love of learning within Geography, and encourage children’s interest and understanding of diverse places, people, resources and natural and human environments, together with a deep understanding of the Earth’s key physical and human processes which they will take with them to the next stage of their education.

Implementation

We implement the National Curriculum through exciting and inspiring topics and high quality teaching, that ensures skills and knowledge are developed and built on year by year to maximise learning for all children.  At the beginning of each topic, children are able to convey what they know already as well as what they would like to find out. This helps inform the programme of study and also ensures that lessons are relevant and take account of children’s different starting points. Lesson content and tasks are designed to provide appropriate challenge to all learners. The local area is fully utilised to achieve desired outcomes, with opportunities for learning outside the classroom. School trips and fieldwork give first-hand experiences, enrich learning, provide contextual learning, and enhance children's understanding of the world beyond their locality.

Impact

Outcomes in topic books evidence a broad and balanced Geography curriculum, and demonstrate children’s acquisition of identified key knowledge and skills. Impact will be measured through learning walks, book scrutinies and discussions with pupils.  As children advance throughout the school, there is a clear progression of skills, and they develop deeper knowledge, understanding and appreciation of their local area and its place within the wider geographical context. Children are equipped with the geographical skills and knowledge needed to be ready for Key Stage 3, and for life as an adult in the wider world. We want children to have been inspired through the enjoyable topics, and strive for new life experiences throughout their lives.

As the children start their education in Early Years, they begin to understand the world by exploring the natural world around them. They describe what they see, hear and feel whilst outside, and are encouraged to make careful observations about nature, the weather and seasons. Basic positional language is developed and simple maps are worked on.  More global interests are explored, through festivals and events, and children compare and contrast different places around the world to where they live.