Geography
Aims
In Geography our aim is to support the children’s understanding of the world that we live in and get to grips with some of the big questions which affect both the world and our futures.
Through Geography, we aim to develop an awareness of major issues locally, nationally and at global levels. We want to help prepare our pupils to be equipped as citizens of the 21st Century.
Geography Curriculum
We ensure a breadth of coverage and progression throughout the school. Children’s understanding of statistical data, maps and photographs as well as the internet, discussion, debate and the written word are all part of the learning.
Our Geography is taught through engaging topics that help inspire children at all levels and key questions are used to deepen thinking and understanding (refer to our Curriculum Breadth page, Autumn 1, Spring 1 and Summer 1 half terms, for our Geography themes). Here, children become geographers!
Wow! Moments
Through our creative approach to Geography, we aim to ensure there are some ‘WOW!’ moments that provide a hook to really engage all learners.
In KS1, children have visited Chester Zoo to see the animals they learnt about in their topic ‘Sensational Safari’. In KS2, children have been visited by a member of the Flood Defence Team to talk about the effects of flooding in our local area.
Cross Curricular Links (including SMSC)
The teaching of Geography provides many cross-curricular links. One of our main aims is to ensure that creative writing is embedded within our Geography curriculum. There are also some obvious links to Maths, Science and the use of ICT and Computing.
Geography also provides our children with many opportunities to develop their spiritual, moral and cultural understanding:
Geography supports spiritual development by providing opportunities for children to think, reflect, discuss and wonder at the power and beauty of the natural world.
Geography supports moral development by showing children that it is OK to have different opinions just as eminent geographers disagree with each other, opinions need to be respected and valued. In Geography we cover a range of moral issues including human and environmental issues and disasters.
Geography supports cultural development by allowing children the opportunity to explore the world and the different ways in which people live. It allows them to learn about other cultures and be open to new ideas and ways of life.
Progression of Skills
Geography is carefully planned throughout the school to ensure a progression in skills.
Class teachers use the National Curriculum as well as Target Tracker (our tracking system) to ensure the objectives are appropriate to both their key stage, year group and cohort, e.g. in Year 1, children learn about maps and direction through using simple directional language, ‘up and down’, however, by Year 6, children have progressed to use grid references and an eight point compass.
Moderation and Assessment
The moderation and assessment of Geography is completed every term.
The Subject Co-ordinator completes a learning walk and book scrutiny to ensure coverage and progression throughout the subject.
Class teachers update the school’s tracking system every term. This data is then analysed by the Subject Co-ordinator to ensure standards are closely monitored.
CPD Opportunities
With support from our Secondary Geography colleagues at Brooksbank School, our staff receive invaluable help with curriculum delivery, when needed. Recently, the Subject Co-ordinator has received training around Geography assessment and embedding themes across school.
Action Plan Headlines
Our main aims in Geography this year are:
- To continue to raise attainment in Geography across the school.
- Ensure Maths and English skills are being applied through the teaching of Geography, particularly creative writing.
- To raise the profile of the subject and improve the quality of the educational experiences for all children, both in the classroom and through fieldwork.