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.

Source: National Curriculum, 2014

Geography Progression

Geography Progression.pdf

Intent

At Kingfisher Primary we aim to fulfil the requirements of the National Curriculum for Geography by providing a broad and balanced curriculum which is fully inclusive to every child.

Geography is, by nature, an investigative subject as it helps to provoke questions and provide answers about the natural and human aspects of the world.

We seek to inspire and promote the children’s interest and understanding of diverse places, people, resources and natural and human environments, together with a developing a deep understanding of the Earth’s key physical and human processes.

Our Geography curriculum is designed to develop these concepts, knowledge and skills so that they are progressive as well as transferable, allowing the children to develop a love for Geography throughout their time at Kingfisher Primary and consequently, carry this forward to their further education and even life beyond.

We want our children to enjoy and love learning about Geography not just through experiences in the classroom, but also through the use of fieldwork and educational visits.

Through high quality teaching, we aim to develop the following key characteristics of a good geographer:

An excellent knowledge of where places are and what they are like, both in Britain and the wider world
An extensive base of geographical knowledge and vocabulary
Fluency in geographical enquiry and the ability to apply questioning skills, as well as effective
A genuine interest in the subject and a real sense of curiosity about the world and the people who live here

Geography Overview

Geography Overview.pdf

Progression and delivery

Geography in the Early Years is learnt via 'Understanding the World' where pupils gain a good understanding of the world around them. Their curiosity is actively encouraged via planned activities and characteristics of effective learning are assessed. The opportunities to explore and discuss similarities, differences, patterns, and change give the children chance to follow their own lines of enquiry.

Geography lessons continue to develop age-appropriate, accurate knowledge of the location, physical and human characteristics of a wide range of globally significant places. Specific themes and topics are planned to ensure that targeted concepts, places, case studies and skills are addressed. Within our curriculum, careful sequencing ensures that pupils build knowledge, understanding and skills in geography over time. Specific curriculum content has been selected to ensure that children are taught the most appropriate and useful concepts for their onward learning. School trips and fieldwork, including use of the local area are provided to give first hand experiences, which enhance children's understanding of the world within and beyond their locality.

Children will be taught to use geographical vocabulary which is appropriate and accurate, and which develops and evolves from EYFS to KS1 and through KS2 and collect, analyse and present a range of data, gathered through experiences of fieldwork, to deepen understanding of geographical processes. They will be taught to use and interpret a wide range of sources of geographical information, including maps, diagrams, globes and aerial photographs. Children will be able to communicate geographical information in a variety of ways, including through maps, numerical and quantitative skills and writing at length. Curriculum documentation reflects clear expectations around what pupils will know and be able to do with their geographical knowledge and skills at curriculum 'end points' such as the end of a key stage.

Geography will promote children's spiritual, moral, social and cultural development helping them to have a greater understanding of their place in the world, and their rights and responsibilities to other people and the environment. In today's changing world, opportunities are planned for children to explore and analyse relevant matters linked to sustainability and climate change.

Our Aim

Through high quality teaching, we aim to develop the following key characteristics of a good geographer:

An excellent knowledge of where places are and what they are like, both in Britain and the wider world
An comprehensive understanding of the ways in which places are interdependent and interconnected
An extensive base of geographical knowledge and vocabulary
Fluency in geographical enquiry and the ability to apply questioning skills, as well as effective

presentation techniques

The ability to reach clear conclusions and explain their findings
Excellent fieldwork skills as well as other geographical aptitudes and techniques
The ability to express well-balanced opinions, rooted in very good knowledge and understanding about current issues in society and the environment;
A genuine interest in the subject and a real sense of curiosity about the world and the people who live here.

Tracking and Assessment

Geography is monitored by identifying whether pupils have met the expectations from the national curriculum. These are recorded on a document for each year group that can be reviewed by the class teacher, subject lead and senior staff. They assess the pupil’s understanding of the geography content and their ability to work geographically. Gaps in knowledge are noted and addressed during the start of sessions with key class targeted questions and through the Topic Questions as part of Early Bird sessions at the start of each day. This has also proved to be a good opportunity to consolidate the learning of all learners and keep information at the front of their minds.