Intent

At Rood End Primary we believe that geography helps to provoke and provide answers to questions about the natural and human aspects of the world. Children are encouraged to develop a greater understanding and knowledge of the world, as well as their place in it. The geography curriculum enables children to develop knowledge and skills that are transferable to other curriculum areas. Geography is an investigative subject which develops an understanding of concepts, knowledge and skills.
 

The curriculum is designed to ensure that teaching equips 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 through the school, their growing knowledge about the world helps them to deepen their understanding of the interdependence between physical and human processes, and of the formation and use of landscapes and environments. Geographical knowledge and skills are progressive and allow children to build on prior learning.
 

We seek to inspire in children a curiosity and fascination about the world and its people which will remain with them for the rest of their lives. 

Implementation

Geography is taught in blocks of 18 weeks throughout the year. We have developed a progression of skills which enables pupils to build on and develop their skills each year. In EYFS, children are encouraged to observe the world around them and compare their environments and lives with those in other countries. They do this through storytelling, non-fiction texts and exploring maps.

In KS1, children begin by exploring the local area of the school in addition to the wider world, drawing comparisons between contrasting locations. They learn the foundation of fieldwork skills and investigate the UK’s key features.

In KS2, children develop their fieldwork in their local area and study more continents and countries of the world. They explore how human and physical geography is interconnected and how human actions influence, and are influenced by, the natural world.

To support children in their ability to retain previous learning, there are regular opportunities to review learning at the start of lessons and through the use of Knowledge Organisers. Children are given a Knowledge Organiser at the start of each topic, outlining key events, dates and figures. Progress and understanding is assessed at the end of each unit with a Knowledge Catcher quiz.

Geography is well-resourced to support effective teaching and learning. The local area is utilised to achieve the desired outcomes with opportunities for learning outside the classroom embedded in practice.

Impact

Outcomes evidence a broad and balanced geography curriculum and demonstrate children’s acquisition of key locational and place knowledge and human and physical geography. Our curriculum ensures that children can collect, analyse and communicate data, and interpret a range of geographical sources, including maps, globes and aerial photographs. Children are able to communicate information in a variety of ways including maps, numerical and quantitative skills and a range of literacy skills. This is in addition to the development and application of key skills supported by fieldwork. Progress is assessed at the end of each unit with a Knowledge Catcher quiz.

As children progress throughout the school, they develop a deep knowledge, understanding and appreciation of their local area and its place within the wider geographical context. They learn to be responsible global citizens who know how to care and preserve the planet for future generations.