The national curriculum for Geography aims to ensure that all pupils:
develop contextual knowledge of the location of globally significant places – both terrestrial and marine – including their defining physical and human characteristics and how these provide a geographical context for understanding the actions of processes
understand the processes that give rise to key physical and human geographical features of the world, how these are interdependent and how they bring about spatial variation and change over time
are competent in the geographical skills needed to
collect, analyse and communicate with a range of data gathered through experiences of fieldwork that deepen their understanding of geographical processes
interpret a range of sources of geographical information, including maps, diagrams, globes, aerial photographs and Geographical Information Systems (GIS)
communicate geographical information in a variety of ways, including through maps, numerical and quantitative skills and writing at length
Geography Implementation
Children will learn about their local area, and compare their life in this area with that in other regions in the United Kingdom and in the rest of the world. Through building on their knowledge and understanding of the human Geography, children gain an appreciation of life in other cultures. Geography also raises an awareness of the importance of sustainable development and the future of mankind. Geography is often one of our curriculum 'drivers' and is used as a topic focus for the term as a key topic (as is History) but we also aim to ensure that it is integrated into other areas of the curriculum and the basic skills are taught throughout the year through cross curricular work. Geographical knowledge, understanding and skills provide the frameworks and approaches that explain how the Earth’s features shaped, interconnected and change over time. At Arundale Primary, Geography teaching (along with other foundation subjects) helps drive our termly topics which create our creative and cross curriculum approach to learning. We aim to 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. We use the National Curriculum as the basis for our Geography curriculum and planning. Where possible we adapt this to include the local area surrounding the school. We use a variety of teaching and learning styles during Geography lessons. We utilise whole class teaching methods and enquiry based research activities. Where possible we use ‘real’ geographical activities, for example research of a local area or use the internet to investigate a current issue. All children will have a challenge that is matched to their ability and style of learning. The Geography long term plans build upon prior knowledge an understanding so all children will have the opportunity to develop their skills and knowledge. The challenge of the tasks and learning will increase as the children progress through the school. Geography in Early Years Foundation Stage is taught as part of ‘Understanding of the World’ and through relevant topics. We will provide experiences that draw on a variety of resources and opportunities to explore the world in a practical, hands on way. There will also be a key message placed around caring for the world and our environment.
SEND
Special educational needs and disability (SEND). At Arundale Primary we teach Geography to all children, whatever their ability. Geography forms part of our desire to provide a broad and balanced education to all children and we appreciate that children can have strengths and weaknesses in different areas of the curriculum. For those pupils who are not able to access at an age-related level or who have specific needs (e.g. an EHCP), teachers will provide differentiated work to meet their individual needs. Geography Impact Geography will stimulate children’s enthusiasm and curiosity for understanding the local area and the wider world. Children will develop a respect for their own community as well as other regions and understand the importance of protecting the planet. Children will be interested in their surroundings and the variety of human and physical conditions on the Earth’s surface. The class teacher will assess the children’s work in Geography by making assessments as they observe them in written work and provide feedback on their work. They will record the progress made by assessing the child against key vocabulary and knowledge.