Thorner C of E

Geography

At Thorner Primary School, we offer a broad, inclusive geography curriculum based on the National Curriculum and the Elevate curriculum progression model for geography. From the moment our smallest children come through the doors in EYFS, they are immersed in experiences that help them develop a curiosity and fascination about the world and its’ people. We offer access to exciting and challenging learning opportunities where clear progression, high quality teaching and engaging curriculum content allows children to understand their place in the world locally, nationally and globally. Our geography curriculum informs, challenges and conceptually shapes their perception and understanding of the world around them. Most importantly, our curriculum equips our children with the geographical skills to think like a geographer.

Intent

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.

At Thorner C of E Primary School, our intent is to inspire children’s curiosity and interest to explore the world around them. Geography is a naturally investigative subject and opportunities for exploration are provided through our carefully planned sequence of lessons. We want our children to foster a passion for the world and its’ people and to be courageous and inquisitive in their learning. Our geography provision is designed to allow all children, including those with SEND, to experience excitement, wonder and, most importantly, a sense of achievement as they practise and improve skills by building upon their own knowledge of geography and adaptations are made where necessary to ensure accessibility for all children.

Implementation

As with all the foundation subjects, we recognise geography as a discrete discipline and implement the subject through explicit lessons, allowing sufficient time for effective teaching and learning. Our clear progression map shows how our children can build upon their locational and place knowledge to understand more about the similarities and differences of the many processes of the world. They develop geographical skills and communicate information in a variety of ways.

The National Curriculum expectations were used as a basis for our curriculum as it provides a clear structure and skill development. In our progression document, we have built upon these objectives by identifying additional knowledge (substantive knowledge), skills (disciplinary knowledge) and vocabulary. Our teaching content has been sequenced to extend and expand children's geography experiences. We use children's previous learning and build on this. This allows our children to build strong schemas that they can then apply to wider contexts.

Our teachers understand the importance of giving children specific knowledge and consistently build in opportunities to let our children explore and practise their geographical skills in our rich learning environment.

EYFS

Children are first introduced to the concept of geography through ‘Understanding the World’, as set out in the EYFS framework, which involves guiding the children to make sense of their physical world and community. The extent of their learning is underpinned by the ‘People, Culture and Communities’ ELG and is taught through a play-based curriculum.

Key Stage 1 & Key Stage 2

Geography in Y1 – Y6 is taught through units each term which involve the following strands:

Locational knowledge
Place knowledge
Human and Physical
Local geography

Formative assessment is timely and well-focused throughout every geography lesson to ensure a high level of rigor. Teachers assess the children’s knowledge, skills and vocabulary based on the progressive nature of the geography curriculum progression model.

Impact

Children interpret and understand the world in greater detail.
Children are equipped with geographical skills and knowledge to enable them to progress though key stages.
Children are empowered to make changes to protect our environment and the world around us to contribute to a better future.
Children will retain prior knowledge and can explicitly make connections between their previous and current learning.
Children are proud of their achievements and are keen to celebrate and exhibit their work.
Children recognise that everyone is a geographer and can express curiosity about the world around them today.
Children understand how to use tools and resources in geography safely and appropriately.