Geography

Geography Leader: Miss Eve Birt 

Curriculum Design 

Curriculum design in Key Stage One and Key Stage Two geography focuses on the progression of knowledge and skills through active learning strategies as much as possible. In KS1, the curriculum introduces foundational geographical concepts, such as local environments, basic map skills, and simple place comparisons. Children engage in hands-on activities like exploring their school grounds and local area, which fosters curiosity and practical understanding.

As pupils progress to KS2, the curriculum builds on this foundation, introducing more complex topics such as global geography, physical and human processes, and advanced map skills. Active learning remains central, with students participating in fieldwork, practical activities and digital mapping activities. This progression ensures that by the end of KS2, pupils have a comprehensive understanding of geography and are equipped with the skills to analyse and interpret geographical data, fostering a deeper connection to the world around them.

Intent - what will we teach and why?

The intent of teaching geography at Old Mill is to develop an understanding and appreciation of the world, fostering curiosity and critical thinking about diverse environments, cultures, and processes. Here's a detailed look at what we teach and why:

What We Teach

1. Local Geography:

   • Content: Children learn about their immediate environment, including the school and local area.

   • Purpose: This helps students connect learning to their everyday experiences and develops a sense of place and community.

2. Basic Geographical Skills:

   • Content: Introduction to map reading, using simple symbols, and basic compass directions.

   • Purpose: These skills are foundational for understanding and navigating geographical information.

3. Physical Geography:

   • Content: Study of natural features such as rivers, mountains, weather patterns, and ecosystems.

   • Purpose: Helps students understand the Earth's processes and the interdependence of natural systems.

4. Human Geography:

   • Content: Examination of human communities, cultures, and the impact of human activity on the environment.

   • Purpose: Encourages students to appreciate cultural diversity and understand the relationship between people and their environment.

5. Global Awareness:

   • Content: Exploration of different countries and continents, global issues like climate change, and sustainable development.

   • Purpose: Broadens students' perspectives and promotes global citizenship and responsibility.

Why We Teach It

1. Developing Spatial Awareness:

   • Understanding geography helps students develop spatial awareness and the ability to visualize and comprehend spatial relationships.

2. Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving:

   • Geography education encourages critical thinking as students analyse and interpret simple data, make comparisons, and understand cause-and-effect relationships.

3. Cultural Understanding:

   • By learning about different cultures and communities, students develop empathy, tolerance, and an appreciation for diversity.

4. Environmental Stewardship:

   • Teaching geography fosters an understanding of environmental issues and the importance of sustainability, preparing students to become responsible citizens.

5. Interdisciplinary Learning:

   • Geography integrates with subjects, particularly history and science, providing a holistic learning experience and enhancing overall educational development.

In essence, the intent behind teaching geography in primary education is to equip pupils with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to navigate and contribute positively to a rapidly changing world.

Implementation - how do we teach to achieve excellence? 

Achieving excellence in the implementation of a primary geography curriculum requires a strategic approach that ensures high-quality teaching, engaging learning experiences, and continuous teacher assessment. Some of our key strategies are:

1. High-Quality Teaching:

• Professional Development:

  • Provide ongoing training for teachers to enhance their geographical knowledge and how to engage pupils most effectively.

  • Ensure that staff stay updated with the latest developments in Geography.

• Resource Utilization:

  • Availability of high-quality resources such as atlases, globes, digital tools, and fieldwork ideas.

  • Use multimedia resources, such as videos and interactive maps, to make lessons more engaging. (Digimaps to be purchased)

2. Engaging Learning Experiences:

• Active Learning:

  • Incorporate hands-on activities, fieldwork, and practical investigations to make geography real and exciting.

  • Use project-based learning where students can explore real-world geographical issues and develop solutions.

• Cross-Curricular Links:

  • Integrate geography with other subjects like history, science, and art to provide a richer, more interconnected learning experience.

  • Develop thematic units that explore a geographical topic from multiple disciplinary perspectives.

3. Progression and Differentiation:

• Structured Curriculum:

  • Design a curriculum that builds on previous knowledge and skills, ensuring clear progression from Key Stage One to Key Stage Two.

  • Use a spiral curriculum approach where key concepts are revisited, retained and expanded over time.

• Differentiated Instruction:

  • Tailor lessons to meet the diverse needs of students, offering support and challenges to ensure all learners make progress.

  • Use varied teaching strategies to accommodate different learning styles and abilities.

4. Assessment and Feedback:

• Formative Assessment:

  • Use regular formative assessments, such as quizzes, observation, and peer assessments, to monitor student progress and inform instruction.

  • Provide feedback to help students understand their strengths and areas for improvement.

• Summative Assessment:

  • Implement summative assessments at the end of units or terms to evaluate overall learning and curriculum effectiveness.

5. Pupil Engagement and Motivation:

• Relevance and Real-World Connections:

  • Connect lessons to real-world events and issues to make learning relevant and meaningful.

  • Encourage students to explore their own questions and interests within the subject.

• Interactive and Collaborative Learning:

  • Promote group work and discussions to foster collaborative learning and communication skills.

  • Use technology, such as educational apps and online platforms, to facilitate interactive learning experiences.

Vulnerable Pupils (SEND and Pupil Premium)

The Vulnerable Pupils provision in our geography curriculum is designed to ensure that all pupils, regardless of their learning needs or disabilities, can access, engage with, and benefit from geographical learning. This provision includes adapted instruction, where lessons are tailored to meet the varied learning levels and styles of each pupils. For example, visual aids, concrete resources, or simplified texts might be used to support understanding of topics like map reading, physical and human features, and weather patterns. Additionally, geography lessons may incorporate sensory activities and hands-on experiences, such as using natural materials or conducting simple outdoor observations, to enhance engagement for pupils with sensory processing needs. The use of technology, like interactive maps or virtual field trips, can also aid pupils who may struggle with traditional learning methods. Teachers and support staff work collaboratively to set realistic and personalised learning goals, ensuring that each pupil, including those with SEND or Pupil Premium, makes meaningful progress and develops an awareness of the world around them.

Impact - How are our pupils successful?

The impact of a well-implemented primary geography curriculum will foster not only academic success but also personal and social development. Here’s how pupils are successful through a comprehensive geography education:

1. Academic Achievement:

• Knowledge and Understanding:

  • Pupils develop an understanding of geographical concepts, including physical and human geography, place knowledge, and environmental issues.

  • They gain skills in reading maps, analysing data, and understanding spatial relationships, which contribute to overall academic performance.

• Critical Thinking:

  • Geography education encourages pupils to think critically about the world around them, study information, and solve problems. These skills are transferable across subjects.

2. Skills Development:

• Research and Inquiry:

  • Pupils learn to research, ask questions, gather data, and draw conclusions, fostering a scientific approach to learning.

  • Engaging in fieldwork and projects enhances investigative skills and promotes independent learning.

• Communication:

  • Pupils develop strong communication skills through discussions and collaborative projects, learning to articulate their ideas clearly.

  • Writing about geographical topics enhances literacy and the ability to present coherent arguments.

3. Personal Growth:

• Curiosity and Lifelong Learning:

  • A well-rounded geography curriculum nurtures curiosity about the world, encouraging pupils to explore and learn beyond the classroom.

  • By engaging with real-world topics, pupils develop a passion for learning and a desire to stay informed about global issues.

• Confidence and Independence:

  • Participating in fieldwork and hands-on activities builds confidence and fosters a sense of responsibility.

  • Successfully completing their own projects boosts self-esteem and prepares pupils for future academic and personal challenges.

4. Social and Emotional Development:

• Empathy and Cultural Awareness:

  • Learning about diverse cultures and global issues promotes empathy, respect, and an appreciation for cultural diversity.

  • Pupils develop a global perspective, understanding the interconnectedness of the world and the importance of social responsibility.

• Collaboration and Teamwork:

  • Group activities and collaborative tasks teach pupils to work effectively with others, developing teamwork and leadership skills.

  • Pupils learn to value different perspectives and build stronger relationships.

5. Caring about the Environment:

• Sustainability Awareness:

  • Geography education encourages a sense of environmental responsibility, teaching pupils about sustainability and the impact of human activity on the planet.

  • Pupils are encouraged to engage in eco-friendly practices.

6. Real-World Applications:

• Practical Life Skills:

  • Pupils apply their geographical knowledge and skills in real-life situations, such as reading maps during travel or understanding weather patterns.

  • Practical applications of geography help pupils see the relevance of their education and prepare them for future pathways/careers.

Assessment