Geography
Intent
At Prior Heath it is our intention that teaching in Geography will inspire a curiosity and fascination about the world and its people with the aim of developing engaged and motivated learners that take an interest in the world around them.
Our intent for our Geography approach is:
- to encourage pupils to develop an appreciation and understanding of the world and their place in it, initially building knowledge of the local area and subsequently developing and applying this to a wider range of regions, countries and continents of the world.
- to explore diverse places, people, resources and environments, with appreciation of human and physical characteristics.
- to encourage the exploration of their own local area to develop geographical skills and knowledge and challenge pupils to make connections between their local surroundings and that of contrasting areas to provoke and provide answers to questions about the natural and human aspects of the world.
- to develop a deep understanding of the Earth’s key physical and human processes.
Implementation
Geography teaching is implemented through the Early Years Foundation Stage (Understanding the World) and the National Curriculum programme of study for Key Stage 1 by setting high ambitions and expectations for all pupils.
In EYFS, we implement Geography through exploring the world around us, as well as learning about people in the world. The National Curriculum provides a structure and skill development for the Geography curriculum being taught.
Our Geography curriculum is designed to cover the four main strands: Locational Knowledge; Place knowledge; Human and Physical Geography; Geographical Skills and Fieldwork. Learning is sequentially planned and taught through topic based blocks to show a progression of knowledge and skills which builds upon prior learning. Geography is taught through exciting topics, including links to other areas of the curriculum. Pupils are given a variety of learning experiences both in the classroom, and outdoors, undertaking fieldwork and workshops to create memorable learning opportunities to further support and develop their understanding. Geography assessment is ongoing throughout the topic to inform teachers with their planning, lesson activities and differentiation.
Impact
The successful approach to teaching Geography at Prior Heath results in a fun, engaging, high-quality Geography education, that provides pupils with an understanding of their place within the world. They will have the geographical skills and knowledge that will enable them to be ready for the next key stage and for their future life as an adult in the wider world.
Outcomes in books, displays and pupil voice, evidence a broad and balanced Geography curriculum and demonstrate pupil’s acquisition of identified key knowledge. They show clear progression of skills. Opportunities for pupils to explore the outdoor learning environments, both within the school grounds and local community, are experienced and our pupils will be confident geographers and be able to clearly discuss their learning from past and current topics.
The Progression of Skills for Geography from Reception to Year 2 can be found here. (PDF, 287.11 kB)