Geography
Intent
Geography inspires pupils to become global citizens by exploring their own place in the world, their values and their responsibilities to other people, the environment and to the sustainability of our planet. Running through our Geography curriculum is the idea that we are motivating and inspiring children to find out about their world, both physical and human so that they can take an active part in protecting it for the next generation. Our Geography curriculum recognises that our children are the future citizens of our planet and as such need to understand how their lives are connected to others and are shaped by the environment they inhabit. When they have this knowledge they will be able to make responsible choices for the future at a local and global level. In our diverse society children need to understand other people and cultures and our Geography curriculum shines a light on the many different ways of life around our country and around the world. Geography makes a major contribution to children's social and emotional development by providing opportunities for children to consider the needs and experiences of others and the impact of their personal choices.
“Geography underpins a lifelong conversation about the earth as the home of humankind” (The Geography Association)
Implementation
Geography is taught in blocks throughout the year, so that children can achieve depth in their learning. Teachers have identified the key knowledge and skills of each blocked topic and consideration has been given to ensure progression across topics throughout each year group across the school. At the beginning of each topic, children are able to convey what they know already as well as what they would like to find out. This informs the programme of study and also ensures that lessons are relevant and take account of children’s different starting points. Consideration is given to how greater depth will be taught, learnt and demonstrated within each lesson, as well as how learners will be supported in line with the school’s commitment to inclusion. The local area is fully utilised to achieve the desired outcomes, with extensive opportunities for learning outside the classroom embedded in practice.
Our progressive units of work are designed to be adapted to meet the needs of our children and their own experiences. Fieldwork sessions are incorporated into the units of work to actively engage the children in their learning. Our children develop knowledge about their own locality, the United Kingdom and the World. They can understand basic subject-specific vocabulary relating to human and physical geography and begin to use geographical skills, including first-hand observation, to enhance their locational awareness. As they move through school, children extend their knowledge and understanding beyond the local area to include the United Kingdom, Europe and other continents throughout the world. This includes the location and characteristics of a range of the world’s most significant human and physical features.
Each class, from Nursery to Year 6 is named after a country. To develop their cultural capital, children study the location, culture as well as some aspects of the language of their year group countries.
Impact
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. Children develop the knowledge and skills to enable them to explore, navigate and understand the world around them. As a result children are prepared to become competent geographers in secondary education and as an adult living in the wider world.
Our geography curriculum is enriched by educational visits, which provide further relevant and contextual learning. Children review their successes in achieving the lesson objectives at the end of every session and are actively encouraged to identify their own target areas.
How you can help your child at home
Partnerships with parents and carers is an important part of Drighlington Primary School. Working closely with parents enables us to ensure parents feel confident that their child is safe, well looked and is receiving a high quality education during their school hours. The links below offer a range of resources that may also be useful to families.
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/
https://www.kids-world-travel-guide.com/
http://www.ducksters.com/geography/
http://www.geography4kids.com/
Places to visit
Oakwell Hall (free of charge) https://www.kirklees.gov.uk/beta/museums-and-galleries/oakwell-hall.aspx
Rodley Nature Reserve http://www.rodleynaturereserve.org/
Cromwell Bottom Nature Reserve http://cromwellbottom.blogspot.com/
Malham https://www.malhamdale.com/
East Coast https://www.visitwhitby.com/
Further support and useful weblinks
Early Years Development Matters
https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/national-curriculum
http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/subjects/zcdqxnb
http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/subjects/zbkw2hv