Intent
Geography is by nature an investigative subject which develops an understanding of concepts, knowledge and skills. We seek to inspire in children a curiosity and fascination about the world and its people to take forward with them in life. We intend to promote children’s interest and understanding about diverse places, people, resources and natural and human environments, together with a deep understanding of the earth’s key physical and human processes, through investigative and enquiry-based learning opportunities. We aim for children to experience a curriculum which inspires, engages and provides opportunities for them to develop a fascination for Geographical issues.
Implementation
To ensure high standards of teaching and learning in geography, we implemented a curriculum that is progressive based on each topic studied. Geography is taught focusing on knowledge and skills stated in the National Curriculum.
At Ladock, we ensure that geography has the same importance given to it as the core subjects, as we feel this is important in enabling all children to gain ‘real-life’ experiences.
The geography curriculum at Ladock is based upon the 2014 Primary National Curriculum in England, which provides a broad framework and outlines the knowledge and skills and taught in each Key Stage.
Teachers plan their geography lessons suitable to their class’s interests and what they want to learn. The planning ensures the curriculum is covered and the skills/knowledge taught is progressive from year group to year group.
When teaching geography, the teachers follow the children’s interests to ensure their learning is engaging, broad and balanced. Geography teaching focuses on enabling children to think as geographers. A variety of teaching approaches are used based on the teacher’s judgement.
At Ladock, we provide a variety of opportunities for geography learning inside and outside the classroom.
Teachers have identified the key knowledge and skills of each blocked topic and consideration has been given to ensure progression across topics throughout each class across the school.
Impact
Outcomes in topic books, evidence a broad and balanced geography curriculum and demonstrate children’s acquisition of identified key knowledge. As children progress throughout the school, they develop a deep knowledge, understanding an appreciation of their local area and its place within the wider geographical context. Regular school trips provide further relevant and contextual learning.