Geography

At Neville‘s Cross, we recognise the importance of geography in all aspects of our lives.  It is our intention that our children will grow to love all things related to Geography to increase children’s knowledge and understanding of our local area, our region, our country and the world in which we live.  We will develop curiosity within our children to engage in fieldwork, outdoor learning and geographical inquiry. Through our teaching of Geography, the children will be encouraged to develop positive attitudes and be active in their exploration of the world around them. We will equip the children with the knowledge and skills to ask, answer and research questions enabling them to be well informed global citizen. Children will be taught to think and work like a ‘geographer’. 

Our geography curriculum is designed with our key curriculum drivers in mind: 

Creativity – we aim to ignite curiosity within the children to allow them to question the world around them at a local, national and global level. The skills developed will allow them to think creatively to begin to identify solutions for problems which are faced both locally and globally. 

Well-being – we aim to provide opportunities for fieldwork and outdoor learning within all topics which will allow the children to explore, problem solve and take safe managed risks when developing skills. 

Our Communities – within our topics the is a strong element of exploring the local area. This will able the children to develop a knowledge and understanding of the local community and how this compares to other communities both nationally and globally.  

Geography in the Early Years 

In the Early years, geography is mainly taught through the children learning about the world around them in their learning through play both indoors and outdoors. The focus in Early Years, is about developing geographical language from an early age with an aim that children can use this language confidently and accurately. We aim to foster curiosity so that the children can develop their own questions and follow their own interests. We encourage the children to explore their own local area identifying and talking about special places which they like to visit. The children will begin to learn that there are different countries around the world and talk about differences and similarities. Through play opportunities, they will explore maps and globes and begin to develop their own simple maps relating to their interests.  

Geography in Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2

Our school curriculum aims to fully meet the requirements as set out in the National Curriculum Programme of Study for Geography. For our long term plans, please see below for our curriculum overview.

Geography in Key Stage 1 

During Key Stage 1, our children investigate their local area and the United Kingdom. They also begin to learn about the wider world increasing their knowledge of continents, counties, oceans and regions. They begin to explore different physical features and make comparisons between these features whether they be local, national or global. They carry out geographical enquiry inside and outside the classroom. In doing this, they ask geographical questions about people, places and environments, and use geographical skills and resources, such as maps and photographs.

Geography in Key Stage 2 

During Key Stage 2, children investigate a variety of people, places and environments in the United Kingdom and abroad, and start to make links between different places in the world. They find out how people affect the environment and how they are affected by it. Our children carry out geographical enquiry inside and outside the classroom. In doing this, they ask geographical questions, and use geographical skills and resources, such as maps, atlases, aerial photographs and ICT. Children will develop geographical enquiry skills, including asking geographical questions, collecting and recording information and identifying different views. They will acquire the appropriate practical skills associated with Geography, including using suitable vocabulary, fieldwork techniques and maps, plans and atlases. Children will use a variety of secondary sources of information with accuracy to support their understanding. 

Learning Links 

Throughout EYFS and across both KS1 and KS2 children will have the opportunity to make links with learning in other subject areas.  For example, using their knowledge of continents and countries when exploring explorers, invaders and settlers.  Where possible, teaching and learning will be practical. We will use our school grounds and locality within our programme of teaching and learning. 

Our Geography curriculum is developed to provide a balance of knowledge and key skills.  We are lucky enough to have wealth of opportunities within our local area which can be visited to enhance the learning of the children. We also invite specialists and visitors to our school to create memorable learning opportunities. Participation in National Fieldwork, also allows the children to see the important place which fieldwork plays within the subject. 

Impact 

As a result of strong teaching and learning in Geography at Neville’s Cross, our children will have a sound understanding of how Geography is important in their lives, what it is to be a geographer and they will have the skills and curiosity to explore geographical questions, answering them in an accurate and informed way. They will be able to identify global issues which are faced and be able to formulate possible solutions using their knowledge and skills, giving evidence to support their answers.