Geography

Intent 

At Salehurst, Geography inspires pupils to learn about the world we live in, developing a deep understanding of the physical and human processes. Pupils are encouraged to think like Geographers, by questioning and investigating the world around them in order to make sense of it. The curriculum is carefully planned taking into account children’s interest as well as revisiting and building upon key concepts.  

As stated in the Geography National Curriculum 2014: ‘geography education should inspire in pupils a curiosity and fascination about the world and its people that will remain with them for the rest of their lives. Teaching should equip pupils with knowledge about diverse places, people, resources and natural and human environments, together with a deep understanding of the Earth’s key physical and human processes. As pupils progress, their growing knowledge about the world should help them to deepen their understanding of the interaction between physical and human processes, and of the formation and use of landscapes and environments. Geographical knowledge, understanding and skills provide the frameworks and approaches that explain how the Earth’s features at different scales are shaped, interconnected and change over time.’ 

Implementation 

Each year group teaches at least one Geography based topic per year. Key Stage two plan on a two year cycle. Within those topics, Geography is taught as a discrete subject in Key Stage 1 and 2 focusing on the knowledge and skills stated in the National Curriculum.  Geography lessons are planned so there is a progression of skills throughout the school. Cross-curricular links are made to other subjects, particular in English, where key texts are linked, making it a fully immersed experience for pupils. Reading skills are applied through our Geography topics from reading keys on maps as well as new vocabulary that is introduced at the beginning of each new topic. 

In Key Stage One, pupils will explore the local area and compare a small area of the United Kingdom with a small area in a contrasting non-European country. As well as learning about oceans and continents, pupils will learn about cold and hot areas of the world, looking closely at Antarctica. Pupils will use use world maps, atlases and globes to explore the world as well as aerial photographs, local maps and plans to study the local area.  

In Key Stage Two, pupils will develop their locational knowledge, using maps to focus on Europe, North and South America, concentrating on their environmental regions, key physical and human characteristics, countries, and major cities. Pupils will also name and locate counties and cities of the United Kingdom, geographical regions and human and physical characteristics associated with them. They develop their place knowledge by exploring the geographical similarities and differences through the study of human and physical geography of a region of the United Kingdom, a region in a European country, and a region within North America. As part of human and physical geography, pupils will describe and understand key aspects such as climate zones, biomes and vegetation belts, rivers, mountains, volcanoes and earthquakes, and the water cycle. They will also learn about types of settlement and land use, economic activity including trade links, and the distribution of natural resources including energy, food, minerals and water. 

In EYFS, children are taught through the seven areas of Learning and Development. Geography plays a key role within Understanding the World where children are guided to make sense of the physical world and community through playing and exploring, active learning and creating and thinking critically. 

Geography also threads through our collective worship where music from a different country is played each week and the country is located on the world map in the school hall. 

Pupils are given first hand opportunities to develop and use their fieldwork skills outside the classroom. As well as exploring the local area, children visit the seaside, a local farm and woodlands as part as our whole school topics which are taught in collaboration with our Federated Primary School in Staplecross. 

Impact 

Pupils develop a wide range of Geographical knowledge and skills throughout their time at Salehurst. Geography books demonstrate key skills as well as evidence of a broad and balanced curriculum. Through pupil interviews, children are able to talk enthusiastically about their Geography learning.  

By the end of year 6, children will be able to compare their own locality to different locations around the world. They will have a clear understanding of the human and physical processes that shape the world we live in. Pupils will leave as inquisitive learners and be able to pose geographical questions about things that interest them.