Geography

Purpose

Children should have a robust and rich knowledge of the world around them; this includes a thorough understanding of their local environment as well as studying a vast variety of environments around the world. Children should be taught how to care for their environment as well as understand the importance of diversity in an interdependent world. Through our curriculum, we promote and provoke questions to natural and human aspects of geography and guide children to find answers. 

 

Children are inspired to be curious and investigate the world, its natural features and the diversity of people around the globe. Topics promote an interest in observing, investigating and understanding key natural and human features of the Earth; allowing children a safe space to ask questions, explore and embed a deeper understanding of geographical concepts. Children learn about key human features such as trade and settlement, but also develop an understanding of the human impact on the environment and our responsibilities to care for our planet. Children also develop a robust knowledge of the natural world, exploring why things occur, biodiversity and how key features connect to create a functional environment for life. Children also develop their locational skills using maps, compasses and atlas’.

 

Geography at Littlecoates

Geography is split into 3 termly topics per year group; environmental issues, natural geography and locational knowledge. This is to ensure all children have an understanding of the world and its key features, their personal position within it and responsibilities, and have an awareness of location by locating places on a map using a variety of skills. Topics have been carefully chosen to allow for progression of knowledge and skills to be developed throughout our school; providing the very foundations of geography in Early Years to a much thorough and advanced knowledge and skill-set in year 6. 

 

Our curriculum equips students with a deep knowledge of diverse places, people and environments through a variety of inspiring topics which cover many aspects of the Sustainable Development Goals. Children will not only have a love for geography, but show care and concern for the environment and understand the need for community action to protect our planet. Children will embed an understanding of global diversity and interdependent communities to recognise the roles and responsibilities of the individual to become good, responsible citizens of the world. 

 

Curriculum rationale

• Purposeful, hands-on and engaging learning opportunities encourage the  development of geographical understanding

• Objectives across all strands revisited and embedded within and across year  groups and key stages to ensure cumulative fluency

• Combination of local, national and international studies ensures breadth of  understanding and a ‘connected’ world view

• Exposure to a range of topical geographical issues (eg pollution) provides children  with a deeper and more meaningful understanding of the interaction between  humans and the environment