Geography

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Subject Overview

Through geography we aim to inspire in pupils a curiosity and fascination about the world and its people and to develop the children’s knowledge about people, places, environments and processes.  Geographical skills are built up and developed from Nursery through to the end of Year 2 so children are building on their previous learning.

Curriculum Intent

Our curriculum is designed to recognise and build on children’s prior learning and to provide first hand learning experiences to develop their geographical knowledge and skills.  The children are taught through manageable steps to enable their knowledge and skills to develop.  Lesson content and tasks are designed to provide appropriate challenge to all learners, in line with our commitment to inclusion.  It is important that children develop the skills of a geographer by fully immersing them in all areas of the subject.  The local area is fully utilised to achieve desired outcomes, with opportunities for learning outside the classroom.  Location knowledge, fieldwork and map work are woven throughout the geography topics.  Effective use of educational visits and fieldwork are planned, to enrich and enhance the pupil’s learning experiences within the geography curriculum.

Curriculum Implementation

In the early years, we begin by using the children’s immediate environment and experiences when teaching them about knowledge and understanding of the world.  We then build on this as they move through the school to the context of the local area and then the world around them.  Location knowledge, fieldwork and map work are woven throughout the geography topics.  Effective use of educational visits and fieldwork are planned, to enrich and enhance the pupil’s learning experiences within the geography curriculum.  Fieldwork opportunities are greatly amplified through our local area units where children go out to conduct observations, surveys, investigations and field sketches.  The use of maps and compasses enhances this experience.

Geography Overview 

 
 

Autumn 1

Autumn 2

Spring 1

Spring 2

Summer 1

Summer 2

Reception

Throughout our provision the children have opportunities to explore the world around them and to share their discoveries.  This may be through exploring the environment or through resources such as the small world area and stories.  The adults then support them in developing their understanding.

 

In Reception, geography topics are also taught throughout the year.  There are opportunities for the children to explore and describe their environment and to explore some similarities and differences between life in this country and life in other countries.  Stories, non-fiction texts and maps (where appropriate) will be used to support this.

Year 1

  

Where do I live?

Name the seven continents of the world and locate the UK on a world map.  Name the capital cities, some characteristics and name of the countries making up the UK.  

Use simple fieldwork and observational skills to explore their local environment.

  

Let’s go on Safari

Identify similarities and differences between areas of Kenya and the UK.

 

Use compass points to explore a map.

 

  

Let’s go to the jungle

Identify seasonal and daily weather patterns in the UK and the location of hot and cold areas of the world.

 

Use world maps, atlases and globes.

Year 2

Land Ahoy

Use aerial photographs and plans to recognise landmarks.

Draw a simple map.

To use and construct basic symbols in a key.

    

Let’s Explore London

Use aerial photographs and plan perspectives to recognise landmarks and basic human and physical features; devise a simple map; and use and construct basic symbols in a key.

  

Wriggle and crawl

Fieldwork in the local area; human and physical features, using and making maps with keys, looking at aerial images.

This is currently under review.

Curriculum Impact

By the time the children leave us at the end of Key Stage 1, they will:

  • have an excellent understanding of how to use maps and atlases to strengthen their understanding of the world.

  • describe where some places are using geographical knowledge and vocabulary.

  • have an excellent understanding of the ways in which places are similar or different.

  • give reasons for different climates in relation to their position in the world.

  • have developed their fieldwork and other geographical skills and techniques.

  • have a passion for and commitment to the subject, and a real sense of curiosity to find out about the world and the people who live there.

Link to policies

Geography Skills Progression KS1