Intent

Across all age groups at Hempstalls Primary School, we believe that Geography helps to provoke and provide answers to questions about the natural and human aspects of the world. Children are encouraged to develop a greater understanding and knowledge of the world, as well as their place in it. The geography curriculum at Hempstalls enables children to develop knowledge and skills that are transferable to other curriculum areas and which can and are used to promote their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. Geography is, by nature, an investigative subject, which develops and understanding of concepts, knowledge and skills. We seek to inspire in children a curiosity and fascination about the world and its people which will remain with them for the rest of their lives; to promote the children’s interest and understanding of diverse places, people, resources and natural and human environments, together with a deep understanding of the Earth’s key physical and human processes. The curriculum is designed to develop knowledge and skills that are progressive, as well as transferable, throughout their time at each school and also to their further education and beyond.

Implementation

Geography is taught in blocks throughout the year, so that children can achieve depth in their learning. Teachers have identified the key knowledge and skills of each blocked topic and consideration has been given to ensure progression across the locations studied, the human and physical features taught and the geographical skills taught within the topic throughout each year group across the school. At the beginning of each topic, children are able to convey what they know already as well as what they would like to find out. Furthermore, the children will cement their knowledge of the locality they are studying at the beginning of the topic. This is a crucial element, as we must ensure the children are clear as to where in the world they are studying. This informs the programme of study and also ensures that lessons are relevant and take account of children’s different starting points. Consideration is given to how vocabulary, skills and greater depth will be taught, learnt and demonstrated within each lesson, as well as how learners will be supported in line with the school’s commitment to inclusion.

Geography lessons at Hempstalls use a variety of teaching and learning styles. To ground the children’s knowledge we focus on the locality of the area that we are studying from the onset. By doing this, through map work, using digital mapping and atlases the children have a secure understanding of where about we are exploring in the world. Where possible, the learning is local, relevant and real. Looking at the big issues: climate change, land use, human impact, sustainability for example, gives the children a real life, in-depth understanding of the world around them.

Key Stage 1

During Key Stage 1, pupils investigate their local area and a contrasting area in the United Kingdom or abroad, finding out about the environment in both areas and the people who live there. They also begin to learn about the wider world, introducing the continents and oceans of the world. Through exploring Africa to a greater extent, the children are able to explore and study the human and physical features of this continent and make comparisons to the human and physical process they already know in our local area.  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. The children also use digital mapping to locate areas of study. Furthermore, the children use and create their own maps, using appropriate symbols to support this.

Key Stage 2

During Key Stage 2, pupils investigate a variety of people, places and environments in the United Kingdom, Europe and the wider world, and start to make links and comparisons between different places in the world. Where possible the elements of geography are taught through the topics that the children are studying to ensure a joined up approach and making cross curricular connections to further enhance the connections made. Where this is not appropriate, engaging stimuli are chosen to enthuse the children to want to explore and study the content. Through a progressive curriculum, they find out how people affect the environment and how they are affected by it, making links between the physical and human processes. Pupils carry out geographical enquiry inside and outside the classroom, maximizing the use of our school and surrounding area. In doing this, they ask geographical questions, and use geographical skills and resources, such as maps, atlases, aerial photographs and digital mapping. 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. Pupils will use secondary sources of information with accuracy, including aerial photographs, satellite images, etc. As well as making its own distinctive contribution to the school curriculum, geography contributes to the wider aims of primary education. Teachers will ensure that links between subjects are maximized, when appropriate.

Impact

Children at Hempstalls leave as geography champions. They are able to articulate the knowledge and understanding that they have gained throughout their time at school. Through our expert books, the children demonstrate their knowledge of factual information, significant locations, place, physical and human features and they are able to make comparisons between different regions, countries or cities/towns around the world. The expert books also evidence the children’s understanding and depth of knowledge linked to their lens, which they have focused on. The children will also know how to read and interpret a range of maps, including digital maps.