Geography at Scunthorpe Church of England
Intent
Geography is the study of the world around us. The intention of the Geography curriculum at Scunthorpe C of E Primary is to inspire children’s curiosity and interest to explore the world that we live in and its people. We seek to deepen their understanding through high qualityteaching to develop the following essential characteristics of geographers:
*An excellent knowledge of where places are and what they are like, both in Britain and the wider world.
* A comprehensive understanding of the ways in which places are interconnected and rely on each other for trade links, distribution, etc.
* Equip children with geographical vocabulary and skills to understand and apply their learning and to give them the ability to reach clear conclusions and explain their findings.
* Excellent fieldwork skills, particularly the use of maps and atlases, to develop their
knowledge of studying places and people, natural and human environments and understand
their place in the world.
* The ability to formulate and express balanced opinions understanding current issues in
society and the environment.
* A genuine interest in the subject and a real sense of curiosity about the world and the
people who live here.
Aims
In order to foster all children’s curiosity about their community and the world we are
enthusiastic about geography and encourage children to ask questions. At Scunthorpe C of E we implement a geography curriculum which is progressive throughout the whole school,
underpinned by exciting themes which focus on the knowledge and skills stated in the
National Curriculum. To ensure knowledge is built upon year on year we will:
* Stimulate the children’s sense of their own identity through learning about where they live and its relationships with other countries worldwide and to foster an awareness and
understanding of our diverse world.
* Develop skills needed to read maps, plans and other secondary sources needed to
understand geographical ideas and concepts.
* Encourage children to have pride in and take care of their local environment by making
them aware of how they can play an important part in the sustainability of the world.
* Equip children with knowledge organisers which outline knowledge and vocabulary children
need to master and apply in their lessons. Vocabulary will be explicitly taught to enable
children to understand it and use correctly.
* Plan cycles of lessons which concentrate on the geographic skills suited to their age group. Link geography with literacy to allow children to write at length using the key vocabulary they have been taught. Link geography into history based topics where appropriate to develop children's knowledge of geographical change over time.
* Plan trips and experiences which enhance learning. After a trip or experience work will
always be completed directly relating to this experience.
* Geography based home learning tasks will be set which allow children to further develop
their knowledge.
* Fieldwork in the local area is encouraged to help children understand their place within the community where they live by utilising the school grounds and local area where possible.
In the Early Years’ Foundation Stage, geography is taught through the areas of provision and the immediate local area with evidence towards ‘Knowledge and Understanding of the World recorded.
Our geography curriculum is high quality, well thought out and planned to demonstrate
progression and through it we aspire for children to develop the geographical knowledge,
vocabulary and skills to help them explore, navigate and understand the world around them
and their place in it. We measure the impact of our curriculum by reflecting on the standards achieved by the child against the planned outcomes, children's confidence in using the appropriate geographical vocabulary in written work and discussion and an innovative project at the end of each topic as a final culmination of their learning.
Children’s knowledge and skills will develop progressively as they move through the school, not only to enable them to meet the requirements of the primary National Curriculum but to prepare them to become competent geographers in their secondary education.
