Geography
Our Geography curriculum helps children have a better understanding of the world around them. Focusing initially on their immediate environment, developing knowledge and skills, to then ask questions about the wider world. We foster pupils’ interest in their surroundings and an understanding of human’s impact on our planet.
Intent
The purpose of our geography curriculum at Little Gaddesden is to give the children a sense of awe and wonder about the world around them. It aims to help the children develop a sense of place and open their eyes to the diversity of planet Earth. The curriculum should engender a sense of life-long curiosity about the world and help the children to develop an awareness of how humans impact on our environment and how, as they grow, they can influence these changes. They should forge connections in their understanding to show how human and physical processes can influence one another. Alongside developing their understanding of location, place and processes (physical and human), the children will also develop geographical skills that will enable them to collect and interpret the information that they need.
Our whole curriculum is shaped by our school vision based on the Good Samaritan which is summarised by three key words: kindness, endeavour and understanding. Through our Geography curriculum, we enable all children, regardless of ability or background, to develop their understanding of the world around them while increasing their empathy and sense of responsibility.
Implementation
Our curriculum is based on the National Curriculum aims and is supported by a clear skills and knowledge progression. It is designed to progressively teach the children about the world, beginning on a local level in EYFS and building onto more abstract understandings of distant locations around the world.
Our skills build throughout each key stage to ensure progression and challenge throughout the geography curriculum.
In many areas, we have forged links with other curriculum areas e.g. history, science or English to make meaningful connections for the children and give them opportunities to reinforce or apply their understanding.
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. School trips and fieldwork are provided to give first-hand experiences, which enhance children’s understanding of the world beyond their locality.
Impact
By the time pupils leave Little Gaddesden school they will:
- Have a secure knowledge of where places are and what they are like.
- Show understanding of the ways in which places are interdependent and interconnected and how much human and physical environments are interrelated.
- Develop a broad and accurate bank of geographical vocabulary
- Be fluent in geographical enquiry and the ability to apply questioning skills.
- Be confident when presenting evidence, reaching clear conclusions and reasoned arguments to explain findings.
- Be confident in their application of geographical skills and techniques.
- Have a real sense of curiosity to find out about the world and the people who live there.
- Show awareness of their place in the world and how they can impact the future.
Geography – National Curriculum
