Subject Leader - Mrs Credland-Ballantyne

Link Governor - All Governors

Geography Curriculum Documents

Geography Policy

Geography Overview

Geography Progression Map

Intent

At The Priory Primary School, we aim to provide our children with a Geography curriculum that piques curiosity and builds knowledge of place, location, interconnectedness, physical and human geography in a memorable way. We strive to ensure that our Geography curriculum is relevant and authentic, enabling pupils to draw on everyday and first-hand experiences as well as broader geographical issues at a local and global scale. Our pupils are given opportunities to develop key geographical skills, such as observing, collecting, measuring, recording and analysing information. We recognise that our pupils should be able to compare and contrast places, lives, and changes in the geographical world that they live in.

We aim to ensure that our children have good geographical knowledge, remember facts, and can think, speak, and write like a geographer. Furthermore, we endeavour to provide a range of activities, such as fieldwork opportunities, school trips, and internal visitors, to ensure that our pupils develop their open-minded, balanced, and considerate worldviews and ultimately understand the importance of their role in protecting their world and environment.

Curriculum Drivers

Cultural Heritage:

• Geography lessons offer pupils the opportunity to delve into the physical landscapes, climates, and ecosystems of different regions, fostering an understanding of how these factors influence the lifestyles and traditions of various cultures.
• By studying maps, landmarks, and geographical features, children can connect with the rich history and heritage of different communities.
• Geography education encourages an appreciation for the significance of cultural diversity and heritage preservation. It instills in pupils the importance of respecting and celebrating the unique customs, languages, and historical legacies that make each place on Earth special.
• Our geography curriculum plays a vital role in nurturing global citizens who are culturally aware and sensitive to the world's rich tapestry of traditions and heritages.

Aspirations:

• Our geography curriculum plays a crucial role in connecting with children's aspirations by fostering curiosity, broadening horizons, and nurturing a sense of purpose.
• Through the study of geography, children are exposed to the diverse landscapes, cultures, and societies that make up our world.
• This exposure allows them to envision possibilities beyond their immediate surroundings, igniting a sense of wonder and aspiration to explore, learn, and engage with the broader global community.
• We aim to inspire young minds to dream of adventure, travel, and discovery, making connections between their individual aspirations and the wider world.
• As our pupils learn about environmental issues and sustainability, geography empowers them to aspire to be stewards of the planet, fostering a desire to make a positive impact and contribute to a more sustainable and equitable future.
• In this way, our geography curriculum serves as a catalyst for children to envision and work towards a world where their aspirations can be realized, shaped by a deeper understanding of our planet and its diverse cultures.

Awe and Wonder:

• We introduce children to the breathtaking diversity of our world, from majestic natural wonders like waterfalls, mountains, and rainforests to the vibrant tapestry of cultures, languages, and traditions that span the globe.
• Through geography, children embark on a journey of exploration, where they delve into the mysteries of the Earth's physical processes, ecosystems, and the interconnectedness of all life.
• They are encouraged to ask questions, seek answers, and develop a profound appreciation for the beauty and complexity of our planet.
• Our geography lessons will involve captivating visuals, interactive maps, and real-world examples that capture the imagination, igniting a sense of curiosity and instilling a lifelong love for learning.
• We aim to nurture a sense of awe and wonder that transcends the classroom, enriching children's lives with a deep sense of appreciation for the remarkable planet we call home.

Experiential learning:

• Experiential learning in geography involves real-world activities, field trips, and interactive projects that allow pupils to directly engage with the geographic concepts they are studying.
• Whether it's exploring onsite environments, local ecosystems, conducting geographical surveys, or embarking on geography-themed field trips, these experiences make abstract concepts tangible and memorable.
• Experiential learning not only deepens pupils' understanding of geography but also encourages critical thinking, problem-solving, and a greater appreciation for the subject.
• By immersing themselves in the physical and cultural aspects of geography, pupils develop a lifelong connection to the world around them and are better equipped to apply their knowledge in practical, real-life situations.

Language and oracy:

• We aim to encourage the development of strong communication skills and a rich vocabulary.
• Geography lessons often involve discussions, debates, and presentations, where pupils articulate their thoughts, observations, and interpretations of geographical phenomena.
• Through these activities, pupils not only enhance their oracy skills but also learn to express complex geographic concepts effectively.
• As they explore different regions and cultures, pupils are exposed to diverse languages and dialects, fostering an appreciation for linguistic diversity.
• Our geography curriculum also relies on maps, charts, and written materials, which require pupils to decipher and comprehend geographic information, thereby boosting their reading and comprehension abilities.
• Children are given the opportunity to apply their understanding of geographical vocabulary with a ‘define’, ‘retrieve’, and ‘infer’ starter within each unit of work. Chosen extracts directly link with the vocabulary and topic being studied.
• To further encourage the use of higher-order vocabulary, our curriculum provides an opportunity for rich dialogue through Philosophy for Children (P4C), helping children to engage with traditions of geographical inquiry.
• To support our children with engaging in conversations around Geography, each exercise book has a ‘talk like a geographer’ sheet at the front, which gives sentence stems and key vocabulary.