Geography
At St Oswald's CE Primary School we aim for all pupils to become confident and inquisitive geographers. We place a big emphasis on pupil's locational knowledge and geographical skill development. We provide a high-quality geography education that inspires pupil's curiosity and awe and wonder about the amazing world they live in; and about the people that shape the world we know now and its future. Geography studies real people, where they live and the relationship they have with the environment; thus giving pupils the chance to reflect on their own values and beliefs and to develop spiritually by empathising for others and the situations in which they live. Opportunities to ask and think about big questions are also given.
Our curriculum is designed to equip pupils with knowledge about diverse places, people, resources and environments, together with a deep understanding of the Earth’s key physical and human processes. As pupils progress, their growing knowledge about the world will give them opportunities to marvel at the wonder of God's creation and the diverse environments that our planet provides its inhabinants. Geographical knowledge, understanding and skills provide the frameworks and approaches that explain how the Earth’s features at different scales are shaped, interconnected and change over time. Pupils develop an understanding of their and others' responsibility to care for this planet which we have been given and build a connection with those around the world who have a shared goal.
"An understanding of the natural world and what's in it is a source of not only a great curiosity but great filfillment."
Sir David Attenborough
Intent
At St. Oswald’s we want all of our children to develop a love of Geography and have a deep understanding of the geographical concepts that they learn, starting from an early age.
We want our pupils to have a thorough knowledge of their local environment and show curiosity about the wider world; enabling them to become global citizens who show a keen interest of the geography around them. We want them to have ambitions of travelling to unknown destinations and inspire them to take an active role in preserving the future of our planet. Geography plays a vital part in the sustainability of the world’s natural resources so it is essential that our pupils have a deep understanding of this.
Geography in the EYFS is developed across two strands of the Understanding the World Area of Learning: People, Culture and Communities, and The Natural World. The aims of these Early Learning Goal are to:
- Describe their immediate environment using knowledge from observation, discussion, stories, non-fiction texts and maps. (PCC)
- Explain some similarities and differences between life in this country and life in other countries, drawing on knowledge from stories, non-fiction texts and (when appropriate) maps. (PCC)
- Explore the natural world around them, making observations and drawing pictures of animals and plants. (NW)
- Know some similarities and differences between the natural world around them and contrasting environments, drawing on their experiences and what has been read in class. (NW)
- Understand some important processes and changes in the natural world around them, including the seasons and changing states of matter. (NW)
This learning is closely linked to Science; using scientific observation (plants, animals, weather) alongside geographical awareness (environments, local area, maps) to help young children make sense of the world around them.
The aims of the National Curriculum are to:
- Develop contextual knowledge of the location of globally significant places – both terrestrial and marine – including their defining physical and human characteristics and how these provide a geographical context for understanding the actions of processes
- Understand the processes that give rise to key physical and human geographical features of the world, how these are interdependent and how they bring about spatial variation and change over time
We also aim to ensure that all pupils are competent in the geographical skills needed to:
- Collect, analyse and communicate with a range of data gathered through experiences of fieldwork that deepen their understanding of geographical processes
- Interpret a range of sources of geographical information, including maps, diagrams, globes, aerial photographs and Geographical Information Systems (GIS)
- Communicate geographical information in a variety of ways, including through maps, numerical and quantitative skills and writing at length.
Our curriculum is progressive and sequentially planned in order for children to build on their prior learning and make connections. Children begin their geographical journey on a local basis focusing on their home, school and local community before expanding outwards to learn about regions, countries, continents and global scales. Our curriculum map and EYFS overviews can be downloaded below. For more information about what your child will be learning in Geography, please visit their class page.
Implementation
Each class enjoy regular geography lessons which form part of termly themes (approximately 6-8 hours per term). Throughout each theme, children are provided them with opportunities to develop their geographical knowledge through a wide range of practical and exciting lessons. Children will progressively aquire, use and apply and growing bank of vocabulary, skills and knowledge in order to think, talk and write like geographers.
Geography learning begins in the EYFS where pupils are taught about their personal geography through Understanding the World Area of Learning (People, Cultures and Communities, and The Natural World). Through the use of our progressional curriculum, children develop observational skills and join in with discussions about their immediate environment. Staff also take into consideration pupils interests and provide opportunities for them to extend their knowledge about the wider world which is enhanced through their play. Resources such as simple maps, photographs, stories and non-fiction books are used to support children's learning as well as first hand exploration of our school building and school grounds.
In Key Stage 1 and 2 pupils continue to learn about their own locality and begin to make comparisons with other locations. There are opportunities for pupils to develop their geography skills through map work and fieldwork. This provides pupils the chance to develop their observation and measuring skills as well as recording data and communicating their findings. These skills are taught progressively throughout the school and build upon pupil’s prior knowledge.
As a school we recognise the growing impact of climate change and the links that this has to goegraphical knowledge and understanding. The children are taught discretely about these issues and develop an understanding of what they can do to make a change within their locality and the impact this can have globally.
The Grammasaurus Geography planning is used through Key Stage 1 and 2; this forms the basis of learning but lessons are adapted to suit our children. With Grammarsaurus as a template, in conjunction with the National Curriculum, sequential schemes of work are in place for all year groups.
Impact
The progressive Curriculum at St Oswald’s will mean that pupils have a real sense of their environment and the wider world, which is built upon each year. Sequential planning and monitoring of pupil progress will ensure all children make at least good or better progress in Geography.
Children will aquire age related knowledge as well as geographical skills to make their own deductions and form their own ideas about the world. Through fieldwork, children will apply the skills they have learnt in a meaningful context.
Children will be conifdent with their geographical knowledge and will be able to form and share opinions in an articulated manner using subject specific vocabulary.
Children will have a clear understanding of the importance of sustainability for the future of our planet, and the impact they have on the planet, both locally and globally.
Assessment
The assessment of Geography is ongoing and help inform teachers planning. Pupil’s knowledge and achievement is ascertained throughout the lesson, misconceptions tackled through questioning, marking and feedback. All pupils are expected to and given time respond to feedback, so that there is evidence that misconceptions have been addressed.
In Key Stage 1 and 2, mini quizzes are used each lesson to recap previous knowledge, key concepts or vocabulary. These inform staff of pupils needing support in specific areas and key knowledge or skills that need to be recapped.
Assessments are used at the end of a theme to assess pupils knowledge and skills. This assessment data is used to inform further planning to ensure that all pupils are on track to meet end of key stage expectations. End of unit assessment data is shared with the curriculum leader to be analysed and progress is tracked for individual children.
Essential knowledge has been identified by staff and presented as "I can statements". This informs the children about what they will be learning and is used as an ongoing assessment tool.
Throughout EYFS, progress towards the Early Learning Goal (ELG) for Understanding the World (People, Culture and Communities, and The Natural World) is assessed through teacher knowledge of the children. This view is formed through observations and conversations with the children both within continuous provision and directed tasks. At the end of Reception, a holistic 'best-fit' judgement is made by teachers in relation to the ELG for Understanding the World.
In line with the school's SEND & Inclusion Policy, all children have an equal entitlement to all aspects of the Geography Curriculum. When delivering Geography lessons, staff ensure that it is accessible to all and there is evidence of adaptive teaching to meet the needs of all children.
Curriculum Development Opportunities
A variety of curriculum opportunities are offered to reinforce the key learning and concepts for our children. These include school trips, exploring the local area and extensive school grounds, fieldwork opportunities and extra curricular clubs such as outdoor adventure. Within the school grounds we also have Outdoor Adventurous Activities (OAA) resources, which support children's map reading skills.
Intevention and Support
Weekly quizzes and ongoing assessment in Key Stage 1 and 2 inform staff of children who may need further support. This support is offered in class, through small groups or on an individual basis and use of adaptive teaching ensures that individual needs are met.
"I can statements" clearly set out essential knowledge for each topic and are shared with families so that home learning can close any gaps in understanding.
In EYFS, opportunities to revisit and repeat learning if necessary are offerent through continuous provision or directed tasks. Specific learning may be delivered in a different manner, encompassing the individual interests of the child.
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