Geography

Intent 

The intention of the Geography Curriculum at Gosbecks Primary School is to develop, inspire and motivate children about the natural and human features of the world and build their fascination about different global communities.  

Through high quality teaching we develop the following essential characteristics of geographers: 

• Gather, analyse and interpret a range of data through experiences and investigations, which will deepen their understanding of geographical processes 
• Develop a deep understanding of key physical and human processes, using a range of sources including maps, diagrams, globes, atlases and aerial photographs  
• Communicate geographical information in a range of ways, including through numerical and quantitative skills, writing at length, maps and digital technologies 
• Develop a secure understanding of directional and locational Information so they can locate features and navigate 

We intend to equip the children with transferable skills which they can use in a range of curriculum areas and which will foster a love of learning and a sense of curiosity about the world they live in.  

Implementation 

At Gosbecks Primary School, we are Geographers! Our curriculum is based on the National Curriculum and shaped by our schools’ vision to enable children to achieve their potential and ‘Be the Best You Can Be’. We are ambitious about the knowledge we want the children to acquire as well as the vocabulary and skills. The curriculum is clearly mapped from EYFS to year 6 which builds skills and develops knowledge and an understanding of key geographical concepts. 

At Gosbecks, we teach using a rolling curriculum, mapped across two years, which consists of topic lessons that change termly, ensuring coverage of expectation and progression of skills and knowledge. Using topics gives purpose to the pupils learning and allows them to understand the world around them. Within topics, teachers make clear geographical aspects of each lesson.  

Teachers structure learning in a way that’s best for pupils to understand different concepts. This means that learning is broken up into manageable chunks to support pupils in learning and remembering more. Activities are planned to revisit previous learnt content, and this is built upon. Knowledge organisers are used in class to encourage the children to use subject specific, technical vocabulary. The teachers give children the opportunity to recall knowledge through questioning and planned activities, allowing the teacher to review the learning that has taken place in prior units as well as previous lessons. This formative assessment enables the teacher to plan next steps in learning that addresses misconceptions. 

At the beginning of lessons, we discuss prior learning, opportunities and skills that can be learnt from geography, this allows the children to immerse themselves in the subject and understand how it will help them in the future, with careers, opportunities and hobbies. In lessons we discuss how geography plays an important part in society and the prospects it could offer each child. By the end of primary school, each child is equipped with the knowledge and skills to be a good global citizen. 

Lessons use a wide range of geographical information and resources to help children build and apply their knowledge and skills, as well as fieldwork skills. High quality fiction and non-fiction texts support the children’s understanding about the wider world around them. Pupils start learning about their local environment to give them security in their understanding before learning knowledge about the world. Teachers have high expectations of pupil progress and track this as the children move through the school, this informs future curriculum design and adaptation. 

Subject leaders attend training to develop their expertise which then allows the leader to support staff. An annual survey is completed with staff to identify any training needs and curriculum opportunities.  

Impact 

The impact and measure of our geography curriculum is evident within children’s topics books, our WALTs evidence a broad and balanced geography curriculum and demonstrate the key skills outlined in the intent.  

As children progress through school, they build and establish key knowledge and skills, an understanding of the world around them, their local area and the wider community.   

We want the children to have an appreciation for the natural and physical processes of the world, our curriculum aims to ensure the children have thoroughly enjoyed their geographical experiences within school, therefore encouraging them to be passionate about Geography undertaking new experiences now, in the future and beyond.