INTENT

At Wetheringsett C of E Primary School, our intent is for children to develop a sense of place in the local area and how they are connected to the wider world. We aim for children to think about the big questions, make connections, develop their vocabulary and to compare and contrast diverse environments and ways of living.

Children will develop contextual knowledge of the location of places, including their physical and human characteristics and how these provide a geographical context for understanding the actions of processes. They will understand how these processes are interdependent and how they bring about spatial variation and change over time.

Children will be competent in the geographical skills needed to collect, analyse and communicate with a range of data gathered through experiences of fieldwork and visits 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).

Children will communicate geographical information in a variety of ways, including through maps, numerical and quantitative skills and written work.

We aim for children to have lifelong curiosity, fascination and care for the world around them.

IMPLEMENTATION

Geography is taught weekly by class teachers, for half of each term. The units are organised into a 2-year cycle in KS1 and in KS2. Where appropriate, Geography acts as a driver across the half term and where possible, links are made in English, Music, DT, Art and Forest Schools etc. Rising Stars provides our scheme of work.

High quality texts, e.g. stories and non-fiction books, are often used to stimulate interest in topics. Knowledge organisers are used in class and for home learning. Weekly quizzes are based on the content of these organisers for each topic. Formative assessment through observations in class and marking of written work informs planning, ensuring knowledge and skills are built upon.

As a school we aim to expose all children to a broad range of vocabulary and provide them with the skills to use and apply these. Our vocabulary progression document clearly identifies key vocabulary to be introduced in EYFS to Year 6. Vocabulary is displayed in class and specifically taught in lessons. Children complete a rag rating of vocabulary at the start and end of each topic.

SEND children actively take part in lessons and have the opportunity to record their work and understanding in a variety of ways, suitable to their needs.

EYFS begin their Geography learning through the area of learning: ‘Understanding the World’. This is explored through stories, non-fiction books, visits, directed activities and a range of play based activities and experiences in the continuous provision, e.g. role play and small world. Children begin to make sense of their own personal experiences and journeys, different environments and the wider world.

Children have wider opportunities to develop their geographical knowledge and skills through community events, trips, e.g. Greenwich, London, and projects.

IMPACT

Impact is monitored through formative and summative assessment opportunities, as well as through subject monitoring by the subject lead and pupil perceptions.

The expected impact of Geography lessons and wider opportunities for Geography at Wetheringsett is that children will:

• Enjoy Geography lessons and wider opportunities
• Have a curiosity and fascination for Geography
• Be able to independently research topics
• Have contextual knowledge of locations, human and physical geography, and processes
• Work in a cross-curricular way
• Record and communicate ideas, understanding and accounts in a variety of ways
• Use geographical skills
• Consider the ‘Big Questions’
• Consider environmental issues and their impact on the world
• Use geographical language