Geography

At EBPS, our Geography curriculum is designed to develop children’s curiosity and fascination about the world and its people, that will remain with them for the rest of their lives. It is supported by our whole school visions which are unlocked through our curriculum keys of Values, Horizons, Equity, World and Love as well as adhering to the National Curriculum for Geography.

Children will investigate a range of places both in Britain and abroad – to help develop their knowledge and understanding of the Earth’s physical and human processes. We are committed to providing children with opportunities to investigate and make enquiries about their local area of Earls Barton and Northamptonshire so they can develop a real sense of who they are, their heritage and what makes our local area unique and special.

Our aim is to equip our pupils with geographical enquiry skills, key lifelong knowledge and subject specific vocabulary. We aim to embed this knowledge through a challenging, knowledge rich curriculum delivered through high quality teaching and learning opportunities which culminates in children producing high quality outcomes.

At EBPS, our knowledge rich geography curriculum is topic based upon what we consider the most important key facts. It is designed to help pupils remember what they have learned and builds upon previous learning. Key skills and key facts are revisited at different points within each year and across year groups.

Progression is mapped out across year groups from Year 1 through to Year 6. Sequences of lessons are planned using progression mapping within and across year groups. Carefully considered key questions inspire active learning and challenge for all.

Each topic is displayed in class and knowledge organiser are used in lessons, which outlines the knowledge (including vocabulary) all children must master and apply. Geography is displayed around school  and priority is given to inspire children to the possibility of geographical careers and recommended books and websites. Whenever possible we invite people, who are experts in these fields, to visit school to motivate our pupils or take children out on educational visits.

The impact of our Geography offer is measured through our comprehensive monitoring cycle, which includes book looks, learning walks, pupil voice, scrutiny and curriculum intent reviews. Upon review, the subject leader will agree and formulate an action plan for improvement.

We monitor Geography skills against the Key knowledge for each topic. In assessing, we are looking for sustained mastery, greater depth, inspired learners and children who are fulfilling their potential.

The intended impact of our Geography curriculum offer is outline below:

1.     Children have an excellent knowledge of where places are and what they look like in both Britain and the wider world;

2.     Children have a comprehensive understanding of the ways in which places are interdependent and interconnected;

3.     Children have an extensive base of geographical knowledge and vocabulary

4.     Children have the ability to reach clear conclusions and explain their findings;

5.     Children have excellent fieldwork skills as well as other geographical techniques

6.     Children have the ability to express well-balance opinions, rooted in very good knowledge and understanding about current issues in society and the environment;

7.     Children have a genuine interest in the subject and real sense of curiosity about the world and the people who live here recognising the part they play within it.

Geography

Louise Dangerfield

Scheme used – Oddizzi. Key stages one and 2 use Oddizzi within geography lessons to support and enhance teaching and learning. All teachers have access to the Geography Association website.

In Reception, geography is taught as part of the EYFS curriculum area “Understanding the World”. Through whole class teaching, independent learning tasks and the continuous provision, children are taught about their local area and undertake field work in our Forest School as well as using maps and compasses, etc. in their role play.

Geography is mapped to ensure progression across all key content and skills, also ensuring that statutory fieldwork opportunities are included consistently.

Discrete lessons taught throughout 3/6 of the school terms.

1 lesson per week minimum

Oddizzi provides opportunities for assessment. This needs to be more of a focus for the coming year.