Intent

We believe that an exciting and engaging geography curriculum should foster a deep understanding and appreciation of the world, its diverse cultures, and the interconnectedness of human and physical environments. Our intent is to instil a sense of curiosity, empathy, and responsibility in our pupils, enabling them to become global citizens who actively contribute to and positively shape their local, national and global communities.

Through our geography curriculum, we aim to:

1. Develop a strong foundation of geographical knowledge and skills.
2. Cultivate an awareness of environmental sustainability and the importance of protecting the planet.
3. Foster an appreciation of cultural diversity.
4. Provide opportunities for active and experiential learning, both inside and outside the classroom.
5. Promote independent thinking, critical analysis, and problem-solving skills.
6. Encourage pupils to develop a lifelong interest in geography and pursue further studies in the subject.

Implementation

To achieve our intended outcomes, we have implemented the following strategies:

Curriculum Design and Sequencing

Our geography curriculum is designed to be coherent and ambitious. It is aligned with the National Curriculum but enhanced with local and global issues to provide a rich and relevant learning experience. We use a variety of high-quality resources, including textbooks, maps, atlases, digital tools, and real-life artefacts, to support teaching and learning.

Engaging and Stimulating Lessons

Lessons are designed to be interactive, engaging, and hands-on, offering a range of activities to cater to different learning styles. We incorporate real-life case studies, fieldwork opportunities, and virtual exploration to bring the subject to life. Pupils have access to digital maps and satellite imagery to develop their geographic inquiry skills.

Cross-Curricular Links

We actively seek opportunities to integrate Geography with other subjects, such as history, science, and art, fostering a holistic understanding of the world.  For example, when studying World War II, pupils explore the geographical impact of the conflict on different countries and communities. This interdisciplinary approach enhances pupils' critical thinking and helps them make connections across different areas of knowledge.

Fieldwork and Outdoor Learning

We recognise the importance of first-hand experiences and fieldwork in geography education. We organise local field trips, where pupils investigate physical and human features of their local area or nearby locations. These experiences enable them to collect data, make observations, and develop their fieldwork skills. We encourage pupils to apply their learning to real-life contexts, such as suggesting sustainable solutions to local environmental challenges.

Inclusion and Differentiation

We have a strong commitment to inclusivity, ensuring that all students, regardless of their backgrounds or abilities, have equal access to the geography curriculum. Differentiation strategies are implemented to cater to students' individual needs, including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and those who are gifted and talented.

Differentiated tasks, scaffolded resources, and the provision of additional support ensure that all students are appropriately challenged and can achieve their potential. Support from Teaching Assistants during lessons and targeted interventions enable every learner to thrive.

Impact

The impact of our geography provision is evident through the following outcomes:

1. Pupils acquire a comprehensive knowledge of key geographical concepts and places, across local, national, and global scales.
2. They demonstrate an understanding of the interrelationships between physical and human aspects of geography, appreciating the impact of climate change.
3. Pupils develop critical thinking skills and are able to evaluate sources of information, ask research questions, and apply geographic knowledge to solve real-world problems.
4. They develop a sense of responsibility towards the environment and actively engage in sustainable practices both at school and in their communities.

Through our geography curriculum, pupils leave equipped with the knowledge, skills, and values required to make informed and responsible decisions, contributing positively to the world around them.