Geography
Purpose of Study
A high-quality geography education should inspire pupils with a curiosity and fascination with the world and its people that will remain with them for the rest of their lives. Teaching should teach pupils about diverse places, people, resources, natural and human environments, and a deep understanding of the Earth's key physical and human processes. As pupils progress, their growing knowledge of the world should help them deepen their understanding of the interaction between physical and human processes and the formation and use of landscapes and environments. Geographical knowledge, experience, and skills provide the frameworks and approaches that explain how the Earth's features at different scales are shaped and interconnected and change over time.
Source: National Curriculum, 2014
Intent
At Ilchester School, our geography curriculum is designed to deliver an exceptional learning experience, both within the classroom and through fieldwork and educational visits. Our primary objective is to inspire a sense of curiosity in our students about the world and its diverse inhabitants.
Our aim is to cultivate a genuine passion for geography among our pupils, nurturing their understanding of the world and their place within it. We strive to empower them to embark on new experiences throughout their lives.
We are dedicated to providing all students with opportunities to explore and develop their geographical expertise, from their immediate local surroundings to the broader global context. This includes fostering their knowledge of locations, comprehension of human and physical features, and proficiency in geographical and fieldwork techniques.
Furthermore, we encourage our students to inquire and propose solutions to environmental challenges within their local community and the wider world. By raising awareness of environmental issues and human impact, we aim to foster a reflective mindset, leading our pupils to make conscious choices and actively contribute to the preservation of our planet.
Ultimately, we wish to ignite a lifelong love for geography, equip our students with valuable knowledge and skills, and inspire them to become responsible and proactive members of society who value and protect our environment.
Implementation
In the Early Years, we seize the opportunity to observe how children interact with their environment and how the environment shapes their experiences. Our dedicated staff adhere to the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Statutory Framework, which aims to guide children in comprehending their physical world and community. Through exploration, observation, and enquiry into people, places, technology, and the environment, we lay the foundation for their journey towards becoming young geographers.
In Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2, our teachers maintain strong alignment with the National Curriculum guidelines, ensuring comprehensive coverage of all aspects of geography across all year groups.
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Our geography lessons are thoughtfully planned, drawing upon skills progressions, to systematically develop pupils' knowledge and understanding of the world and the interactions between physical and human processes. Quality first teaching serves as the cornerstone, fostering geographical expertise that spans from their immediate surroundings to the broader global context. This includes fostering locational knowledge, comprehension of human and physical features, and proficiency in geographical and fieldwork techniques.
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We provide ample opportunities for pupils to enhance their skills and engage in fieldwork activities using maps and atlases, both in physical and digital formats. Fieldwork experiences allow them to apply their geographical skills in real-life settings, exploring their local area and its unique features. Through differentiated instruction, we cater to diverse abilities, ensuring deep subject knowledge and the acquisition of key skills.
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Throughout their journey from the Early Years to the end of Key Stage 2, pupils are exposed to various geographical terms, encompassing both their local area and the wider world.
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With meticulous lesson planning based on skills progressions, we ensure that knowledge is effectively taught across the year group, and skills are progressively developed throughout the key stages, establishing meaningful connections to prior learning.
Examples of Work
