Geography Overview

Intent:

Through the teaching of Geography at Whitfield Aspen School, we aim to inspire a curiosity and fascination about the world and its people. As they progress through the school, children should gain knowledge about a range of different places, people, resources and natural and human environments as well as an understanding of the Earth’s key physical and human processes. The skills taught will help them to understand how the Earth’s features are shaped, interconnected and change over time.

Children will have the opportunity to collect, analyse and communicate data through experiences of fieldwork both on the school site and on school trips. They will interpret information through the use of maps, diagrams, globes and aerial photographs and communicate information through maps, numerical and quantitative skills, speaking and writing.

Children with Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD) will be given opportunities to experience the world through school trips, sensory activities and meeting new people.

Additionally, through our yearly whole school ‘Recycle Day’, children will learn ways in which to care for and protect the world in which we live.

Implementation:

Geography is taught in all year groups and provides continuous provision to develop skills and progression through the school. It is split into four areas:

Locational Knowledge – this involves naming and locating countries, cities and the human and physical characteristics of these places. They will also cover how some aspects of these have changed over time.

Place Knowledge – this involves understanding geographical similarities and differences between a range of places, both in the UK and around the world.

Human and Physical Geography – this involves describing and understanding key aspects relating to human and physical features such as the weather, topography, biomes, types of settlements, the water cycle, trade between the UK and Europe and the distribution of natural resources.

Geographical Skills and Fieldwork – this involves using maps, atlases, globes and digital/computer mapping to locate countries and describe features. The eight points of the compass and four and six-figure grid references will be used. Fieldwork will be undertaken to study the geography of the local area.

Impact:

Children will have developed a curiosity and fascination of the world.

Children will have a knowledge of a range of places both in the UK and around the world.

Children will be able to independently use OS maps, atlases and digital technology for use in every day life.

Children will understand the diversity of cultures around the world and respect and celebrate these.

Children will have learnt ways in which to care for and protect the world in which we live.

Monitoring and Evaluation

Monitoring of Geography takes place through liasing with class teachers, looking at evidence in children’s books and through focus conversations with children. This information is evaluated and feedback to teachers to inform their planning and teaching.
 

Partnerships with parents

Shared experiences with parents are highly valued at Whitfield Aspen School. We endeavour to share our Geographical learning experiences through the class pages on our website. When Geographical events take place at school, where possible, parents will be invited to attend or view these.

We welcome any parents who wish to support the teaching and learning of Geography at school.