INTENT

The main intention behind our Geography curriculum is to ignite curiosity, and encourage children to conduct their own research to find answers to their questions. We aim to inspire a fascination with the human and physical world around them, that will remain with them for the rest of their life.

The main intention behind our Geography curriculum is to ignite curiosity, and encourage children to conduct their own research to find answers to their questions. We aim to inspire a fascination with the human and physical world around them, that will remain with them for the rest of their life.

Whilst equipping our children with knowledge about places, people and their own locality, we nurture critical thinking skills and develop a depth of knowledge through explorations and investigations.

Throughout the school, and as an integral part of the Geography curriculum, we are teaching our children what it means to be good citizens of the planet. As a Green Flag school, we have undertaken to find any means we can, to learn how to save the planet and to act accordingly.

The children work with; school staff, parents and members of the local community, as well as global links with schools in other countries, to communicate the respect we all believe the planet deserves.

All skills learnt through experiential topic areas, such as; enriching vocabulary, developing enquiry skills and learning how to ask questions, impact the children as they progress through their wider learning journey at our school.

Implementation

Throughout Reception and KS1 children have access to atlases, maps and globes, as well as Google Earth and other digital technologies to enrich their learning of the world around them.

Pupils in KS1, follow the  whole-school Geography curriculum, which reflects the NC 2014 objectives. Geography lessons are taught discretely once a week every other half-term. Geography is also taught cross-circularly throughout termly topics. Lessons are planned to link with class topics as part of a creative curriculum and to ensure a deeper understanding of areas of learning. Within lessons pupils are given the opportunity both to work on their own and to collaborate with others, listening to other pupil’s ideas and treating these with respect. They have the opportunity to use a wide range of materials and resources, including digital technologies where appropriate.

In Reception pupils are encouraged to take risks and make connections through play and adult focussed sessions, using a range of resources. These activities, both indoors and outdoors, attract the pupils’ interest and curiosity. The development of the pupil’s creativity and skills are related to the objectives set out in the early learning goal for ‘Understanding the World’. This learning forms the foundations for later work in Geography. Learning in ‘Understanding the World’ occurs through planned, purposeful play and through a mix of adult-led and child-initiated activity.

In studying Geography pupils experience a variety of approaches to their learning including:

• Teacher demonstrations
• Individual and shared use of maps, atlases and globes
• Collaborative work
• Open-ended investigation

Geography provides opportunities for pupils to develop the following key skills and fieldwork:

• Looking at world maps, atlases and globes
• Using simple compass directions
• Viewing aerial photographs and plan perspectives
• Devising a simple maps and keys
• Implementing simple fieldwork and observational skills

Impact

The impact of the Geography curriculum at Marlow C of E Infant School is:

• The majority of children reach WA in Geography at the end of KS1
• Children have a love of learning and a curiosity about the world around them
• Children have gained core geographical skills that they can take to their next school and deepen their learning further.