| What we do. |
| Our EYFS/KS1 geography curriculum includes half termly topics for all children and is taught discretely. Subject areas are chosen carefully, to ensure the EYFS learning goal and the National Curriculum expectations for KS1 are met. Our geography lessons aim to build on the children’s knowledge of their locality, the United Kingdom, and the wider world. They start to understand basic subject-specific vocabulary around human and physical geography and are introduced to key geographical skills, such as first-hand observations in fieldwork, and map skills. |
| How we do it. |
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Geography is taught weekly as a discrete lesson, although links are made with other subjects (history and science) where appropriate, so that children can apply their knowledge and understanding. Teaching builds on prior knowledge and skills, ensuring progression. (See How we ensure progress, below) Key vocabulary is pre taught and displayed in the classroom. Individual lessons are planned to meet the needs of all pupils, including those with SEND, to ensure the curriculum is fully accessible. |
| How we ensure progress. (skills) |
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Our ‘Geography: Progression of skills’ document ensures that lessons are carefully planned to show development of skills/knowledge across year groups. Planning guides children to move from e.g. ‘Can I create a simple map of the school environment including a key?’ in Year 1 to ‘Can I draw a map of the journey I take to school?’ in Year 2. Our Progression of skills documents can be read here Detailed medium-term plans include learning objectives which are closely matched to the progression statements, and learning tasks are designed to enable this progress to take place. |
| What we want children to remember from each unit. (knowledge) |
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Location knowledge: key features of our local environment; the four countries making up The British Isles and their capital cities; seven continents and five oceans Place knowledge: some similarities and differences between Bagshot and a contrasting location Human and physical geography: identify seasonal weather patterns in the UK and the location of some hot and cold places in the world (linking with habitats in science) Geographical skills and fieldwork: how to use world maps, atlases and globes to identify places and features; how to use simple compass directions; recognise some important landmarks, and basic human and physical features from aerial photographs; how to devise a simple map and key; how to use simple fieldwork and observational skills within the school grounds and surrounding area, to identify key human and physical features. |
| How we assess geography |
| Teachers assess children’s progress against the ‘Geography: progression of skills’ document and with a short knowledge-based quiz at the end of each unit. |
| How we make geography enjoyable. |
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We ensure that children enjoy their geography lessons by using a variety of learning experiences both inside and outside, using the school grounds and local environment. The use of technology is constantly being reviewed and developed for example with the recent purchase of new laptops which will be used for research in lessons. Where possible, school trips are planned around topics studied e.g. Bagshot walks; Lightwater Country Park. We hold a World Day each year where each class chooses a country to study and immerse themselves into its culture, food dress etc.
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