Geography

Intention 

Key Stage One
Pupils should develop knowledge about the world, the United Kingdom and their locality. They should understand basic subject-specific vocabulary relating to human and physical geography and begin to use geographical skills, including first-hand observation, to enhance their locational awareness. 

Key Stage Two
Pupils should extend their knowledge and understanding beyond the local area to include the United Kingdom and Europe, North and South America. This will include the location and characteristics of a range of the world’s most significant human and physical features. They should develop their use of geographical knowledge, understanding and skills to enhance their locational and place knowledge.

A Charford Geographer will:
•    be curious and fascinated about the world 
•    be knowledgeable about diverse places, people, resources and environments
•    collect, analyse and communicate 
•    experience fieldwork
•    interpret a range of sources, including maps, diagrams, globes and aerial photographs
 

Implementation 
Our geography curriculum ensures high standards of teaching and learning in geography, we have devised a curriculum that is progressive throughout the whole school. We place importance on children gaining ‘real-life’ experiences. For example, visiting and identifying features in our school environment at EYFS, using the local area to device maps in Key Stage 1 and comparing the similarities and differences in environments and communities in Lower Key Stage 2.  Our geography curriculum focuses on knowledge, skills and vocabulary set out in the National Curriculum.  
High-quality geography is always taught weekly in alternate half terms. Geography is taught through a theme, with an aim to inspire pupil’s curiosity and fascination about the world.  Lessons are planned to meet the learning needs of our children. The teachers at Charford First School have high expectations of the children’s vocabulary and this remains at the heart of all planning. Geography is taught both as a discrete lesson and as part of cross-curricular learning (when beneficial to both subjects). There are two approaches that we follow when teaching geography: a fact-based approach and a skill-based approach.  We believe both elements have equal importance within all year groups.  We ensure that children are explicitly taught and made aware of what the term Geography means and at all times during lessons teachers model using the correct language. The promotion of a language-rich geography curriculum is, we believe, essential to the successful acquisition of knowledge and understanding in geography.
To ensure that each theme is in line with our school approach of a ‘dilemma’-driven curriculum, there is a key question introduced at the start of the theme, remains the focus throughout the theme and by the end, the children will be able to answer it confidently.  We aim to deliver activities that are differentiated to meet the needs of all children – this may be via adult support, word banks or challenges to delve deeper into a theme.  

Programme of Study and Long-Term Plan

Websites

National Curriculum 
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/239044/PRIMARY_national_curriculum_-_Geography.pdf

National Geographic Kids
https://www.natgeokids.com/uk/

Google Maps 
https://www.google.com/maps

BBC Bitesize
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/z2f3cdm

Kids Travel Guide
https://www.kids-world-travel-guide.com/