In order to develop an excellent knowledge and understanding of where places are and what they are like and how they are interdependent and interconnected, our curriculum is underpinned by three key concepts:
Investigate places This concept involves understanding the geographical location of places and their physical and human features. |
Investigate patterns This concept involves understanding the relationships between the physical features of places and the human activity within them, and the appreciation of how the world’s natural resources are used and transported. |
Communicate geographically This concept involves understanding geographical representations, vocabulary and techniques. |
Geography is taught through both ‘blocking’ and ‘cross-curricular’ approaches to allow geographical links to be made, as well as links with and across other subjects. Careful thought has been placed upon the sequencing of content so that pupils build upon prior learning and make connections. The curriculum has been specifically designed in this way to allow for a greater number of opportunities for children to work at a greater depth, deepening understanding, promoting critical thinkers and ensuring pupils know and remember more. The curriculum is a progressive model so that by learning the content pupils will make good progress as they move through the school from Early Years to Year 6. Challenge is inherent because the ambition is high for when Easterside Academy pupils leave our school.
Our aim is for all pupils to see themselves as geographers and have a real passion for the subject, and an enthusiastic engagement in its teaching and learning. We do this through an active curriculum that incorporates the outdoors where possible; providing our pupils with ‘memorable’ experiences and visits; as well as regular opportunities to work together collaboratively. We aim to develop a real sense of curiosity to find out about the world and the people who live there, and drive this at the start of each geography topic using an enquiry question.
We strive to provide an extensive base of geographical knowledge and vocabulary through geographical enquiry, enabling children to apply questioning skills in addition to effective analytical and presentational techniques confidently.
Our curriculum plans in regular opportunities for pupils to work in the school grounds, local environment, as well as further afield in order to enhance their fieldwork and develop their geographical skills and techniques.
In this ever-changing world, it is crucial that pupils have an awareness of environmental issues – locally and globally. We do this through teaching and learning around specific topics, as well as addressing current and relevant issues using ‘Picture News’. We facilitate opportunities for pupils to express well-balanced opinions, rooted in secure knowledge and understanding about current and contemporary issues. Pupils develop confidence when reaching conclusions and demonstrate a reasoned argument to explain findings.
Towards the end of our geography based topics / enquiry learning, pupils are given the opportunity to present their work to authentic audiences in an imaginative and creative way.
Geography Outcomes
Geography in Early Years
Geography Progression Y1 to Y6