“Without geography, you’re nowhere.”

Jimmy Buffett

“Geography is the science of place and space. It is the study of where things are, how they got there, and what makes them special. ”

National Geographic Society

Geography Lead in school – Mrs A Feeney

Curriculum Intent

At Toner Avenue Geography is an essential part of the curriculum, it provides a means of exploring, appreciating and understanding the world in which we live and how it has evolved. Geography explores the relationship between the Earth and its people through the study of place and environment. It contributes to the cultural, social and moral life of children as they acquire knowledge of a range of different cultures and traditions, and learn tolerance and understanding of other people and environments. Geography is the subject in which pupils learn the skills of understanding a locality and how and where people fit into its overall structure. Developing geographical skills is essential as children live in a world that is available to them. With opportunities to travel and work in different cities and countries across the world, pupils need to efficiently use maps, charts and other geographical data. We aim to open our pupil’s eyes to understanding and appreciating the world around them.

Curriculum Implementation

Early Years 

Within the Early Years Foundation Stage, geography is included as part of Knowledge and Understanding of the World. Pupils learn to investigate similarities and differences, the local environment and cultures and beliefs, fostering the skills essential to developing geographical and historical understanding. This is set out in the early year’s curriculum as children needing to: observe and identify features in the place they live and the natural world; Begin to know about their own cultures and beliefs and those of other people;  Find out about their environment, and talk about those features they like and dislike.

Key Stage One 

During Key Stage 1, pupils investigate their local area and a contrasting area in the United Kingdom or abroad, finding out about the environment in both areas and the people who live there. They also begin to learn about the wider world. They carry out geographical enquiry inside and outside the classroom. In doing this, they ask geographical questions about people, places and environments, and use geographical skills and resources, such as maps and photographs. 

Key Stage Two

During Key Stage 2, pupils investigate a variety of people, places and environments in the United Kingdom and abroad, and start to make links between different places in the world. They find out how people affect the environment and how they are affected by it. Pupils carry out geographical enquiry inside and outside the classroom. In doing this, they ask geographical questions, and use geographical skills and resources, such as maps, atlases, aerial photographs and ICT. Children will develop geographical enquiry skills, including asking geographical questions, collecting and recording information and identifying different views. They will acquire the appropriate practical skills associated with Geography, including using suitable vocabulary, fieldwork techniques and maps, plans and atlases. Pupils will use secondary sources of information with accuracy, including aerial photographs, satellite images, etc. As well as making its own distinctive contribution to the school curriculum, geography contributes to the wider aims of primary education.

Curriculum Impact

  • To stimulate children’s interest in their surroundings and develop a knowledge and understanding of the physical and human processes which shape places.
  • To provide learning opportunities that engage and motivate children to learn and foster a sense of curiosity and wonder at the world around them.
  • To make sense of their own surroundings through learning about their own locality and the interaction between people and the environment.
  • To develop the geographical skills, including how to use, draw and interpret maps of different scales, and the vocabulary necessary to carry out effective geographical enquiry.
  • To be able to apply map reading skills to globes and atlas maps and identify geographical features.
  • To formulate appropriate questions, develop research skills and evaluate material to inform opinions.
  • To increase children’s knowledge of other cultures and, in so doing, teach respect, tolerance and understanding of what it means to be a positive citizen in a multicultural country; embedding fundamental British values.
  • To inform children about sustainability & encourage them to make a commitment to sustainable development.

 

Remember, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.