Geography
At Brington and Harlestone Primary schools, we are committed to providing all children with learning opportunities to engage in the subject of Geography. The study of Geography inspires in pupils a curiosity and fascination about the world and its people that will remain with them for the rest of their lives. Teaching equips pupils with knowledge about diverse places, people, resources and natural and human environments, together with a deep understanding of the Earth’s key physical and human processes. Geography is a focus within the curriculum for understanding issues relating to the environment and sustainable development. It inspires children to think about their own place in the world; their values, rights and responsibilities towards other people and their environment.
Aims
The aims of Geography are:
- To enable children to gain knowledge and understanding of places in the world.
• To increase children’s knowledge of other cultures and, in so doing, teach a respect and understanding of what it means to be a positive citizen in a multi-cultural country.
• To allow children to learn graphic skills, including how to use, draw and interpret maps.
• To enable children to know and understand environmental problems at a local, regional and global level.
• To encourage in children a commitment to sustainable development and an appreciation of what ‘global citizenship’ means.
• To develop a variety of other skills, including those of enquiry, problem solving, ICT, investigation and how to present their conclusions in the most appropriate way.
Curriculum
The children undertake a broad and balanced programme that takes account of abilities, aptitudes and physical and emotional development. Through Geography the children learn a range of skills, concepts, attitudes and methods of working.
Early Years
Within the Early Years Foundation Stage, Geography is included as part of Understanding of the World. The children learn to investigate similarities and differences, the local environment and cultures and beliefs, fostering the skills essential to developing geographical understanding. This is set out in the early year’s curriculum as children needing to:
- Observe, find out about, 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 1
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 2
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, 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.