Intent

Geography at Shawfield Primary aims to inspire in pupils a curiosity and fascination about the world, their local area and its people, that will remain with them for the rest of their lives.  Geography teaches an understanding of places and environments.  Through their work in geography, children learn about their local area and compare their life in Ash/Surrey with that in other regions in the United Kingdom and the rest of the world. They learn how to draw and interpret maps and develop their skills of research, investigation, analysis and problem solving.  Through knowledge and understanding of human geography, pupils gain an appreciation of life in other cultures.  It also motivates children to find out about the physical world and enables them to recognise the importance of sustainable development for the future.

Implementation

As a school we follow the National Curriculum for geography which is supplemented by Rising Stars Voyagers scheme of work.  This enables teachers to deliver balanced coverage of topics and themes across key stages providing consistency across the school.  Each year group studies three units a year which are delivered in 6 week blocks of approximately 1 hour/week. Each unit is the key driver in the curriculum for that half term and is a key factor in raising the status of geography within the curriculum.  Key vocabulary is introduced to the children within the unit of work and is displayed in classrooms to support this.  

Lessons are planned to engage children, promote enjoyment and enthusiasm for learning and give children the opportunity to develop a resilience to challenge through a high-quality curriculum that includes practical activity, exploration and discussion which develops independent learners, with inquisitive minds, who have secure foundations for future learning.

Impact

Children are aware that their actions can have an impact on their environment and that they can make a difference to our changing world.  They are aware of other cultures and countries and have an understanding of their physical and human features.  Children also develop map skills which enable them to use these in real life situations (Dartmoor). Through the teaching of geography children can also develop their debating skills and how to use sources as evidence, such as photographs and their effectiveness, further developing their reasoning skills.