Geography Long Overview Years 1-6

Intent

Through Geography, children are encouraged to develop a greater understanding and knowledge of the world, as well as their place in it. The Geography curriculum at Bounds Green is knowledge rich grounded in a child’s understanding and use of broad and ambitious vocabulary. The curriculum is a progression model by nature, where units of learning build and develop on those taught before. Yet, at its heart Geography is also an investigative subject, which develops understanding of concepts and skills, as well as knowledge. We seek to inspire in children a curiosity and fascination about the world and its people which will remain with them for the rest of their lives, equipping them well for further education and beyond.

EYFS

In early years, children will describe their immediate environment using knowledge from observation, discussion, stories, non-fiction texts and maps. They will compare life in the UK with that in other countries. We will inspire awe through investigation at a local level.

KS1

In Key Stage one children will begin to identify places using maps, atlases, globes and aerial images. They will begin to make their own maps, devise basic symbols and learn the four compass points. Children will learn about the countries and cities in the UK and continents and oceans globally. Children will apply these skills and knowledge in their fieldwork studies.

KS2

In Key Stage Two children will develop a more in depth understanding of physical and human geography. Children will study climate, topography, land use and settlement patterns and will compare these factors in countries across different continents. They will also use this knowledge to investigate human impact on the environment. Fieldwork is an essential component in key stag two and will be used to further understanding of the 8 compass points, and 4 and 6 number grid referencing using a range of map sources.

Implementation

Geography at Bounds Green is based on a progression model that is knowledge rich and grounded in secure use and understanding of a wide, technical subject-specific vocabulary. Skills are woven into the curriculum across the years, progressing and developing as children move up the school. Lesson tasks are designed to provide an appropriate challenge to all learners, in line with the school’s commitment to inclusion, and are focused on demonstrating a secure understanding of the lesson’s objectives and contextual application of new vocabulary. Units are developed to prompt frequent comparison between global and UK contexts. Fieldwork is vital to promoting curiosity and investigation and the local area is fully utilised to achieve this, with extensive opportunities for learning outside the classroom embedded in practice.

Impact

Outcomes in Geography will show a broad and balanced geography curriculum and demonstrate children’s acquisition of key knowledge relating to each of the identified national curriculum strands. Children will demonstrate locational knowledge, place knowledge and human and physical geography. Secure use of a broad, technical and ambitious vocabulary will be used to assess knowledge acquisition and its application in a written context. This vocabulary will widen and deepen as children move up the school. The application of key skills, such as map and grid reading, are supported by fieldwork. As children progress through the school, they develop a deep understanding and appreciation of their local area and its place within the wider geographical context. Geography at Bounds Green ultimately develops understanding of the world and the impacts of human existence, which helps children make our earth a better place.