Geography

Intent:

At Naphill and Walters Ash School, we encourage the children to develop a deeper understanding and broader knowledge of the world in which we live, as well as recognising their place within it. Our geography curriculum empowers children to cultivate disciplinary skills and substantive knowledge. The intended outcome for the child is to develop an analytical mind which enables them to follow their own lines of enquiry and analysis, as well as being able to place learning in a wider context of the world.

As an investigative subject, geography naturally lends itself to the development of enquiry based learning. Through substantive (contextual) subject knowledge, as well as a progressive disciplinary skills approach, we aim to provide a rich curriculum that:

• the children feel both inspired and fascinated by the world and the diversity of people and places within it
• promotes children’s interest and understanding of natural and human environments, coupled with a deeper understanding of the Earth’s key physical and human processes

Implementation:

At Naphill and Walters Ash School, our geography curriculum has been shaped by our school vision, which aims to enable all children, regardless of additional needs or ability, to flourish and to realise their full potential.

We teach the National Curriculum (or EYFS), supported by a clear knowledge and skills based progression. This enables the geographical substantive knowledge and disciplinary skills to be built upon year by year and sequenced appropriately to maximise learning for all children. We ensure that teaching is informed by the children’s starting points and take account of pupil voice. Through adaptive teaching, our lesson content and tasks are designed to provide appropriate challenge to all learners.

Our practical curriculum develops geographical enquiry based learning. Through utilising our local area and our established Forest School, we benefit from optimum opportunities for outdoor learning and developing children’s fieldwork skills. As a school we are committed to outdoor learning through fieldwork and school outings which are carefully selected in order to give first-hand experiences, enhancing children’s understanding of the world beyond their own locality.

Impact:

On leaving Naphill and Walters Ash School pupils will:

• Have a clear awareness of where places are within our world and what they are like.
• Have a comprehensive understanding of how places are co-dependent and interrelated and how much human and physical environments are and have been interconnected over time.
• Be able to understand and utilise an extensive range of geographical vocabulary and knowledge-based skills.
• Develop the ability to apply inquiry skills alongside effective analytical and presentational techniques.
• Be proficient in reaching clear conclusions with a growing ability to conduct reasoned arguments with which to explain findings.
• Be proficient in frequently utilised fieldwork and other geographical skills and techniques.
• Be able to express a passion for and commitment to the subject, and an innate sense of curiosity to explore the world and the people who live there.
• Be able to express considered opinions, stemming from a broad knowledge and understanding of current and contemporary issues within society and the environment.

Our aim is to develop citizens of tomorrow, who will leave primary education possessing an innate sense of empathy and accountability towards our world and its citizens.