Geography
Intent
- At Abel Smith Primary school we aim for children to develop a love of geography and a curiosity about the world around them. Children will learn to collect and analyse data, interpret geographical information such as maps and photographs and communicate their findings in a variety of ways.
- Our curriculum is coherently planned and sequenced to provide the necessary skills and knowledge in order for children to carry out a range of geographical enquiries. They will use these skills to learn about a range of places (in Britain, Europe and non-European countries); the people that live there and their natural and human environments.
- Children will use their knowledge of the Earth’s physical and human processes to understand how landscapes and environments are formed. Children will also investigate the town and landscape of Hertford and the local area.
Implementation
- Geography is taught in a half-termly block in order to fully immerse children in each topic, allowing key knowledge and skills to remain in long term memory. The curriculum projects are carefully sequenced and interconnected, to support children's learning over time.
- The children follow a creative, enquiry based curriculum designed to encourage curiosity, geographical thinking, exploration and research, and to combine relevant knowledge with skills. Each unit is centred around a big question which is answered through a series of mini questions and a 'Big Finish' activity at the end of the unit.
- As well as completing work inside the classroom, field work is a key part of our Geography curriculum and allows pupils to apply their geographical skills in real-life settings.
- In Key Stage 1, pupils investigate and understand their local area and use this as a basis to begin to learn about the wider world.
- In Key Stage 2, pupils investigate their local area and a contrasting area around the world, finding out about the environment and the people who live there, as well as exploring some of the challenges that the world faces today.
Impact
- Children will be able to use a range of geographical vocabulary to discuss their learning.
- They will be able to use key skills to gain knowledge and apply their understanding to a range of tasks.
- They will be thoughtful citizens with a consideration for the human impact on the environment.