It is our intention at Eastcote, that in teaching geography through the philosophy of the IB and the Primary Years Programme (PYP), all our pupils, regardless of need and background, become active, global citizens who make a positive contribution to their community and the world. We intend that through the study of geography our pupils will learn how they can change the world for the better and in doing so prepare each student for their next phase of education. We aim to create an excitement in learning about geography so that our pupils will be inspired to be tomorrow’s Cartographer, landscape architects, or environmental scientist.
Our geography teaching and learning will enable pupils to become globally-aware citizens. Through an understanding of both physical geography, which looks at the natural processes of the Earth, and human geography, which looks at the impact of people, our pupils will begin to see the interconnected nature of these processes. This knowledge will then enable them to actively participate in their community and contribute to solving geographical issues.
Through the transdisciplinary themes, there are many opportunities to investigate geographical issues which supports the emotional and ethical development of pupils, whilst also allowing them to solve problems and show creativity and resourcefulness. Pupils at Eastcote Primary Academy will acquire a broad locational knowledge as well as developing a range of geographical map skills needed to investigate places around the world. Fieldwork will be used, with increasing independence through the school, to encourage enquiry and to allow for deeper learning of geographical concepts, knowledge and skills.
Through the Primary Years Programme (PYP) the geography curriculum has been mapped within the six key transdisciplinary themes. Our curriculum mapping enables pupils to deepen their understanding of complex, abstract concepts, such as sustainability and environment, by revisiting these concepts over time when studying different geography. This layered approach supports children in embedding their knowledge over time and integrate new knowledge into larger concepts. Teachers check learners’ understanding systematically, and are knowledgeable in the misconceptions commonly held, using visuals and sources to support children’s developing understanding.
Assessment is used well to check understanding and inform teaching.
Within EYFS and KS1, pupils will develop the basic contextual knowledge of their local area, the four countries and capital cities of the United Kingdom as well as learning about the seven continents and 5 oceans. They will also begin to explore maps and use geographical vocabulary. Each KS2 year group explores at least one geographical process in depth, ensuring that the full breadth of the National Curriculum is taught across the school. The skills are arranged to allow pupils to build upon their knowledge from previous years and to create links with this and knowledge from other subjects.
At Hartley, we strive to ensure learning is engaging and endeavour to provide frequent opportunities for geographical enquiry. We provide challenges that encourage our pupils to embrace and understand the connections between what they learn in lessons and the real world and become critical and reflective thinkers. Incidental geography teaching is also encouraged to increase pupils’ knowledge and understanding of the world.
The geography curriculum enthuses pupils through engaging activities, trips and visitors that give all the children an opportunity to develop and extend their geological thinking.
Pupils will be able to retain both substantive and disciplinary knowledge as they revisit and layer their understanding of geography. Learners will develop detailed knowledge and skills across the curriculum. Pupils will:
- Develop a sense of curiosity about the world and the people who live there.
- Have a good general knowledge of the world map.
- Have a detailed knowledge of the countries and major cities of Europe, North and South America and other countries around the world.
- Have an understanding of the interconnected nature of the main human and physical features and processes.
- Develop an extensive base of geographical knowledge and vocabulary.
- Be confident when undertaking geographical enquiry.
- Develop the ability to apply questioning skills and use effective analytical and presentational techniques.
- Be proficient in basic fieldwork and other geographical skills and techniques, including basic GIS and the use of OS maps.
- Have the ability to express well-balanced opinions, rooted in very good knowledge and understanding about current and contemporary issues in society and the environment.
Our exciting geography curriculum will lead pupils to be enthusiastic geography learners who leave Eastcote Primary Academy reaching at least age-related expectations for geography.