Rationale

Geography at Bournville begins in EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage) as children explore and ask questions about the world around them, making sense of their immediate environments. Geography teaches an understanding of places and environments so it is crucial that we start within the local area and then explore further afield so pupils have a sense of where they belong and can make links and compare life in this area with that of other regions in the United Kingdom and in the rest of the world.

They learn how to draw and interpret maps and they develop the skills of research, investigation, analysis and problem-solving, both inside and outside the classroom. Through their growing knowledge and understanding of human geography, children gain an appreciation of life in other cultures. Geography teaching also motivates children to find out about the physical world and enables them to recognize the importance of sustainable development for the future of humankind. The Geography curriculum also promotes key British Values so our children have exposure to a wide experience of local and global learning. It provides opportunities for developing respect and tolerance when embracing differences within the world we live.

Aims and objectives:

• To fulfil the requirements of the national Curriculum and the Early Years Foundation Stage.
• To inspire pupils when learning about the world in which they live, stimulating their curiosity.
• To obtain Geographical knowledge, understanding and skills including fieldwork.
• To provide pupils with knowledge about diverse places, people, resources and natural and human environments.
• To develop a growing knowledge about the world to deepen their understanding of the interaction between physical and human processes, and of the formation and use of landscapes and environments

Subject Organisation and Pedagogical Approaches

EYFS:

Within the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum, geography is included as part of Understanding the World and through the areas of People, Cultures and Communities, The Natural World and Past and Present. Understanding the world involves guiding children to make sense of their physical world and their community. The frequency and range of children’s personal experiences increases their knowledge and sense of the world around them – from visiting parks, libraries and museums to meeting important members of society such as police officers, nurses and firefighters. In addition, listening to a broad selection of stories, non-fiction, rhymes and poems will foster their understanding of our culturally, socially, technologically and ecologically diverse world. As well as building important knowledge, this extends their familiarity with words that support understanding across domains.

KS1 and KS2:

Geography is taught for at least one hour per week every other term. Pupils will explore 3 projects each year to ensure a deep understanding of the geography curriculums aims and overarching themes. A curriculum map has been created so teaching staff can see what children have learnt previously and their next steps. Each project build on previous learning and knowledge to enable long-term retention of key knowledge and skills.

Each project has 6 sessions and each one begins with a chance to revisit prior learning. Lessons have an enquiry question to quickly hook and engage the children and develop conceptual understanding, deeper knowledge and key facts. Teachers also utilise resources, out of class experiences and trips and visitors to embed the learning from the curriculum.