Curriculum Statement for Geography
Rationale
The study of Geography is to enable pupils to understand the interaction of human beings with their environments– at personal, local, regional, national and global scales.
Incorporating the programmes of study from the National Curriculum, our Geography curriculum aims to:
Curriculum Intent
At Sherford Vale Primary School, we use the Connected Geography Scheme of Work to deliver the National Curriculum for Geography throughout Key Stage 1 and "Opening Worlds" scheme in KS2. Both schemes are well-sequenced, with a clear progression in knowledge, geographical skills, concepts and vocabulary and links to other curriculum subjects.
In EYFS, pupils are taught the knowledge and skills for ‘Understanding the World’ using a thematic approach outlined in Development Matters (2021).
The themes are linked to the Scheme of Work for Key Stage 1 to ensure progression as pupils move from EYFS to Key Stage 1.
Enrichment
The Geography Curriculum is enriched in a variety of ways including:
Curriculum Implementation
EYFS
The EYFS Curriculum for Understanding the World is taught in variety of ways through adult-led and adult-supported tasks and child-initiated learning in well-resourced provision areas, both indoors and outdoors.
Key Stage 1 and Year 6
In Key Stage 1 and Year 6, one Geography topic is taught every other half-term, in a block of lessons, alternating with our History curriculum. This enables pupils to focus on aspects of particular topics for a greater period of time, allowing for greater depth of study, rather than teaching both History and Geography topics simultaneously.
KS2, Y3, Y4, Y5
In KS2, in Y3, Y4 and Y5 we follow the "Opening Worlds" scheme and geography is taught each term.
In studying geograpghy as a disciplin, pupils will:
-engage in geographical reasoning about change (including past, present and future change), diversity across space, and interaction between places, phenomena and processes in the world; •
-collect, analyse, record and interpret geographical data, gaining skills of geographical enquiry, including fieldwork; •
-interpret a range of sources of geographical information, including maps, diagrams, globes, aerial photographs and digital technologies;
-communicate geographical information in a variety of ways, including through maps, numerical and quantitative skills and writing at length.
Cross Curricular Links
Cross curricular links have been mapped to promote creativity through subjects such as Music, English, Science, Art and Design and other subjects.
Progression and Assessment in Geography
Regular observations and assessments of learning are recorded using Tapestry, an online journal, and contribute to a summative assessment at the end of EYFS using the Development Matters (2021) outcomes for Understanding the World.
KS1
Regular, ongoing observational assessments are made and termly assessments are recorded using iTrack. This information contributes to an end of year summative assessment.
KS2
End of unit quiz-style assessments of knowledge are made alongside observational assessments and assessments of independent work. Assessments of knowledge progression and concepts are recorded on iTrack. This information contributes to an end of year summative assessment.
Impact
The impact of the curriculum will be reviewed (during the year and at the end of the year), through observations and assessments of pupils’ learning and through pupil discussions about their learning, which includes discussion of their thoughts, ideas, processing and evaluations of work.
