Geography
Intent
At Netherton C of E, our geography curriculum is designed to ignite curiosity and understanding of the Earth's physical and human features, processes, and their interactions. We explore a variety of locations, both within the UK and abroad, to broaden children's perspectives and expose them to diverse landscapes, cultures, and global issues.
Aligned with the National Curriculum, our topics are carefully selected to expand children's knowledge of the wider world and foster a deep appreciation for geography. Geography is, by nature, an investigative subject and we aim to inspire lifelong curiosity and fascination about the world, its issues, and its people.
Our vision is for children to believe ’I can do it.’ Our geography curriculum enables children to develop knowledge and skills that are transferable to other curriculum areas, not just through experiences in the classroom, but also with the use of fieldwork and educational visits.
Our vision is for all children to believe ‘I can grow.’ Geography serves as a tool to explore and understand the natural and human aspects of the world, fostering the children’s spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development.
Our vision is for all children to believe ‘I am accepted’ and ‘I am loved’. Our geography curriculum aims to promote a sense wonder, belonging and awareness, so that children begin to understand the complexities of the world and their role as a responsible global citizen.
Implementation
To ensure comprehensive learning, geography at Netherton C of E is taught weekly for half a term during both the Autumn and Spring terms. In the Summer term, it aligns with History as part of a local heritage project.
Our planning ensures progression across key stages and year groups. Each geography unit incorporates reading and writing skills as a means of gaining and sharing knowledge. Teaching subject-specific vocabulary is integral to our curriculum, immersing children in geographic terms to enhance their understanding of the world. It is important that children develop the skills of a geographer by fully immersing them in all areas of the subject. The local area is fully utilised to achieve desired outcomes, with opportunities for learning outside the classroom. School trips and fieldwork are provided to give first-hand experiences, which enhance children's understanding of the world beyond their locality.
The teaching of geography is monitored by the subject leader through lesson observations, work scrutiny, staff feedback and pupil voice. The subject leader supports staff to ensure high quality first teaching of geography.
Impact
Our geography curriculum is designed to demonstrate progression in knowledge, skills, and vocabulary within each unit. This is monitored through the use of Golden Nuggets and exit tickets. Children deepen their understanding of the interaction between physical and human processes and how this affects landscapes and environments. By the end of Year 6 children will be able to make links between human and physical interaction within the world, understand issues affecting themselves, the global community and the environment. We ensure children at Netherton C of E are equipped with geographical skills and knowledge that will enable them to be ready for the curriculum at Key Stage 3 and for life as an adult in the wider world. Children will have thoroughly enjoyed learning about geography, therefore encouraging them to undertake new life experiences now and in the future.
Characteristics of a Geographer
- A sense of curiosity to find out about the world and the people who live there.
- An understanding of the ways in which places are interdependent and interconnected.
- An understanding of the links between the natural and human world.
- Being good at asking questions and using effective analytical and presentation skills.
- The ability to Express opinions rooted in good knowledge, and understanding about current issues in society and the environment.
- An extensive base of geographical knowledge and vocabulary.
- The ability to reach clear conclusions and develop a reasoned argument to explain findings.
- Highly developed and frequently utilised fieldwork and other geographical skills and techniques.
Potential Careers
- Land surveyor
- Forester
- Marine Biologist
- Weather Presenter
- Tour Guide
- Town Planner
- Farmer
- Cartographer
- Geography teacher