Geography

Intent

At Kensington Primary we believe that Geography helps children to use their investigative skills to provide answers to questions about the physical and human features of the world. Children are encouraged to develop a greater understanding and knowledge of the world through inquiry based lessons. Whilst using the IB learner profile Geography is, by nature, an investigative subject, which develops an understanding of concepts, knowledge and skills. The curriculum is designed to ensure that teaching provides pupils with knowledge about diverse places, people, resources and natural and human environments, as well as a deep understanding of the Earth’s physical and human features. As pupils progress through the school, their skills, knowledge and understanding of the World is built upon year by year. Teachers will know what the children have been previously taught and can build on that knowledge to ensure children are progressing. The Geography curriculum seeks to inspire children’s natural curiosity and fascination about the world. To develop their skills as inquirers, researchers, these skills are underpinned by the IB learner profile and equipping them for further education and beyond.

Implementation

To ensure high standards of teaching and learning in geography, we implement a curriculum that is progressive throughout the whole school.

At Kensington Primary, we ensure that geography has the same importance given to it as the core subjects, as we feel this is important in enabling all children to gain ‘real-life’ experiences. The geography curriculum Kensington Primary school is based upon the 2014 Primary National Curriculum in England, which provides a broad framework and outlines the knowledge and skills and taught in each Key Stage. Teachers plan their lessons using the skill progression map.

Teachers can use this document to plan their geography lessons. The progression document ensures the curriculum is covered and the skills/knowledge taught is progressive from year group to year group. Geography teaching focuses on enabling children to think as geographers. A variety of teaching approaches are used based on the teacher’s judgement. Geography provides excellent opportunities to enhance the learning of more able pupils through the investigations, analysing sources and writing extending pieces, at least one per topic is expected.

Educational visits are another opportunity for the teachers to plan for additional geography learning outside the classroom. At Kensington Primary school the children have had many opportunities to experience geography on educational visits. The children have explored the local area including orienteering within the school grounds and conducting river studies and an open top bus tour around Liverpool.

Impact

The impact of our geography curriculum at Kensington Primary is that our learners are equipped with the geographical skills and knowledge that will enable them to be ready for the secondary curriculum and for life as an adult in the wider world. The children will be able to discuss their learning and demonstrate their knowledge and understanding through a range of activities and experiences.