Geography

Subject Leader: Mrs J Davies

"The study of geography is about more than just memorising places on a map. It's about understanding the complexity of our world, appreciating the diversity of cultures that exists across continents. And in the end, it's about using all that knowledge to help bridge divides and bring people together"  - Barack Obama

Whole School Progression Map

Teaching and learning in the subject 

We follow the six below steps to outstanding teaching and learning in Geography (see separate Teaching and Learning Policy).

Orientation - each classroom has a Geography working wall that displays key vocabulary, maps and images from the current unit of work. It is also an opportunity to showcase children’s work throughout the year. Resources that are required for each lesson are fully prepared and available beforehand, such as ICT, atlases, maps and globes. 

Prior Knowledge - this is ascertained through the use of pre learning quizzes and questioning. Children are asked to bridge back to prior learning and share what they remember about a particular topic. Any gaps in previous learning is identified and incorporated into future planning.

Presentation - We link our Geography units to previous learning in earlier years and are constantly making connections with the outside world. Our lessons are designed to improve children’s knowledge of place and being in the wider world, and bringing children’s own personal experiences into the classroom. 

Challenge - Lessons and tasks are designed to challenge pupils’ thinking and require research, reasoning and critical thinking. Pupils are encouraged to make connections and are given opportunities to apply knowledge that has been acquired. They will often work in pairs or small groups and learning partners will change frequently. Questioning is used by teachers to encourage the pupils to think more deeply and move their learning on. 

Feedback - This is precise, timely and often ‘in the moment’. Teachers use direct verbal feedback to address misconceptions and move learning forward. Through group work, children develop their own ‘talk and feedback’ strategies as part of cooperative learning.

Repeat - Recall strategies are applied through quizzes and questioning at the start of each Geography lesson. Vocabulary is learnt through repetition and remains on the working wall throughout the duration of the topic.

Geography in  EYFS

Geography is taught within the Understanding the World area of learning. We encourage the children to have a sense of wonder about the world we live in. Through observation, discussion, stories, non-fiction texts and maps the children will develop a firm understanding of their environment. They will increase their geographical skills and will be able to share their understanding of some of the similarities and differences between life in this country and life in other countries. 

Inclusion within Geography 

See the attached document for adaptive teaching strategies in the areas of:

• communication and interaction
• cognition and learning
• sensory and/or physical
• social and emotional

What our pupils say about Geography...

“I loved our trip to the River Mersey.”

“We have used google maps to find where we live.”

“I liked it when we used compass directions to make our own maps.”

“Geography is when you learn about new places and how they are different or similar to where we live.” 

“I like learning about different countries and places.”

“Geography is important because if you ever get lost you can find your way back.”