Geography
Our Geography curriculum is designed to inspire children’s curiosity and interest to explore the world that we live in and its people and to ignite a love of geography that will burn bright into the future. We intend to equip children with geographical skills to develop their knowledge through studying places, people and natural and human environments. This seeks to deepen the understanding of the Earth’s human and physical forms and processes. Geography, by nature, is an investigative subject. Through our teaching, we intend to provoke thought, questions and to encourage children to discover answers to their own questions through exploration and research to enable them to gain a greater understanding and knowledge of the world and their place in it.
Implementation
Geography is taught in blocks throughout the year, so that children can achieve depth in their learning. Teachers have identified the key knowledge and skills of each blocked topic and consideration has been given to ensure progression across topics throughout each year group across the school. At the beginning of each topic, children are able to convey what they know already as well as what they would like to find out. The use of year group knowledge books which travel with the children throughout their time at Howick are also used to explore previous learning and make links. This informs the programme of study and also ensures that lessons are relevant and take account of children’s different starting points. Consideration is given to how greater depth will be taught, learnt and demonstrated within each lesson, as well as how learners will be supported in line with the school’s commitment to inclusion.
Impact
Outcomes in books, pupil voice and photographs evidence a broad and balanced geography curriculum and demonstrate children’s acquisition of identified key knowledge. Children review their successes in achieving the lesson objectives at the end of every session and are actively encouraged to identify their own target areas. As children progress throughout the school, they develop a deep knowledge, understanding an appreciation of their local area and its place within the wider geographical context.
Our Learning: Class 1
As part of their learning about the world, Class 1 have been comparing life in the United Kingdom with life in a contrasting environment. Katie came into Class 1 and spoke to the children about her life in Ghana, West Africa. The children thoroughly enjoyed listening to Katie and asking lots of questions! It was wonderful to hear the children discussing the similarities and differences they share.