Intent

At Welford On Avon Primary, Geography is a valued part of the curriculum, providing a purposeful means for exploring, appreciating and understanding the world in which we live and how it has evolved.  Geography explores the relationship between the Earth and its people through the study of place, location and environment.  In Geography, pupils learn the skills of understanding a locality and how and where people fit into its overall structure.  Geography encourages children to learn through experience, particularly through practical and fieldwork activities.

Through high quality teaching, pupils will be equipped with locational and place knowledge; together with a deep understanding of the earth’s key physical and human processes.  Over time children will develop their geographical map-reading and fieldwork skills including locating, observing, measuring and recording.

Aims

The National Curriculum for Geography aims to ensure that all pupils by the end of each key stage, know, can apply and understand the matters, skills and processes specified in the relevant programmes of study.

Key Stage 1 and 2

In KS1, pupils at Welford, in line with the National Curriculum, will be taught about location knowledge:, place knowledge, human and physical geography and geographical skills and fieldwork.  The children focus on either Geography or History for each half-term and then allocate a minimum of 1 1/2 hour each week to Geography/ History. In addition, we aim to maximise learning where links with other subjects, e.g. English and Maths, are appropriate.

Implementation

We use a range of teaching and learning styles, including the children in activities such as fieldwork, research, use of ICT, discussion, role play, visitors and visits off premises.  We encourage the children to link their learning in Geography with a range of different subject areas within the units studied, as well as promoting their development and embedding of key English and Mathematical skills within Geography activities.

Early Years Foundation Stage

In Nursery and Reception, staff plan for progression through the ‘Understanding of the World’ strand, which provides the foundations for Geography learning higher up the school.  The long term plan for geography is reviewed biannually.

Equal Opportunities

Geography follows the Equality Policy of Welford On Avon Primary School.  Class teachers have a responsibility to differentiate learning to enable all children, including SEN to access the learning intentions.  All children are exposed to trips and learning enhancement opportunities, with additional consideration given to Pupil Premium children (or identified disadvantaged children) who may benefit from further opportunities.