Geography at Belmont
Intent
The intent of the geography curriculum is that our children will have a deep understanding of their local environment and the diverse surroundings in the wider world, with appreciation for human and physical characteristics. We will deliver a curriculum that inspires curiosity and fascination about the world and its people, equipping children with an understanding of diverse places, people, resources and environments around them. Our curriculum will allow children to build on prior learning about physical and human processes and the formation and use of landscapes and environments. It will develop an understanding that the Earth’s features are interconnected and change over time. The geography curriculum will encourage exploration of the children’s own environment and challenge pupils to make connections between their local surroundings and that of contrasting settlements. We will ensure that the children use their local area and community to develop geographical skills and knowledge.
Implementation
- Geography is taught in two blocks throughout the year, so that children can achieve depth in their learning.
- Teachers identify the key knowledge and skills of each topic and consideration has been given to ensure clear progression across topics throughout each year group across the school
- The curriculum is underpinned by the use of knowledge organisers. These outline any prior learning linked to both new and future knowledge. These are shared with both the children and the parents.
- Cross-curricular geographical outcomes are specifically planned for.
- The local area is fully utilised to achieve intended outcomes, strengthening students’ understanding of their place in their community.
- Opportunities for learning outside the classroom are embedded in teaching practice, including in visits and trips.
- In order to support children in their ability to know more and remember more, there are regular opportunities to review the learning that has taken place in previous topics, as well as previous lessons.
Impact
The intended impact of the Geography curriculum is that:
- Outcomes in pupil workbooks evidence a broad and balanced geography curriculum and demonstrate the children’s acquisition of identified key knowledge.
- Children have an extensive base of geographical knowledge and vocabulary.
- Emphasis is placed on deeper thinking and questioning, which helps pupils gain a coherent knowledge, encouraging them to be more curious about the world.
- Children articulate, communicate and reflect their geographical knowledge and skills.
- Children experience meaningful school trips and field trips that provide further scaffold for relevant, contextual learning.
