Geography

Intent

At Shakespeare Primary School we aim to:

show children that Geography can help to provoke questions and provide answers about the natural and human aspects of the world
provide children with a creative learning environment featuring classroom displays
encourage children to develop a greater understanding and knowledge of the world, as well as their place in it
enable children to develop knowledge and skills that are transferable to other curriculum areas and which can be, and are, used to promote their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development
Help children understand that Geography is an investigative subject which develops an understanding of concepts, knowledge and skills
inspire a curiosity and fascination about the world and its people
promote an interest and understanding of diverse places, people, resources and natural/human environments, together with a deep understanding of the Earth’s key physical and human processes
develop knowledge and skills that are progressive, as well as transferable, throughout their time at Shakespeare and also to their further education and beyond

Implementation

Geography at Shakespeare is taught throughout the year, so that children can achieve depth in their learning and allows children opportunities to revisit key concepts as their learning progresses. Teachers have identified the key knowledge and skills they will be teaching within their year group and consideration has been given to ensure progression is achieved across topics throughout each year group across the school. At the beginning of each area of Geography that is covered, children are given the opportunity to convey what they know already as well as what they would like to find out. 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.
Cross curricular outcomes in Geography are considered during the planning stage and utilised in other subjects. The local area is fully utilised to achieve the desired outcomes, with extensive opportunities for learning outside the classroom embedded in practice.

Impact

The impact the teaching has on pupils at Shakespeare should see children making clear progression and sustained learning with transferable skills. Outcomes in topic and literacy books, evidence a broad and balanced Geography curriculum and demonstrate children’s acquisition of identified key knowledge. Children are given the opportunity to review their successes in achieving the lesson objectives as part of plenaries in order to help identify personal targets. As children progress throughout the school, they develop a deep knowledge, understanding and appreciation of their local area and its place within the wider geographical context. Educational visits provide further relevant and contextual learning.