Geography

"The study of geography is about more than just memorizing 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

At OVPA we believe the teaching of Geography widens a child’s understanding of the world around them, builds a natural curiosity of where they are and the knowledge of what is there to give them a sense of place. We aim for our geographers to understand the interconnections between communities and cultures and how human action impacts our community. In turn this develops  empathy with other cultures thereby creating an understanding of what it means to be a positive citizen in a multicultural country. 

Our progressive curriculum intends to develop transferable geographical skills, vocabulary, knowledge and concepts. It provides high quality experiences that allows children to learn graphic skills. including how to use, draw and interpret maps. Our curriculum empowers children with the knowledge and understanding of environmental problems at a local, regional and global level.

Our curriculum is taught using national curriculum objectives. Geography is taught under three themes each year, ‘World around us’, ‘What makes us human?’ and ‘On our doorstep'. ‘The World Around Us’ covers physical geography and natural disasters. ‘Our planet and us’ covers environmental geography and how we can make a positive difference to our world. ‘On Our Doorstep’ is a study of local and human geography. Each phase covers a different topic under the overarching theme for the term. We use philosophical concepts to support our Geographers in making connections with other cultures and communities for example, it is only when you understand  the concept of responsibility to your own locality can you apply this to the responsibility the people in Yanomami have to the amazon rainforest.