Social Studies: Geography

Geography Curriculum Statement

At Paddock Wood Primary Academy we want every child to be happy and enthusiastic learners of Geography, and to be eager to achieve their very best in order to fulfil their considerable potential. We firmly believe that the recipe for success is high quality first-wave teaching in Geography, which is central to the life of our happy, caring academy.

Intent

• Our principal aim is that children leave Paddock Wood Primary Academy with a wide range of happy and rich memories in Geography formed through interesting and exciting experiences driven through PYP-friendly vehicles that enhance a child’s awareness of their own abilities and strengths as a learner; thus ensuring that children see learning in Geography as an on-going process not a one-off event.

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/239044/PRIMARY_national_curriculum_- _Geography.pdf

• Children will meet the National Curriculum expectations in Geography, which will be taught by highly-qualified, enthusiastic staff who will support children to develop mastery of concepts and inspire enthusiasm and interest in the subject.

• Opportunities will exist for children of all ages to experience learning beyond the classroom, interleaved with other other areas of the curriculum and international-mindedness. In tandem with this approach, cultural capital opportunities will allow learners to enrich their knowledge; for example, visiting places they may not normally consider or places of geographical interest or conducting geographical surveys within the local area to gain relevant information that will contribute to the curriculum vehicle (e.g. land use mapping of retail to find maximum sales opportunities).

• Children will develop a deep understanding of the subjects they are studying. They will increasingly use their prior knowledge to solve problems and develop the sophistication of Geography.

• Children will understand how British Values relate to Geography.

• In Geography, children will develop the skills to consider human and physical geographical characteristics, gain appropriate working knowledge of locality and conduct meaningful fieldwork.

• Children will develop a real understanding and appreciation of the world learning from the best that has been developed and said. For example, local planning officers, retail managers and project and site managers.

Scheme of Learning

Our PYP approach is underscored by the National Curriculum. It allows for appropriate sequencing and aims to secure long-term memory as well as the enjoyment of learning a geography. The progression of skills in geography is mapped on the links below.

Implementation

• The subject leader for Geography will meet the senior leadership team and repesentatives from the Trust on a regular basis to evaluate provision in order to ensure that teaching and learning in Geography is outstanding. Where necessary, staff will receive coaching and training in Geography.

• Carefully designed, interleaved learning in Geography ensures consistency and progress of all learners.

• The vehicles which drive learning throughout the term is the central idea and associated lines of inquiry. Therefore, Geography is taught through these vehicles. Other ways of learning include by guest speakers who are specialists in their field, trips to businesses, fieldwork to relevant places of interest, innovative use of technology such as GPS mapping systems, to name but a few.

• Clearly defined end goals are set in order to guide children to achieve their potential. This ensures work is demanding and matches the aims of the curriculum whislt still fulfilling the requirements of a PYP approach.

• High quality teaching responds to the needs of children. Spiral learning is a key focus of all formative and summative assessment with teachers actively marking work in lessons in order to identify misconceptions early.

• High quality input from experts and educational resources complement the delivery of specialist learning admirably. Children understand how Geography is used in the wider world including careers.

Assessment

Each lesson will include live marking (as per the Marking and Feedback Policy). Books will be marked fortnightly following the Marking and Feedback Policy. Homework is not formally set in geography but children are encouraged to take part in enrichment opportunities such as visiting different counties, using compasses on fieldwork and making effective use of academy grounds.

High quality teaching responds to the needs of children. Spiral learning is a key focus of all formative and summative assessment with teachers actively marking work in lessons in order to identify misconceptions early. An assessment grid (the foundation skills assessment) is used to formally record an overview of progress of each child.

Cultural Capital

• Children will learn about (and make visits to) areas of significant geographical interest such as the local train station, Stirling, London, Kew Gardens and Plas Pencelli (Wales). In addition, they will learn about famous geographers such as William Morris Davis and the knowledge about physical geography that Sir David Attenborough has shared through his work.

Impact

• Children are happy learners within Geography. They experience a wide range of learning challenges within the subject and know appropriate responses to them, such as informed choices regarding current environmental issues e.g. limiting the use of plastics.

• Through Geography, children deepen their appreciation of their faith and fulfil their potential. As part of the global community, they understand that they are called to look after and protect the world given to them.

• Visits within Geography have enriched the lives of the children and they are able to discuss how the experience impacted their knowledge and understanding.

• Children of all abilities and backgrounds achieve well in Geography reflected in outstanding progress that reveals a clear learning journey. Children talk enthusiastically about their learning in Geography and are eager to further their learning in the next stages of their education.

• There is a proven track record of the impact of deep learning.

• Clear outcomes focus and guide all Geography development plans and drive improvement.

• Fundamental British Values are evident in Geography and children understand how it can celebrate difference.

• Through wider reading in Geography, children will… develop a deep and consolidated knowledge and understanding of the curriculum with current real life examples. Children will develop an understanding of real world examples of: floods; earthquakes etc within their lifetime. Reading materials include horrible geographies; BBC bitesize; National Geographic; BBC news along with a range of library books tailored to children’s reading ages.

• Through this exposure, children will produce work that is influenced by the best of the best.