Geography
GEOGRAPHY CURRICULUM STATEMENT
At Holmleigh, Geography is taught using the Rising Stars scheme of work. Rising Stars Geography is a complete curriculum programme for primary geography which provides 18 half-termly units of work to interest pupils and encourage curiosity about their own locality and the wider world. It offers complete coverage of the Programme of Study for Geography (2014) and the criteria of the new Ofsted Education Inspection Framework (2019).
From starting points suitable for all, pupils develop to tackle appropriate challenges for KS1 and KS2 pupils of varying abilities. The units have key questions to encourage the use of geographical enquiry, as well as a focus on the acquisition and application of key subject knowledge, concepts and vocabulary throughout. Skills, knowledge and understanding in geography progress through Year 1 to Year 6, being taught, developed and applied throughout the schemes of work.
A range of opportunities are provided to enable all pupils to communicate their knowledge and understanding of the subject. Links are made within and across units to support pupils in making connections. Rising Stars Geography offers complete coverage of the National Curriculum Programme of Study for the Geography (2014).
INTENT
At Holmleigh, we believe Geography is fundamental in enabling children to develop a coherent understanding of the world around them. Being taught location and place knowledge, about the human and physical features of the world, alongside geographical skills and fieldwork, will prepare them to live and thrive in the ever changing world we live in.
During their studies, the children will develop knowledge and understanding of their local area and beyond which will include the United Kingdom, Europe and The Americas. As they journey through our school, indoor and outdoor learning will enable them to extend their geographical vocabulary and skills. They will have opportunities to collect, analyse and present data and use maps and atlases. With the current and ongoing issues our world is facing, we also educate our children so that they become compassionate citizens that care about our earth.
We endeavour to provide a geography curriculum which ignites every child’s passion for learning as they journey through Holmleigh!
IMPLEMENTATION
Geography is taught in topic-based blocks throughout the year. We teach the National Curriculum, supported by a clear skills and knowledge progression. This ensure that skills and knowledge are built on year by year and sequenced appropriately to maximise learning for all children. At the beginning of each topic, children are able 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 the children’s needs and their geographical interests. Every child is supported and challenged to reach their full potential.
IMPACT
The impact of our Geography curriculum is measured in a variety of ways: questioning during lesson time, marking children’s written work, listening to child-led discussion, interviewing pupils across the school about their learning, and using images of children’s practical learning. By end of the Geography curriculum at Holmleigh, our children will:
- Have an excellent knowledge of where places are and what they are like.
- Have an excellent understanding of the ways in which places are interdependent and interconnected and how much human and physical environments are interrelated.
- Develop their geographical skills, such as, evaluation, creativity, problem solving and enquiry.
- Have an extensive base of geographical knowledge and vocabulary.
- Be fluent in complex geographical enquiry and the ability to apply questioning skills and use effective analytical and presentational techniques.
- Have the ability to reach clear conclusions and develop reasoned arguments to explain findings.
- Have a passion for and commitment to the subject, and a real sense of curiosity to find out about the world and the people who live there.
- Have the ability to express well-balanced opinions, rooted in very good knowledge and understanding about current and contemporary issues in society and the environment.
You can find an overview of our Geography curriculum in the link below.