Tudor Church of England Primary School

Geography has made us neighbours – 

Here at Tudor Church of England Primary School, we believe that Geography helps to provoke and provide answers to questions about the natural and human aspects of the world. We seek to inspire in children a curiosity and fascination about the world and its people which will remain with them for the rest of their lives; to promote the children’s interest and understanding of diverse places, people, resources and natural and human environments, together with a deep understanding of the Earth’s key physical and human processes. Children are encouraged to develop a greater understanding and knowledge of the world, as well as their place within it. We follow, as a starting point, the ‘Quigley Essentials’ which is underpinned by the National Curriculum. This enables children to develop knowledge and skills that are transferable to other curriculum areas and which can and are used to promote their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. Geography is, by nature, an investigative subject, which develops and understanding of concepts, knowledge and skills. The curriculum is designed develop knowledge and skills that are progressive, as well as transferable, throughout their time at Tudor Primary and also to their further education and beyond.

Implementation

In Reception, Geography is taught through the “knowledge and Understanding of the World” strand of the EYFS curriculum. This holistic topic-based approach to learning is built upon in the rest of the school, using the ‘Quigley Essentials’ as a basis for planning lessons. Teachers have identified the key knowledge and geographical skills to be taught in each topic, in line with the National Curriculum, and consideration has been given to ensure progression across topics and throughout each year group.

We have identified 4 key curriculum drivers through out Geography curriculum. They are :

1. Locational Knowledge

2. Human Geography

3. Physical Geography

4. Fieldwork and Mapwork.

Key vocabulary is identified on our long term plans and through knowledge organisers, highlighted to children during lessons and revisited through quizzes where appropriate. 

Learning in geography is enhanced through a variety of local trips and visitors where possible.

Impact

The impact of our geography curriculum can be seen by talking to the children about their interest in this subject and seeing evidence in their books, on learning walks, on Tapestry (in EYFS and KS1) and on displays around the school. Teachers use formative assessment methods to identify children’s understanding such as KWI grids, quizzes and discussion. These are used to help inform teachers for the next steps in planning effective lessons and units. This also allows the class teacher and subject lead to monitor the progress of all children across the school.