GEOGRAPHY AT OAK GREEN SCHOOL

Why do we teach what we teach? (Our intent)

Geography is perhaps one of the most versatile and cross curricular subjects there is. We can find links to geography in most areas of the curriculum from poetry, music and art to maths, science and even P.E.! Geography is about everything we do and see in our local community and the wider world. From studying the natural world around us to understanding our impact on, responsibility and role in shaping the world in which we live, geography opens eyes and minds to enable pupils to grow into resilient, questioning and resourceful members of the world. Our aim is to equip the children with the knowledge, skills and vocabulary needed to enable them to take ownership of their own enquiry based learning. 

How do we teach it? (Our implementation)

At Oak Green we teach geography in a progressive sequential way that enables children to continually build on their geographical skills, knowledge and vocabulary. Each lesson, the geography objectives are clearly set out and shared with the children, followed by a retrieval of their previous learning. In Early Years, children learn through our WOW lessons as well as an enriching continuous provision where children independently develop and harness those geographical knowledge and skills through ‘understanding the world’ activities. Through this provision, in each topic we’ll have a geographical element through exploring the natural world, people culture and communities, and other cultural capital learning opportunities. In Key Stage 1, children will use geographical skills to conduct simple fieldwork of the school and it’s grounds. They will develop their locational knowledge of countries, continents and oceans. They will also learn to identify seasonal and daily weather patterns in the UK and learn about hot and cold parts of the world. As they move up to Key Stage 2, they will develop their geographical skills by collecting, analysing and interpreting a range of data they have gathered through their field work (including map work, numerical quantitative skills and writing). Children will build on their locational and place knowledge of the wider world by making comparisons between key physical and human characteristics, studying environmental regions and the Earth’s features.

What is the difference that this makes? (Our impact)

The impact that learning in geography has on our pupils, is not only knowledge gained during their time at school, but also an impact on their lives and roles in society and the world as they leave our school and progress beyond. Through this strengthened understanding of their locality, children will further develop their sense of identity, community and respect for the world we live in. Through teaching an ambitious geography curriculum, children will leave Key Stage 2 with the confidence to design and conduct field work, problem solve and make informed decisions based on their geographical knowledge, preparing them for secondary school.