Geography   

Why is Geography important? - Our Curriculum Intent

Geography education enables children to gain knowledge of their world, exposing them to places, people and situations they otherwise might not experience. In developing an awareness of the wider world, a zest for living, a curiosity and an enthusiasm to explore, understand and investigate further is stimulated. By experiencing a variety of other cultures, children develop an understanding of similarities and a respect and tolerance for differences in how people live and think. An appreciation of diversity facilitates positive relationships and collaboration. Learning Geography enables children to understand how people and places have been changed by evolving situations. This provides a mechanism for ‘walking in another’s shoes’ and opportunities for ‘what if?’ questions, reflection and developing self-awareness. Learning Geography enables children to consider their place in the world, to establish the extent of their responsibilities towards important issues and to assess the impact of their everyday actions. Through the study of local issues and fieldwork, they understand their power as decision-makers and how these decisions can be influenced. Apart from subject knowledge, learning Geography utilises and develops skills, for example, map reading, critical thinking and questioning, which can be called upon throughout their life.

Our Vision

At Paddocks we aim to inspire pupils to become global citizens by exploring their own place in the world, their values and their responsibilities to other people, to the environment and to the sustainability of the planet. We help develop children's curiosity in both their immediate surroundings and in places and environments in the wider world. by instilling an interest and desire to investigate a variety of both human and physical characteristics through meaningful research and careful questioning. We provide children with many opportunities to use a range of geographical skills to help them understand, present, analyse and communicate and to put these skills into practice both inside and outside the classroom through local fieldwork and trips.

What does Geography look like at Paddocks? - Our Curriculum Implementation

We use Kapow to support our teaching of Geography.  Throughout their time at Paddocks Primary, children learn a variety of geographical skills to deepen their understanding of their own environment. To begin with, children in EYFS use their area and the school grounds to observe, explore and investigate their immediate environment. These vital skills are then built upon and enhanced by comparing and explaining their own experiences. As children progress through the school, they are able to use their understanding to investigate the wider world as they take part in exploration of our local area. Our pupils gain an awareness of our responsibilities with regards to looking after and maintaining our environment. Alongside their learning, children develop the subject -specific vocabulary relating to the human and physical aspects of geography. They are also able to use a variety of maps and plans to aid their understanding.  Through the subject the children gain a valuable insight into the lives and environments of others living in different countries and continents.

What do the children say? - Our Curriculum Impact

 'I like learning about where I live and other countries in the world.'

'I didn't know that there are lots of different countries in Africa, but I do now!'

'The maps are so big, we had great fun trying to find different places using grid references.'

Progression