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Geography

Being a Geographer

 

Intent- Why are we teaching this?

The National Curriculum for Geography aims to ensure that all pupils:  

  • develop contextual knowledge of the location of globally significant places 

  • understand the processes that give rise to key physical and human geographical features of the world 

  • are competent in the geographical skills needed to:  

  • collect, analyse and communicate with a range of data  

  • interpret a range of sources of geographical information 

  • communicate geographical information in a variety of ways 

At Luxulyan School, we believe that Geography can inspire curiosity and an ambition to explore, understand and reflect upon the world and its’ inhabitants. Our curriculum intends to provoke and provide answers to questions about the natural and human aspects of our world. Through different scales of geographical enquiry, our children develop their knowledge of places, landscapes, environments, cultures and people, and how they have affected each other over timeGeographical enquiry includes mapping skills and a range of investigative and problem solving skills both inside and outside the classroom through local fieldwork and trips. We are committed to providing children with opportunities to investigate and make enquiries about their local areas of Luxulyan, Cornwall and the South West so that they can develop of real sense of who they are, their heritage and what makes our local area unique and special. Whilst building a strong foundation of local geographical awareness, we also aim to enthuse them about the wider world and its’ diversity. 

 

Implementation- How is this being taught in the classroom?

At Luxulyan School, we have adopted the Cornerstones curriculum to teach a number of subject areas, including GeographyThe Cornerstones curriculum is an interconnected, project-led approach which allows children to gain a rich understanding of Geography whilst making authentic, meaningful links with other subjects. Each project is skills and knowledge-rich, whilst also being fully adaptable, enabling us to weave in our own local opportunities and places of interestWe ensure that the intended curriculum coverage is complete from EYFS to Year 6, by selecting and building our own projects. Lessons are planned in manageable chunks and taught in sequence to ensure that maximum opportunity is given for our children to build on prior knowledge, alongside the introduction of new skills. Opportunities for revision of geographical concepts and skills are includeas children move through the school. Learning is recorded in topic or floor books and can be evidenced in a range of ways including written pieces, photographs, diagrams and charts. 

Our school is situated close to Luxulyan Valley, a World Heritage site which is rich in geographical sites of interestFieldwork visits to the valley enable our children to develop their understanding of both physical and human geography and how they are affected by and impact upon each other. We also offer regular Forest School sessions for all children. These take place both onsite and at a site in Luxulyan Valley. Alongside making use of our local environment, visitors to school and educational visits linked to their project enhance our children’s learning experience. 

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) follows the ‘Development Matters in the EYFS’ guidance. Geography is taught, shared and assessed through the specific area of Understanding the World (The World and People and Communities).  

Impact- What is the effect?

Outcomes in topic and literacy books, evidence a broad and balanced geography curriculum and demonstrate children’s acquisition of identified key knowledge. As children progress throughout the school, they develop a deep knowledge, understanding an appreciation of their local area and its place within the wider geographical context. Our children will be inspired and prepared to further their geographical knowledge as they progress to secondary school and onwards. Natural processes and human activity mean that it’s an ever-changing world which we share. Geography is an evolving, relevant and engaging subject which will support our children in understanding their role as British and global citizens, both now and in the future. 

Geography Long Term Overview
Knowledge Organisers
Key Assessment Criteria- Being a Geographer
 
At Luxulyan, Teachers use key assessment criteria for each year group, for each subject to support their judgements about the attainment and progress of our children. The criteria supports staff to ask rich questions and probe understanding.
 
Pages which contain the DFE logo are extracted directly from the National Curriculum for England from September 2014. These outline the expected curriculum content for each year group and key stage.
 
Pages with the subject logos are a suggested set of criteria for best fit assessment in each year group.