Geography

Geography Visions Statement

Intent 

At Hawkesley Church Primary Academy, we aim to foster a lifelong curiosity and understanding of the world through our knowledge-rich Geography curriculum. We believe that a successful geography curriculum enables our pupils to leave us with a sense of curiosity and fascination about the world around them. Our vision is that children will be global and sustainable citizens who are aware of the world we live in and are able to take an active part in contributing and protecting the world as they grow up. We plan opportunities that enrich our children’s spiritual development, linking them to our core school values. For example, we emphasize showing respect to others, acting with integrity, and appreciating diversity (same but different). Our whole school values underpin concepts taught in geography lessons, including responsibilities around sustainability and efforts to alleviate plastic pollution. Our geography curriculum is designed so that children use the location and local area as a starting point before progressing on to the UK and then the rest of the world. The geographical knowledge children will gain has been carefully specified, ordered coherently, and builds over time. Our intent is to provide frequent opportunities to develop geographical skills through both classroom and outdoor learning experiences and equip children with the foundational knowledge and skills necessary to understand their local area, the UK, Europe, and the world. Key objectives include: 

· Knowledge Acquisition: Students will accumulate a solid foundation of physical and human geography, focusing on key geographical concepts such as place, space, environment, and interconnection. 

· Skill Development: We emphasise the progression of geographical skills, including map reading, data interpretation, and fieldwork, which evolve as children advance through each year group and unit. 

· Cultural Understanding: Our curriculum aims to develop an appreciation for diverse cultures, environments, and the interdependence of communities globally, creating informed global citizens. 

· Critical Thinking: We foster inquiry and stimulate critical thinking through questions like, “What is it like to live in this place?” and “What are the challenges of this environment?” enabling students to engage meaningfully with real-world geographical issues. 

Implementation 

At Hawkesley we endeavour to provide opportunities that have a positive impact on all learners through problem solving, teamwork and creativity, to ensure high standards of teaching and learning in geography, we implement a thought provoking exciting and progressive curriculum throughout Hawkesley. Our Geography curriculum is implemented through a carefully sequenced programme that prioritises engagement and accessibility for all learners. 

The EYFS curriculum fosters children’s understanding of people and communities by teaching them about the world. Through first-hand experiences, children learn about their own environment and explore how different environments vary. This is achieved through sharing books, poems, and stories, as well as engaging in small world play, role play, and visits. 

Our children benefit greatly from regular trips to local community places such as libraries, parks, and shops. These valuable experiences allow them to observe, discuss, and ask questions about the world around them. We encourage our children to be active learners who pursue their interests and deepen their understanding of their surroundings. As children progress through the curriculum they gain an understanding of what geographers do, what they look for and what they may say about a place. For example, children use the local area when studying map skills in Key Stage 1 and learn how to debate the issue of global climate change in Upper Key Stage 2. They will discover explorers such as Ibn Battuta, Roald Amundsen and Captain James Cook. They will look at the migration of both animals and people, studying the impact migration and colonialism had on places such as Australia and New Zealand. 

Key features of our implementation strategy include: 

• Curriculum Design: The PKC Geography curriculum adheres to the National Curriculum while going beyond its requirements. Each unit and lesson is designed to build on prior knowledge, ensuring rigor and coherence across the geography curriculum. Each topic is leads with knowledge organisers which detail key information dates and key vocabulary which children can use to refer to during every lesson. Our classroom displays are educational creating a rich learning environment focused on geography. 

• Fieldwork Opportunities: Experiential learning is central to our curriculum. Our Forest School and proximity to country parks proved opportunities for our children to engage in field trips and local studies and apply their geographical knowledge and skills to real-life contexts. 

• Cross-Curricular Links: We integrate Geography with other subjects, enhancing knowledge retention and relevance. For instance, connections with History and Science encourage a holistic understanding of geographical concepts. 

• Use of Technology: We incorporate modern GIS tools, virtual tours, and interactive resources to engage students and deepen their understanding of geographical processes and phenomena. 

• Assessment and Feedback: Regular formative assessments and constructive feedback mechanisms track students’ progress, allowing for tailored adjustments in teaching approaches to ensure all learners succeed. All our geography lessons begin with a ‘Do Now’ activity which encourages children to retrieve and recall their prior learning, vocabulary, skills and/or knowledge. We are careful not to overload children’s thinking by presenting them with too much content in one session; rather we use a small step approach to ensure that children can fully understand and access their learning. 

Impact 

The impact of our Geography curriculum is expected to manifest at multiple levels: 

• Knowledge Retention: By the end of their primary education, students will possess a strong foundational knowledge of geographical concepts and contexts, connecting their learning to the real world. 

• Skill Mastery: Students will demonstrate proficiency in essential geographical skills, capable of conducting independent research and presenting their findings effectively. 

• Cultural Empathy: Our curriculum promotes understanding and respect for different cultures and environments, evidenced by positive student attitudes and behaviours towards diversity. 

• Increased Engagement: High levels of enthusiasm for geography will be reflected in student participation during lessons and activities, Pupil Voice, and consistent positive feedback from parents and the community. 

• Aspiration for Future Learning: We aim to inspire students to pursue Geography at secondary school and beyond, preparing them for various career opportunities within the field. 

In conclusion, the intent, implementation, and impact of our Geography curriculum at Hawkesley exemplify our commitment to delivering an outstanding educational experience that resonates with Ofsted’s inspection framework. We actively strive to create informed, responsible, and engaged citizens who are keen to explore and understand the world around them.