Intent:

At Birchfield School, our geography curriculum aims for all pupils to develop a greater understanding and knowledge of the world, as well as their place in it and to articulate their understanding using a breadth of geographical vocabulary learnt throughout their units of learning. Through the study of natural and human environments, as well as physical and human processes, we aim to provide pupils with a sense of awe and wonder about the world they live in, to inspire in pupils a curiosity and fascination about the world and people within it, to promote the children’s interest and understanding of diverse places, people and resources and natural and human environments. We seek to create a life-long love for geography at Birchfield School so that pupils see themselves as geographers now and in the future. We want our pupils to understand a range environmental issues so they can become responsible citizens of the future and support our environment.

Implementation:

The National Curriculum is used to plan and deliver geography content in a systematic and progressive way. In the Early Years Foundation Stage, geography begins with pupils learning about their local environment and their community. A world map is displayed in each classroom and we also have giant maps on the playground for pupils to refer to and discuss during playtimes, lunchtimes and after school. We enable children to make connections, revise and recap previous geography units using retrieval practice strategies.
Using maps, globes, pictures, photographs, film clips, data, key vocabulary and geographical information, pupils are encouraged to explore, discuss, interpret and evaluate geographical phenomena and issues, and communicate and present their ideas, justifying their ideas, conclusions and opinions across a broad range of contexts. This embeds and consolidates pupils’ understanding of geographical concepts and its impact on society and the world. Pupils at Birchfield learn within the framework of an enquiry question. The lessons are carefully mapped out in a sequential manner to enable pupils to have an informed discussion about the enquiry question, both within a unit and also at the end. Lessons develop the following skills and characteristics to help them become confident learners:

- Develop a curiosity and understanding of places and people, both locally, nationally and globally.
- Develop a knowledge and understanding of the physical and human processes which shape places.
- Foster a sense of awe and wonder at the beauty of the world around them.
- Develop a commitment to sustainable development and looking after the environment.
- Use fieldwork to observe, measure and record the human and physical features of different areas.
- Develop geographical skills, including how to use, draw and interpret maps of different scales, and the vocabulary necessary to carry out effective geographical enquiry.
- Formulate appropriate questions, develop research skills and evaluate material to inform opinions.

Impact:

Our curriculum enables opportunities for pupils to build upon concepts from one year to the next. Therefore, by the time pupils leave year 6, they will be equipped with a range of geographical skills that will provide a solid foundation for future learning. Pupil’s understanding is assessed regularly. Teachers make a judgement against key objectives and this information is used as a basis for future retrieval and planning.

Through discussion and feedback, pupils talk enthusiastically about their geography lessons and show a genuine curiosity and interest in the areas they have explored. Pupils use acquired vocabulary to interpret and convey their understanding of the world. They can analyse and interpret information in order to question and reflect on the world and its inhabitants.
Pupils have a sound understanding of location and place. They have a secure knowledge of human and physical processes and understand how these effect environments. Pupils also have a strong understanding of environmental issues and risks and the impact that they can have on the world they live in.