Geography
"Geography explains the past, illuminates the present and prepares us for the future. What could be more important than that?" Michael Palin.
Intent
The intent of the Geography Curriculum at Ashton Vale is that our children will gain:
- Curiosity about the diversity of our world. How there are similarities and differences in different places in the globe.
- An understanding of how to locate places. Locating places on a map and the major features of our globe are important lifelong skills.
- Fascination with how physical environments and humans interact. Geographical processes affect places and spaces (both physical and human) and we want our children to understand this on a basic level and how these processes interact.
Implementation
In order to really engage the children in the geography curriculum, these topics are delivered in blocked units in Term 3, where the whole school has a geography focus. We teach skills which are progressive and developed as pupils move up through the school. Cross-curricular links are made wherever possible (for example by linking literacy units with current geography topics) in order to fully immerse pupils with their topic of study and to allow them to learn through a range of mediums, such as through quality literature. The geography curriculum is implemented in a considered, fun and imaginative way both in the classroom and through enriching experiences such as ‘wow’ events and trips.
Impact
Children will know more about the location of places around the globe and the human and physical characteristics of these areas. They will be equipped with essential skills and vocabulary necessary for Key Stage 3 as well as adults in the wider world. The impact of teaching at Ashton Vale Primary School is regularly monitored through scrutiny of pupil books and conferencing. It is informally assessed through pre/ post unit assessments. As a consequence of well-considered and imaginative teaching at Ashton Vale , pupils will develop an understanding and appreciation of the impact they have on the world around them, enabling them to make responsible and impactful decisions in their own lives.
