As the world around us become increasingly connected it is more important then ever that our children develop an understanding of it and are able to apply that understanding to become good citizens. Studying geography not only helps them to understand how the world around them was formed but also the different people and cultures within it. We deliver a curriculum that ignites in them passion for their environment and an empathy for different ways of life. Geography is heavily linked to environmental issues which are becoming ever more relevant in todays society and we equip them to face these challenges.

"Surely we all have a responsibility to care for our planet. The future of humanity and indeed all life on earth now depends on us."

Sir David Attenborough

At Calcot Schools we have designed our Geography curriculum so that we teach a range of geographical knowledge and skills each term by focussing on one country.  Clear progression has been built into each of these throughout the whole school. This allows our children to study three countries per year, but to regularly revisit vital concepts and apply them, as advised by the Royal Geographic Society- “Geography skills are inherent in all geography content and so should be practised regularly” (RGS, 2019).

Our curriculum also ensures that the demands of the National Curriculum across Key Stages 1 and 2 are met: reinforcing locational knowledge (and atlas/map skills) at least three times each year; developing place knowledge of a wide range of countries (and comparing them to the UK); and identifying key features of both physical and human geography. In addition, our curriculum allows for a wide range of immersive, cross-curricular teaching.

This approach emphasises three key concepts of Geography, using them as the core for creating a unit of work.

'Space' - the location of points, features or regions in absolute and /or relative terms and the relationships, flows and patterns that connect and / or define them.

'Place' - a construct that is defined in terms of what it is like, what happens there and how and why it is changing

'Scale' - the 'zoom lens' that enables us to view places from global to local levels (GA, 2019)

Intent

As the world around us becomes increasingly connected, it is more important than ever that our children develop an understanding of it and are able to apply that understanding to become good citizens. Studying geography not only helps them to understand how the world around them was formed but also the different people and cultures within it. We deliver a curriculum that ignites in them; curiosity, a passion for their environment, an empathy for different ways of life and an understanding of the world around them. Geography at Calcot Schools looks to develop children’s cultural capital as they are given the opportunities to promote their own development; socially, culturally and morally. All of these are transferable skills across our curriculum, but also equip children with the knowledge to become successful members of society once they leave Calcot Schools.

Implementation

Geography is taught throughout the academic year across all Key stages at Calcot Schools. We have designed our Geography curriculum so that we teach a range of geographical knowledge and skills each term by focussing on one country. Within these country focussed units, children explore and investigate the physical and human geography, cultural aspects, locational skills and geographical enquiry through exciting and thought-provoking lessons. Our curriculum also ensures that the demands of the National Curriculum across Key Stages 1 and 2 are met: reinforcing locational knowledge (and atlas/map skills) at least three times each year; developing place knowledge of a wide range of countries (and comparing them to the UK); and identifying key features of both physical and human geography. In addition, our curriculum allows for a wide range of immersive, cross-curricular teaching. Key knowledge and skills have been carefully considered, ensuring progression from EYFS all the way to Year 6. Lessons are carefully planned to ensure equitable access to key knowledge for all learners, with opportunities for greater depth learners to be stretched as well as how pupils can be supported inline with Calcot’s inclusion policies.

Impact

With Geography specific workbooks, children are able to recap and look back at their prior learning each session. Across the school, these books show a clear progression in both geographical content and skill knowledge. By the end of their time at Calcot Schools, children will be able to:

1. Have excellent knowledge of countries and cultures across the world, what they are like and how these compare to our local life with a sense of embedded inclusion.
2. Have a secure understanding of human and physical geography and the ways in which these are interdependent on each other (i.e. Deforestation).
3. Know that countries are interconnected.
4. Have an extensive base of geographical vocabulary.
5. Have a natural and passionate curiosity about the world around them, equipped with secure skills in which they can continue their geographical investigations.
6. Have developed geographical knowledge and skills to help them explore, navigate and understand the world around them and their place in it.