'The study of geography is about more than just memorising places on a map. It's about understanding the complexity of our world, appreciating the diversity of cultures that exists across continents. And in the end, it's about using all that knowledge to help bridge divides and bring people together.'

Barack Obama

At Rockmount, Geography is taught through a half-termly topic focusing on the knowledge and skills from the National Curriculum. We aim to inspire in pupils a curiosity and fascination about the world and its people that will remain with them for the rest of their lives. Teaching should equip pupils with knowledge about diverse places, people, resources and natural and human environments, together with a deep understanding of the Earth’s key physical and human processes. As pupils progress, their growing knowledge about the world should help them to deepen their understanding of the interaction between physical and human processes, and of the formation and use of landscapes and environments. 

Intent

The intent of our Geography curriculum is to enable each child to become a confident and skilled geographer. We want our children not to simply recall places, geographical terminology and concepts, but to be critical and ask questions about the material they encounter. It is important for our pupils to develop an appreciation and understanding of the lives, experiences and actions of people around the world. Developing this understanding will enable them to become well-informed and able to critically view and unpick phenomena and human actions as they have affected the world.

Implementation

• Geography is taught in blocks throughout the year, so that children can achieve depth in their learning.
• We have developed a progression of skills for each year group, which enables pupils to build on and develop their skills each year.
• Planned opportunities are given to each year group for children to convey what they know already as well as what they would like to investigate and find out.
• Children have access to a variety of maps including ordnance survey. They also have access to technology to access digital maps.
• Teachers use highly effective Assessment for Learning at different points in each lesson to ensure misconceptions are highlighted and addressed.
• Through using a range of assessment tools, differentiation is facilitated by teachers, to ensure that each pupil can access the Geography curriculum.
• In order to support children in their ability to know more and remember more, there are regular opportunities to review the learning that has taken place in previous topics as well as previous lessons.
• Cross curricular outcomes in geography are specifically planned for and the local area is fully utilised to achieve the desired outcomes, with extensive opportunities for learning outside the classroom embedded in practice.

Impact

By the time pupils leave Rockmount Primary School they will:

• Have an excellent knowledge of where places are and what they are like.
• Have an excellent understanding of the ways in which places are interdependent and interconnected and how much human and physical environments are interrelated.
• Have an extensive base of geographical knowledge and vocabulary.
• Be fluent in complex geographical enquiry and the ability to apply questioning skills and use effective analytical and presentational techniques.
• Have the ability to reach clear conclusions and develop reasoned arguments to explain findings.
• Have highly developed and frequently utilised fieldwork and other geographical skills and techniques.
• Have a passion for and commitment to the subject, and a real sense of curiosity to find out about the world and the people who live there.