Geography

Planning

At Chiseldon Primary and Nursery School our intent for Geography education is to foster a deep understanding and appreciation of the world in which our pupils live. We aim to enrich our students' knowledge and skills through engaging, meaningful, and context-driven learning experiences. Our Geography curriculum is designed to cultivate:

• Curiosity and Empathy: Encouraging pupils to ask questions, explore different cultures, and empathise with diverse perspectives.
• Critical Thinking: Developing the ability to analyse geographical data, make informed decisions, and think critically about global issues.
• Environmental Responsibility: Instilling a sense of stewardship for the environment, leading to sustainable practices in both local and global contexts.
• Practical Skills: Enhancing spatial awareness through map reading, fieldwork, and the use of technology (such as GIS) to explore geographical concepts.

Through a broad and balanced curriculum, our pupils will be equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to understand their own locality, their country, and the wider world, fostering a sense of identity and belonging.

Teaching

Our Geography curriculum is taught through a well-structured and integrated approach, ensuring that all pupils have access to high-quality teaching and learning experiences:

• Broad Curriculum Framework: We adhere to the National Curriculum while incorporating local, national, and global themes that resonate with our pupils' experiences and interests. Units of study include topics such as local geography, diverse cultures, environmental changes, and human interactions with the earth.
• Cross-Curricular Links: Geography is linked to other subjects, such as History, Art, and Science, to provide a holistic learning experience. For example, when studying rivers, pupils might explore historical trade routes and engage in art projects depicting local landscapes.
• Active Learning: We use a variety of pedagogical approaches, including collaborative projects, field trips, and hands-on activities. These methodologies encourage active engagement and enhance understanding. For instance, fieldwork in local parks enables pupils to apply their learning to real-world scenarios.
• Assessment for Learning: Regular formative assessments are embedded into our Geography lessons, allowing teachers to monitor progress and adjust teaching strategies accordingly. Summative assessments at the end of each unit provide insights into individual pupil attainment and areas for improvement.
• Professional Development: Continuous professional development for staff ensures that our Geography teaching is informed by the latest research and best practices. Teachers collaborate to share effective strategies and resources for teaching Geography.

Love of Geography

The impact of our Geography curriculum is evident in both pupil outcomes and the wider community:

• Pupil Knowledge and Skills: Pupils demonstrate a strong understanding of geographical terms and concepts. They can articulate their learning and make connections between different geographical themes. Feedback and assessments indicate high levels of engagement and improvement in critical thinking skills.
• Positive Attitudes towards Learning: Pupils show enthusiasm for Geography and take pride in their work, which is reflected in high levels of participation in lessons, projects, and school trips. Many students express a desire to further explore geographical topics beyond the classroom.
• Community Engagement: Our Geography programme fosters strong connections with the local community through projects and partnerships, enabling pupils to contribute positively to their surroundings. This engagement enhances pupils' sense of belonging and responsibility towards their local environment.
• Sustainable Citizenship: We observe that our pupils are more environmentally conscious and actively participate in eco-friendly initiatives within the school and local community, reflecting a commitment to sustainable practices.
• Parental and Community Feedback: Positive feedback from parents and community members indicates that they value the geography curriculum and its role in preparing pupils for a globalised world.

Enriching Geography Learning

We believe that geography comes to life when pupils experience it firsthand. From the very start of their learning journey in Early Years, children explore our local environment, such as visiting the wash pool and studying the natural features around them. These early experiences help develop curiosity, observation, and a sense of place.

As children move through school, fieldwork and trips are an essential part of the curriculum. Each year offers new opportunities to explore geography in real-life contexts, from local studies to national and international experiences. We are proud to offer three residential visits that deepen pupils’ understanding of the world around them:

• Year 4: Grittleton House in Wiltshire – exploring physical and human geography through outdoor learning.

• Year 5: The Brecon Hills in Wales – developing map skills, teamwork, and a love for the natural landscape.

• Year 6: Berlin, Germany – meeting pen pals, learning about life in another European city, and exploring geography and culture first-hand.

By the time children leave our school, they have a secure understanding of their local area, the wider world, and the physical and human features that shape it. Most importantly, they leave with curiosity, confidence, and respect for the planet we share.