Geography

Through their work in Geography, children learn about their local area, and they compare their life in this area with that in other regions in the United Kingdom and in the rest of the world. They learn how to draw and interpret simple maps, and they develop the skills of research, investigation, analysis and problem-solving. Through their growing knowledge and understanding of human geography, children gain an appreciation of daily life in their own country and beyond.  They develop an understanding and basic subject-specific vocabulary relating to Human and Physical Geography and begin to use geographical skills, including simple map reading first-hand observation of the local area .

At Chalfont St Peter Infant School, we want our children to be excited to learn about the world they live in. We want them to use their skills and knowledge as Geographers to become educated and empathetic citizens of our world, to be proud of their local area and nation and to understand their place in the world. 

Intent

• To inspire in our pupils a curiosity, fascination and understanding of the world and its people.
• To develop a respectful understanding of other cultures.
• To gain a sense of responsibility for the environment and develop local, national and global citizenship.
• For children to become equipped with all the skills to be practical, thoughtful and curious Geographers.  
• To use the school community and local environment to demonstrate first-hand the wonders and challenges in our area.
• To use the example of local stewardship to empower pupils to be stewards of the wider world.

Implementation

Preparing the children to be active Geographers, we are using units of discovery to allow threads to develop naturally as the children move through the school. Topics on the local area, London, Islands, and Comparative Locations are developed from an empirical or question based staring point allowing the children to build on knowledge and develop skills. Using The National Curriculum , supported by The Hamilton Trust and The Royal Geographical Society, plans are developed to closely reflect the Skills Progression Matrix, the needs of the world and our own cohort of children. 

We use a variety of teaching and learning styles - including research activities; using data, maps and photographs; first hand experiences, real life issues or events; role play and debate. 

Impact

Children enjoy learning about the world and show engagement in lessons. They are learning the importance of being geographers and understanding their responsibility to take care of the world. 

Children demonstrate their ability in geography in a variety of different ways. Throughout the topics, staff observe pupils, set a range of assessment opportunities and examine contributions to group and individual work, checking understanding and use of vocabulary. Written or verbal feedback is given to the children to help address misconceptions and guide progress. At the end of each topic teachers make a judgement in relation to their achievement in Geography, which forms the basis of future planning. Children are also encouraged to be reflective Geographers and consider what they have learnt and what skills they have developed during the course of their study. As they develop they will also be inspired to think how their skills and knowledge about the world will help in their next stage and in life.