Geography
Intent
Geography at Bishop Aldhelm’s Primary School is an inspiring and hands on subject, that celebrates children’s curiosity and knowledge of the world. Both as individuals and as part of a group, children take pride in annotating maps, using grid referencing system and exploring atlases, showing consideration of their locality but also worldwide concepts. This involves the exploration of various countries and continents, geological formations, rivers, environmental issues and human impact on the world we live in. We recognise that these skills help to prepare children to be informed and attuned to a changing and increasingly endangered world.
Implementation
At Bishop Aldhelm’s school, exploration and connection are key aspects of the children’s Geography learning. The children are given opportunities to connect with and reflect upon the world they live in through studying its human and physical features. Children become travellers, witnesses of change and embrace the beauty of the planet Earth, whilst also considering their own impact on sustainability and biodiversity.
From Foundation through to Year Six, pupils are supported to use a variety of maps and measuring techniques, locate and explore landmarks, natural wonders and geological formations. They connect with their locality through field trips and surveys. They also acquire digital mapping skills, necessary to prepare them for their digital future.
In Geography, our curriculum develops children’s knowledge through the following concepts:
- Location
- Climate
- Human and physical
- Diversity
- Local
- Environment
Impact
At the end of year 6, the children will be able to:
- Skills Development: Pupils progressively build technical skills such reading, plotting and interpreting a variety of maps, using a 4 and 6 figure grid reference, locating using lines of longitude and latitude and drawing/interpreting diagrams.
- Problem Solving: Geography nurtures resilience and perseverance as pupils explore locations, draw comparisons, and reflect on matters/problems important to them and their locality. This encourages independence and innovation.
- Cross-Curricular Links: The subject strengthens learning in Maths (measuring, co-ordinates), Science (Biology, Physics), and Computing (using digital maps), Social Studies (socio-economical aspects of locations) and Spirituality (the awe and wonder of our world) making learning meaningful and interconnected.
- Health and Wellbeing: Through environmental units, children gain an understanding of healthy, sustainable living.
- Cultural and Environmental Awareness: Pupils explore sustainability, environmental problems and solutions, cultural influences and cultural heritage, helping them become informed global citizens.
Geography at Bishop Aldhelm’s empowers pupils to become creative thinkers and practical problem-solvers, preparing them for future learning and real-world challenges.