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Geography
Intent
Here at Pudsey Lowtown Primary School we understand how, at its heart, geography can provoke questions and also provide answers about both natural and human aspects of our world. The geography curriculum at Lowtown is designed to develop knowledge and skills that are progressive, as well being transferable to other curriculum areas. Geography is an investigative subject, which develops pupils understanding of concepts, knowledge and skills throughout their time with us and also into their further education and beyond. Our children are encouraged to develop a greater understanding and knowledge of the world, as well as their place in it. We seek to inspire in children a curiosity and fascination about the world; to promote the children’s interest and constantly build on their understanding of diverse places, people, resources and natural and human environments, together with a deep understanding of the Earth’s key physical and human processes.
Implementation
Geography at Pudsey Lowtown Primary School is taught twice yearly in fully immersive focus weeks, allowing children to achieve depth in their learning. Teachers will identify the key knowledge and skills for each focus question and consideration is given to ensure there is progression across the school. Class teachers establish pupils existing knowledge and build on this throughout the focus weeks.
At the beginning of each unit children have the opportunity to convey what they know already (in a pre-assessment) as well as what they would like to find out. This informs the programme of study and also ensures that lessons are relevant, taking into account children’s different starting points. Teaching and learning opportunities are designed to enable all children to access subject specific knowledge. Consideration is also given to learners who require additional support in line with the school’s commitment to inclusion.
Mapping is an important part of geography. Each year group will have an independent activity to carry out at the beginning of the second focus week. As well as this the use of atlases, globes and maps will be embedded into all geography lessons. Cross curricular outcomes in geography are specifically planned for, with strong links between geography and English lessons identified, planned for and utilised. The local area is made use of to achieve the desired outcomes, with extensive opportunities for learning outside the classroom embedded in practice.
Impact
Outcomes in geography and English books evidence a broad and balanced geography curriculum and demonstrate the children’s acquisition of identified key knowledge. Children are able to review their understanding through probing questions at the end of sessions to demonstrate their understanding. Children will also use their knowledge learnt in the focus week and transfer it into an extended written piece. As they progress throughout school pupils will develop a deep knowledge, understanding and appreciation of their local area and its place within the wider geographical context.
