Intent

Our Geography curriculum is designed to develop children’s curiosity and fascination about the world and its people that will remain with them for the rest of their lives.

Children investigate a range of places – both in Britain and abroad – to help develop their knowledge and understanding of the Earth’s physical and human processes.

We are committed to providing children with opportunities to investigate and make enquiries about their local area of High Wycombe, so that they can develop a real sense of who they are, their heritage and what makes our local area unique.

We also developing the children’s ability to apply geographical skills to enable to confidently communicate their findings and geographical understanding to a range of audiences.

Through high quality teaching, we develop the following essential characteristics of geographers:

• An excellent knowledge of where places are and what they are like, both in Britain and the wider world;
• An extensive base of geographical knowledge and vocabulary;
• Fluency in complex, geographical enquiry and the ability to apply questioning skills, as well as effective presentation techniques;
• The ability to reach clear conclusions and explain their findings;
• Excellent fieldwork skills as well as other geographical aptitudes and techniques;
• The ability to express well-balanced opinions, rooted in very good knowledge and understanding about current issues in society and the environment;
• A genuine interest in the subject and a real sense of curiosity about the world and the people who live here.

Implementation

Geography at HWCE is taught in blocks throughout the year, so that children can achieve depth in their learning. Teachers have identified the key knowledge and skills of each blocked topic and consideration has been given to ensure progression across topics throughout each year group across the school. At the beginning of each topic, children are able to convey what they know already as well as what they would like to find out. This informs the programme of study and also ensures that lessons are relevant and take account of children’s different starting points. Consideration is given to how greater depth will be taught, learnt and demonstrated within each lesson, as well as how learners will be supported in line with the school’s commitment to inclusion.

Cross curricular learning in geography is specifically planned for within lessons. We have strong links between geography and literacy which are supported by having the same writing standards within geography as we do for literacy. The local area is utilised to achieve the desired outcomes, with many opportunities for learning outside the classroom embedded in practice.

At HWCE, we ensure that there are a wide range of opportunities for children to explore the wider world. One of the ways we do this is through ‘International day’, which is a celebration of a multitude of cultures and traditions from around the globe. We dedicate a full day of learning, every half term, to appreciating the rich diversity of our world. Though this, we hope to provide children with an opportunity to apply their geographical skills through enquiry, questioning and use of key vocabulary. This will allow them to demonstrate critical thinking, communicate a well-balanced opinion and continue to encourage a sense of wonder.

Impact

Outcomes in geography and cross curricular write books, evidence a broad and balanced geography curriculum and demonstrate children’s acquisition of identified key knowledge. Children review their successes in achieving the lesson objectives at the end of every session and are encouraged to reflect upon their learning and what they have accomplished.

As children progress throughout the school, they develop a deep knowledge, understanding and appreciation of their local area and its place within the wider geographical context. We aspire for children to leave HWCE being able to debate and discuss geographical issues and to be able to reflect and form their own opinions on matters such as climate change and natural disasters. We measure our impact based on pupils’ confidence to ask and explore questions to further their own geographical knowledge and understanding.