Geography
Our goal for Geography education is that children develop knowledge and curiosity about the physical and human characteristics of the world, by developing:
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knowledge of diverse places, people, resources, spaces and environments;
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understanding of the processes that cause and change the human and physical features of the world; and
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geographical enquiry skills.
To understand the world they live in, children learn about their locality in the first instance and, as they progress through school, gain an increasingly global perspective. Developing their enquiry skills, they learn to appreciate diverse places, people, resources and natural and human environments. Children also develop a deep understanding of the interaction between physical and human processes and the resultant change over time. Other geographical skills such as fieldwork and the use of maps, globes, aerial photographs and digital maps enhance their learning and develop their disciplinary knowledge.
In the Early Years children investigate similarities and differences within the context of the natural world and this country and others. This includes learning about processes and change, such as the seasons and caring for the environment. They also begin to understand maps, developing their positional and directional language.
In years 1 - 6 these concepts and skills are further developed, looking at places such as Sydney, Australia, and Paris, France, and comparing them with London. Biomes, such as the Amazon rainforest are explored through the focus on South America. In Year 4, we also explore Africa, which is additional to the national curriculum requirements. Mapping (including digital mapping) and fieldwork skills become a greater part of children’s study, developing their disciplinary understanding of geography.
A focus on the Global Goals contributes to whole school initiatives, such as Fairtrade Fortnight, Wonderful World Week, Flag Bees and Capital City Bees. Meaningful links are made between geography, and other subjects, such as maths, music and science, ensuring a cross-curricular approach to children’s learning.