Intent

At Abbey Park Federation, we believe that Geography helps to provoke and provide answers to questions about the natural and human aspects of the world, both locally and globally.

Children are encouraged to develop a greater understanding and knowledge of the world, as well as their place in it. The geography curriculum at Abbey Park enables children to develop knowledge and skills that are transferable to other curriculum areas and which can and are used to promote their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. Geography is, by nature, an investigative subject, which develops an understanding of concepts, knowledge and skills. We seek to inspire in children a curiosity and fascination about the world and its people which will remain with them for the rest of their lives; to promote the children’s interest and 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. The curriculum is designed to develop knowledge and skills that are progressive, as well as transferable, throughout their time at Abbey Park Federation and also to their further education and beyond.

Implementation

Geography at Abbey Park is taught in blocks throughout the year, so that children can achieve depth in their learning. These blocks are intrinsically linked to the topics being covered in the respective year groups so that cross-curricular outcomes are evident. Teachers have identified the key knowledge and skills of each topic and consideration has been given to ensure progression across topics throughout each year group across the school. Teachers ensure that lessons are relevant and take account of children’s different starting points.

Through topic learning, children are immersed in the subject using a variety of classroom-based, research, practical and cross-curricular learning opportunities. Teachers provide opportunities to develop and consolidate skills and concepts introduced in the classroom and allow pupils to extend their understanding of the ‘real’ world. Fieldwork provision enables pupils to become observant, to develop skills of recording, analysis and enquiry skills. Teachers have identified the key knowledge and skills of each topic and consideration has been given to ensure progression across topics throughout each year group across the school.

Impact

Outcomes in books evidence a broad and balanced geography curriculum and demonstrate children’s acquisition of identified key knowledge. Pupil voice also helps us to understand how they feel about their learning in geography-based tasks. As children progress throughout the school, they develop a deep knowledge, understanding an appreciation of their local area and its place within the wider geographical context. Regular school trips provide further relevant and contextual learning.