Geography
“Geography is the subject which holds the key to our future.”
Michael Palin
At Elmridge, our intent is to develop curious, knowledgeable and responsible geographers who are inspired to explore and understand the world around them. Through an ambitious and engaging curriculum, children develop a secure understanding of places, people, environments and the physical and human processes that shape our world whilst fostering a sense of responsibility for the future of our planet.
Our geography curriculum is carefully sequenced to ensure children develop secure understanding of both physical and human geography whilst making meaningful connections between local, national and global contexts over time. We want pupils to understand how the world is interconnected and to recognise the relevance of geography within everyday life, current global issues and future challenges.
Geography at Elmridge promotes curiosity, enquiry and exploration. Through fieldwork, map work, investigation and discussion, children learn to think and work like geographers by asking questions, collecting evidence, analysing information and drawing informed conclusions about the world around them.
Our curriculum reflects our values of Challenge, Care and Collaboration by encouraging children to think critically about geographical issues, care for their local and global environments and work collaboratively when investigating geographical questions. Through their learning, children develop an understanding of environmental stewardship and their role in protecting and sustaining the natural world. They are encouraged to consider how individual and collective actions can positively influence communities, ecosystems and the future of our planet. Through high expectations and adaptive teaching, all pupils, including those with SEND and disadvantaged pupils, are supported to access and succeed within the full geography curriculum.
Geography contributes significantly to our curriculum ambitions. Pupils become Confident Communicators by discussing geographical issues, presenting findings and using precise geographical vocabulary to explain their thinking. They develop as International Learners through exploring diverse cultures, environments and global connections. Through considering complex issues such as sustainability, migration and climate change, children grow as Aspirational Leaders who understand their potential to make a positive difference in the world.
Geography at Elmridge is taught through a carefully sequenced curriculum that develops both substantive geographical knowledge and disciplinary knowledge. Lessons build progressively upon prior learning and enable children to develop a secure understanding of key geographical concepts, skills and processes.
Our approach to disciplinary knowledge centres around geographical enquiry. Children learn to ask meaningful questions, collect and interpret evidence, analyse patterns, draw conclusions and communicate their findings. These enquiry skills are woven progressively throughout the curriculum to ensure pupils develop the ability to think critically and work increasingly independently as geographers.
Teachers use explicit instruction, modelling and purposeful questioning to support children in developing secure geographical understanding and vocabulary. Geographical language is introduced, revisited and embedded regularly so that pupils can explain their thinking, justify conclusions and communicate ideas clearly and accurately. Vocabulary development is carefully planned to enable pupils to access increasingly complex geographical concepts and discussions.
Fieldwork is central to geography at Elmridge. Children are provided with regular opportunities to observe, measure, record and present geographical information within the local area and beyond. They use maps, atlases, digital technologies, photographs and data to investigate geographical questions and develop a deeper understanding of the world around them.
Teachers use questioning and retrieval practice to deepen understanding, address misconceptions and strengthen long-term retention of knowledge. Learning is carefully adapted to ensure all pupils can access ambitious geographical learning whilst maintaining high expectations for all learners.
Learning is enriched through outdoor learning, educational visits, local area studies, visiting speakers and meaningful links to the wider curriculum. Children explore a diverse range of countries, cultures and environments, helping them develop as International Learners and understand their role within a globally connected world. These experiences broaden horizons, deepen understanding and encourage aspiration towards future learning and careers linked to geography.
At Elmridge, we are committed to developing curious, knowledgeable and reflective geographers who understand the world around them and their place within it. Through an ambitious and enquiry-rich curriculum, children develop secure geographical understanding alongside the confidence to investigate, analyse and communicate their ideas effectively.
The impact of our geography curriculum can be seen through the following key outcomes:
1. Secure and Connected Geographical Understanding
Building Geographical Knowledge
Children develop secure understanding of key concepts within physical and human geography through carefully sequenced learning that builds progressively over time. Pupils can make meaningful connections between places, environments and geographical processes and apply their understanding across a range of contexts.
Knowledge Through Enquiry
Through investigation, fieldwork and exploration, children deepen their understanding of geographical concepts and develop curiosity about the world around them. Pupils learn that geography is not simply about knowing facts but about understanding relationships between people, places and environments.
2. Working and Thinking Like Geographers
Geographical Enquiry Skills
Children develop the disciplinary knowledge needed to work geographically through asking questions, collecting evidence, interpreting data, analysing maps and drawing informed conclusions. These skills are revisited progressively throughout the curriculum, enabling pupils to think critically and investigate with increasing independence.
Geographical Communication
Pupils acquire and use precise geographical vocabulary to explain ideas, communicate findings and justify conclusions clearly and accurately. Through discussion, debate and collaborative learning, children develop confidence in articulating their geographical thinking and become Confident Communicators.
3. Curiosity, Engagement and Responsibility
Developing Curiosity
Children approach geography with enthusiasm and curiosity, asking thoughtful questions about the world around them. Fieldwork, investigations and wider enrichment opportunities help pupils see geography as relevant, exciting and purposeful.
Developing Global Awareness
Children develop an appreciation of different cultures, communities and environments across the world. They understand how places are interconnected and recognise their responsibilities as global citizens. Through this learning, pupils develop as International Learners who appreciate diversity and understand the importance of sustainability.
Environmental Stewardship
Children develop a strong sense of environmental responsibility through exploring issues such as sustainability, climate change, conservation and resource management. They understand the impact humans have on the environment and are encouraged to become active stewards of the planet by making informed choices and considering how they can contribute to a more sustainable future.
Positive Geographical Learning Behaviours
Pupils develop resilience, independence and collaboration through geographical enquiry. Children learn to work effectively with others, consider multiple perspectives and reflect upon complex issues affecting people and places.
4. Aspiration and Achievement
Strong Geographical Outcomes
Children achieve highly from their individual starting points due to ambitious expectations, carefully sequenced learning and high-quality teaching. Pupils develop secure geographical knowledge and enquiry skills that prepare them well for future learning.
Understanding the Wider World
By the end of Year 6, pupils leave Elmridge with a strong understanding of how people, places and environments are interconnected. They recognise the importance of geography in addressing local and global challenges, including environmental sustainability and climate change. Pupils understand their responsibilities as global citizens and environmental stewards and develop as Aspirational Leaders who are equipped to make informed decisions that positively influence the future of our world.
|
|
Key texts and Literacy Links
|
Wilton Drive, Hale Barns
Altrincham, Cheshire WA15 0JF
Call us: 0161 980 4941
Link takes you to our Instagram page ElmridgePrimarySchool
