Geography

Intent:

At Woodvale, our vision is 'everyone thriving' and our Geography curriculum aims to foster our three curriculum drivers: developing oracy, embracing cultural richness, and nurturing social intelligence. At the heart of our approach is a belief that geography helps children to understand the world, their place within it and their role in shaping its future ; our intent for geography is that children will:-

• develop a secure understanding of the world's physical and human geography
• gain knowledge of places, environments and communities at a local, national and global scale
• develop geographical enquiry skills through investigation, fieldwork and the analysis of evidence
• understand how people and environments interact and influence one another
• use geographical vocabulary accurately and confidently to communicate their understanding
• become responsible global citizens who care about the future of our planet

Oracy is a fundamental driver in our curriculum. Through geography, children are encouraged to ask questions, discuss issues, present findings and explain geographical processes using increasingly sophisticated vocabulary. Through enquiry, debate and fieldwork, pupils learn to communicate their ideas clearly whilst justifying their opinions using evidence. 

Diversity is another of our curriculum drivers. Geography provides opportunities for children to explore different countries, cultures, communities and environments across the world. Through studying places such as China, Antarctica, the Amazon Rainforest, the Alps and the Mojave Desert, pupils develop an appreciation of how people live in different parts of the world and gain a broader understanding of global diversity.

Social intelligence is a key focus within our geography curriculum. Children learn about issues that affect both local and global communities, including population change, sustainability, climate, trade and the use of natural resources. Through considering different viewpoints and examining the impact humans have on the environment, pupils develop empathy, responsibility and an understanding of their role as global citizens.

Implementation:

At Woodvale, geography is taught through a carefully sequenced curriculum that develops children's knowledge of locational knowledge, place knowledge, human and physical geography, and geographical fieldwork. Learning builds progressively from the local area to the wider world.

There are several features that run throughout all of our geography teaching:-

• Building locational knowledge through the study of countries, continents, oceans, regions and significant geographical features. 
• Developing place knowledge by exploring similarities and differences between locations and communities around the world. 
• Understanding human and physical geography through the study of climate, biomes, settlements, trade, population, rivers, mountains, volcanoes and natural resources. 
• Developing fieldwork and enquiry skills through mapping, data collection, analysis and investigation of geographical questions. 
• Making meaningful connections between local, national and global issues to help children understand the world around them. 

Our curriculum ensures that children continually build upon prior learning and develop as confident geographers with an increasingly sophisticated understanding of the world.

Impact:

We will know that the intent of our geography curriculum is successful through:-

• our children demonstrating secure knowledge of places, environments and geographical processes
• our children using geographical vocabulary accurately and confidently
• our children interpreting maps, atlases, globes and other geographical information effectively
• our children carrying out geographical enquiries and fieldwork with increasing independence
• our children understanding the relationship between people, places and environments
• our children showing curiosity about the wider world and respect for different cultures and communities
• our children recognising their role in addressing environmental and sustainability challenges

Through geography, our children develop a deep understanding of the world and their place within it. They leave Woodvale as informed, thoughtful and responsible citizens who are equipped with the knowledge and skills to engage with an increasingly interconnected world.