"It's surely our responsibility to do everything within our power to create a planet that provides a home not just for us, but for all life on Earth."

David Attenborough

 

“The study of geography is about more than just memorising places on a map. It’s about understanding the complexity of our world, appreciating the diversity of cultures that exists across continents. In the end, it’s about using all that knowledge to help bridge divides and bring people together.”

Barrack Obama

Intent

At Wragby Primary School our geography curriculum is designed with the intention of fostering curiosity and a love for the subject, while equipping our pupils with the knowledge and skills necessary to understand the world around them. We aim to:

• Develop Geographical Knowledge: Ensure that students gain a solid understanding of the key concepts of location, place, human and physical geography, and the interactions between people and their environment.
• Encourage Critical Thinking: Equip pupils with the skills to question, evaluate, and interpret geographical data and representations, promoting analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Promote Cultural Understanding: Instil a sense of global citizenship by exploring diverse cultures and communities, enabling pupils to appreciate the interdependence of different regions and their responsibility towards sustainability.
• Facilitate Outdoor Learning: Ensure that pupils connect with their local environment through fieldwork opportunities, developing practical skills and a sense of stewardship for their geographical surroundings.

By embedding these intentions into our curriculum and utilising the Grammarsaurus curriculum framework, we aim to cultivate informed, empathetic, and proactive individuals prepared to navigate and contribute positively to an ever-changing world.

Implementation

Our geography curriculum is implemented through a well-structured, cohesive framework that promotes progressive learning throughout the primary years. Key strategies include:

• Thematic Units: We organise our geography teaching into units. Each unit has an overarching enquiry question which deep dives into specific topics while making connections across different areas of study with always a focus and a link back to our local community and local area.  
• Skills-Based Progression: Each unit is designed with clear progression in skills and knowledge, ensuring that pupils systematically build upon prior learning. Key geographical skills, such as map reading, fieldwork techniques, and data analysis, are integrated into lessons and revisited regularly.
• Developing connections: We create links between geography and other subjects, including history, science, and art. This interdisciplinary approach helps students see the relevance of geography in broader contexts and fosters a deeper understanding of their learning.
• Fieldwork Opportunities: Outside the classroom, we provide regular opportunities for fieldwork in the local area. These experiences enable students to observe geographical features, collect data, and engage with their community, solidifying their learning through practical application.
• Assessment for Learning: We employ a range of assessment techniques to monitor progress and provide feedback, including self-assessments, peer reviews, and teacher-led assessments. This information informs our planning and helps to tailor subsequent lessons to meet the varying needs of our pupils.

 

 

Impact

The impact of our geography curriculum is measurable and evident across our school community:

• Knowledge Retention and Application: We aim for pupils to gain strong retention of geographical knowledge and concepts, as evidenced by assessments and discussions. We aim for pupils to be able to articulate their understanding in group discussions and apply their skills to new contexts.

 

• Engaged Learners: Students display high levels of engagement in geography lessons, contributing positively during discussions and demonstrating enthusiasm during practical fieldwork activities. Their curiosity drives independent investigations and projects.

 

• Developed Skills: Pupils show progress in key geographical skills, such as map interpretation and data analysis, as they move through the school years. They are adept at using various tools and technologies to enhance their geographical understanding.

 

• Culturally Aware Citizens: Students are increasingly aware of global issues and different cultures, demonstrating empathy and a sense of responsibility towards sustainability. Many pupils initiate discussions about climate change and local environmental issues, showcasing their commitment to becoming proactive citizens.

 

We gain the understanding of the impact through various monitoring strategies:

 

 

• End of unit assessments 
• Learning walks
• Pupil questionnaires
• Talking to teachers about coverage and how absent children will be picked up
• Book scrutiny in line with the skills coverage and year group expectations, quality evidence presented
• Geography lesson observations

 

Through our progressive geography curriculum we follow the Grammarsaurus framework, Wragby Primary School aspires to develop informed and responsible individuals who are prepared to engage with, and make a positive impact upon, the world around them.