Shaw-cum-Donnington C.E. Primary

At Shaw-cum-Donnington the intention of the Geography curriculum is to inspire children’s curiosity and fascination to explore the world that we live in and its people. It aims to ignite a love of learning that will continue with them throughout their lives.  Through the study of places, people and natural and human environments, together with a deep understanding of the Earth’s key physical and human processes, we will equip pupils with geographical skills and knowledge.  By revisiting these areas of learning regularly, children will remember more, know more and understand more. Understanding both human and physical geography will enable our children to have a better understanding of themselves and the wider society they live in. 

Geography is taught in blocks throughout the year in accordance with the National Curriculum using an enquiry-based approach.  Key knowledge and skills for each topic are identified and consideration has been given to ensure progression each year across the school, on a two-year cycle due to mixed age classes. At the beginning and end of each unit, children are able to convey what they know using pre and post questioning.  Children are encouraged to explore and ask questions.  Consideration is given to every child’s personal starting point and how every pupil can develop their own knowledge, skills and understanding.  Cross curricular links are made as much as possible, particularly with literacy where possible.  Outdoor learning, class trips and the local area is utilised to enable children to base their learning on first hand experiences that enhance teaching and learning.  We assess on a termly basis in order to build a rounded picture of each child as a geographer, using practical opportunities, quizzes, discussions and presentations

At Shaw-cum-Donnington we want to ensure that children are equipped with geographical skills and knowledge that will provide them with a range of transferable skills which they can apply to other subjects and contexts as they move to their next stage of education and future life. We want the children to have enjoyed learning about geography, therefore encouraging them to have a better understanding of themselves and the wider society they live in as they grow up to be caring, responsible adults who can influence the future of our planet.

• Carrying out fieldwork in a variety of places, collecting data to analyse.
• Use printed and computer software to identify places in the world and understand their key physical and human characteristics, making connections to what they see and hear from different sources of information.
• Trips linked to their learning e.g. The Living Rainforest
• Gain knowledge about physical geography through the shared work of others, e.g. Sir David Attenborough.
• Have an exposure to a wide range of reading materials linked to their current topic.