Geography Leader: Mr Garb

Intent

The intent of Geography at Holy Trinity is to inspire pupils to become analytical and inquisitive thinkers who develop an understanding of their world. Building curiosity and deeper thinking is at the heart of our approach and we aim to equip pupils with the skills to think like geographers and the knowledge to foster a deep curiosity about the world. Using the Developing Experts curriculum, pupils build on progressive knowledge, developing their geographical skills such as map reading, spatial awareness, global awareness and knowledge of environmental issues. Our curriculum is designed to be inclusive, recognising the diverse global experiences of students and ensuring it meets the needs of everyone, including SEND children. This careful consideration can be seen through questioning, visual aids, assessment for learning strategies and a range of practical activities that encourage engagement from all. Geography enables pupils to consider their local area, as well as the wider world, encouraging them to become aware of and care about the environmental issues surrounding these.

Implementation

Geography is taught through carefully sequenced units that build upon prior knowledge. Lessons are taught using the Developing Experts curriculum, which organises knowledge into the four key strands in the National Curriculum: Locational knowledge, place knowledge, human and physical geography and geographical skills and fieldwork. This ensures topics cover these four key strands, progressing from understanding the points of a compass and identifying landmarks in Year 1, to reading six-figure grid references and ordinance survey maps in Year 6. Lessons emphasise recapping prior learning, assessment for learning questions, key vocabulary, understanding key skills and topic threads. Every Developing Experts lesson provides teachers with resources to deliver a full lesson, including presentation, rocket words, lesson plans, handouts and videos. These resources can be adapted to meet the needs of all learners, so everyone can access the curriculum. All lessons include a teacher mastery section which outlines the key subject knowledge needed. Teachers are supported through shared resources and CPD.

Impact

Pupils can talk confidently about the key geographical skills and specific vocabulary. Lessons inspire pupils to learn more about each topic. Work in books shows progression in understanding the key skills taught and key vocabulary being discussed. Pupils demonstrate pride and enjoyment in Geography and can recall prior learning, applying this knowledge throughout different topics studied. Units of work have open-ended assessment of pupils’ knowledge and skills through different tasks, including presentations, to encourage oracy about the key language and learning throughout a specific topic.

Teaching and Learning Approaches