Geography Policy

Ambergate Primary School

 

A Policy for Geography

 

Adopted: July 2017 by P&C Committee

To be reviewed: July 2020

 

 

Geography is the study of the physical world and the way in which people change it and interact with it. Geography in the primary school aims to prepare children for adult life by developing the knowledge of places and environments throughout the world, encouraging an understanding of maps and promoting a range of investigative and problem solving skills.  It has strong links with other subjects, making children aware of other cultures, our fragile planet and our increasing need to think globally.

 

Aims

 

The main aims of geography in the primary school are outlined above.  We also aim to encourage children to :-

1. Ask questions about the natural world.
2. To use different scales of enquiry for different locations.
3. To view the world from different perspectives.
4. To develop awareness of environmental issues.
5. To think about their own place in the world, their own values and their rights and responsibilities to other people and the environment.

 

Skills, attitudes, concepts and knowledge

 

Much of geography is concerned with developing an enquiring mind and applying many of the skills associated with primary science.

Children need to develop geographical enquiry and skills through asking geographical questions, observing and recording, expressing their views about people, places and environments and communicating in different ways.

They need to learn specific knowledge about places, including identifying and describing what they are like, where they are, how they are changing and how they are linked with other places.

Conceptual development centres on the need to recognise environmental change, to make observations about patterns and processes in the environment and to be aware of sustainable development.

Geography helps to promote positive attitudes to places and peoples different to our own.

 

 

 

 

Teaching Methods

 

These will vary according to the activity and needs of individual children.  Geography themes are mainly delivered through class topics which form part of a long term rolling programme, often related to other curriculum areas, and planned cross-curriculum opportunities are used where possible.  The topics include formal teaching and explanation as well as independent learning and research skills.  NC documents form the basis of much of the planning at KS1 and KS2, whilst planning in the Foundation Stage is based on Early Learning Goals.

 

Continuity and Progression

 

Use of the scheme of work and the long term rolling programme promote progression and continuity of activities throughout the school.  The teachers plan with an awareness of skills, concepts and attitudes as well as knowledge to ensure a good understanding of the subject at an appropriate level.

 

Differentiation and Special Needs

 

Many of the activities provided allow for differentiation through outcome and by the amount of adult support given to individuals or groups of children.  At other times differentiated activities are followed to ensure appropriate coverage of the curriculum.  Children with special needs are encouraged, and supported where possible, to allow them the fullest access to the curriculum. Where necessary, work can be related to Individual Education Plans and individual needs.

 

Monitoring, Recording and Assessment

 

Evidence of work achieved can be seen in the finished work done by children.  Evaluation of work is carried out through marking, discussion and assessment, as well as through classroom observations.

Annual reports to parents include an end of year summary of achievement.  Assessment follows the whole school policy on assessment.

 

Equal Opportunities

 

Geography offers practical situations where children can work together.  It is a strong vehicle for considering equal opportunities on local, national and global levels and allows for discussion, comparisons and the drawing of conclusions.

 

Resources

 

The school is beginning to build its own bank of geography resources.  The school is making efforts to increase the amount of geography books in the central school library. Some resources have been purchased to support specific topics and to cover wider areas eg mapping skills.  Resources are supported by using the School Library Service and Espresso.

 

Cross Curricular Links

 

Geography is a subject which lends itself to strong cross-curricular links and these are planned for at all levels, ie in long, medium and short term planning, as thought appropriate by the class teacher.  PHSE/Citizenship, ICT and History links are positively promoted.

 

The role of the headteacher

 

1. The headteacher has overall responsibility for all curriculum areas.
2. The headteacher provides adequate resources through the school budget.
3. The headteacher liaises with the staff to monitor the provision of geography throughout the school.

 

The role of the staff review

 

1. The staff review ensures that planning, teaching, resourcing and assessment continue to reach high standards.
2. The staff review monitors and updates policies and schemes of work to ensure continuity and progression.
3. The staff review is responsible for updating resources.
4. The staff review supports staff with planning activities.
5. The staff review prepares and leads In Service training as necessary.
6. The staff review maintains an overview of geography throughout the school.