Geography
At Colham Manor, we recognise that Geography helps us to make sense of the world around us, better understand the places we live in, learn about and visit, why they matter and how they are connected to a globalised world. Through geography, we encounter different societies and cultures and learn to appreciate the incredible diversity of landscapes and peoples. In geography, we face questions of what it means to live sustainably in an interdependent world and learn to value and care for the planet and all its inhabitants.
Our Approach:
Our Geography curriculum aims to inspire pupils to become curious and explorative thinkers with a diverse knowledge of the world; in other words, to think like a geographer. We want pupils to develop the confidence to question and observe places, measure and record necessary data in various ways, and analyse and present their findings. Through our Kapow Primary scheme of work, we aim to build an awareness of how Geography shapes our lives at multiple scales and over time. We hope to encourage pupils to become resourceful, active citizens who will have the skills to contribute to and improve the world around them
What Does Geography Look Like?
Geography is taught through a combination of subject knowledge, geographical skills, enquiry and fieldwork; with learning taking place both inside and outside the classroom. Each geography unit contains elements of geographical skills and fieldwork to ensure that fieldwork skills are practised as often as possible. Regular and accessible fieldwork includes smaller opportunities on the school grounds to larger-scale visits to investigate physical and human features.
Our geography curriculum is taught through half-termly units which ensure that knowledge builds progressively and that children develop skills systematically. Lessons incorporate various teaching strategies from independent tasks to paired and group work, including practical hands-on, computer-based and collaborative tasks. This variety means that lessons are engaging and appeal to those with a variety of learning styles. Knowledge organisers for each unit support pupils in building a foundation of factual knowledge by encouraging recall of key facts and vocabulary.
The impact of our geography curriculum is constantly monitored through both formative and summative assessment opportunities such as:
· knowledge and skills catchers
· unit quizzes
· record of learning in books
· pupils communicating using geographical vocabulary and ideas
Pupils will leave Colham Manor equipped with a range of skills and knowledge to enable them to study Geography with confidence at Key stage 3. We hope to shape children into curious and inspired geographers with respect and appreciation for the world around them alongside an understanding of the interconnection between the human and the physical.
How Can I Support My Child's Learning?
When out in your local area: you can help your child geographically by chatting about local physical features, attractions and activities. You could develop this by asking them to provide a tourist guide for their local area for visiting friends.
On a journey: share a road map or map phone app with your child so they can follow the route while you talk about where you are going. You could develop this and ask them to draw a map of their journey to school or the local shop, including any natural or man-made features along the way.
On holiday: compare the location with your child's home area. You might ask them to talk through five similarities and differences, for example. Holidays also provide an opportunity for a museum visit or a trip to a tourist attraction.
Use the things around you: Magazines, TV, films and even some computer games can provide your child with a view of distant places. They enable your child to be transported instantly to another place. Prompt their thinking with questions, such as: What might the weather be like in this place? Why might the road have been built where it is? The list of questions is endless and will lead to all sorts of discussions which will really help to develop curiosity about, and understanding of, the world.
The EarthCam website has links to many different locations around the world including landmarks, volcanoes, towns and cities.
The Our Planet site gives children an opportunity to explore the world with its interactive tool and spot landmarks and historical changes
