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.

We believe that geography, unlike some other subjects, is not learnt in a strictly linear way, so it is not possible to identify a simple progression in geographical content. Instead, we see geography as an inter-connected network of skills and concepts which help pupils develop their geographical thinking, identify relationships and make connections with increasing fluency in different and more complex situations.

Our Approach:

Through 'Learning Means the World', the sequencing of geography is planned using the triangulation of three elements:-

• The National Curriculum
• Knowledge Building Pillars and Cognitive Blocks
• The Skills Ladder

The geographical learning within themes is designed to enable pupils to build on and contextualise prior learning using a contemporary, meaningful framework.

Geography is planned for in such a way that each pupil will:-

1.  Broaden and deepen their knowledge of places
2.  Increase their technical geographical vocabulary
3.  Develop their understanding of a range of scales (local > national > global)
4.  Move from more concrete concepts e.g. beach to more abstract ones e.g. renewable energy
5.  See connections between people, places, processes and environments
6.  Develop skills in a progressive, incremental way
7.  Use these skills appropriately and, eventually, with independence

What Does Geography Look Like?

Geography is taught through thematic units. Our Curriculum Overview and long term planning maps out which thematic units feature this subject and clearly show the objectives taught. Key knowledge and skills of each unit of work are mapped across the school, ensuring that knowledge builds progressively and that children develop skills systematically.

Geography is taught through a combination of subject knowledge, geographical skills, enquiry and fieldwork. Learning takes place both inside and outside the classroom.

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