Curriculum Intent

At Eastling school, we are very lucky to have amazing school grounds, which we make use of to support our learning in geography. Our intention is to inspire children’s curiosity and interest to explore the world that we live in and its people, which aims to ignite a love of learning.  We intend to equip children with geographical skills to develop their knowledge through studying places, people and natural and human environments. This seeks to deepen the understanding of the Earth’s human and physical forms and processes. Geography, by nature, is an investigative subject. Through our teaching, we intend to provoke thought, questions and to encourage children to discover answers to their own questions through exploration and research to enable them to gain a greater understanding and knowledge of the world and their place in it. Educational visits are another opportunity for the teachers to plan for additional geography learning outside the classroom. At Eastling the children have had many opportunities to experience geography on educational visits, using our two minibuses. The children have explored the local area,  including the nearby Otterden estate and recently conducted river studies in Canterbury. Local museums also provide an opportunity to further geography learning, as well as trips to local woods, castles and using map reading skills during residential trips.

Implementation

At Eastling Primary School, we use the Kapow Primary Geography scheme to inform our planning. In EYFS, teachers plan activities encouraging children to explore and consider the ‘Understanding the World’ strand of Development Matters. Throughout KS1 and KS2 the National Curriculum objectives are addressed in a number of interesting topics. These cover the four strands of Geography: Locational knowledge; Place knowledge; Human and Physical Geography; and Geographical skills and fieldwork. Throughout each Key Stage, children build upon their understanding of key geographical concepts: Place; Space; Scale; Interdependence; Physical and Human Processes; Environmental Impact; Sustainable Development; Cultural Awareness; and Cultural Diversity. Each class follows a long-term plan with two to three Geography topics, which are covered over the year. Opportunities are found to regularly revisit prior learning to ensure that skills are embedded and kept sharp. Teachers are encouraged to consider opportunities available to use the school grounds and the local area for fieldwork to enable children to base learning on first hand experiences to enhance teaching and learning in Geography

Impact

The impact and measure of this is to ensure that children at Eastling are equipped with geographical skills and knowledge that will enable them to be ready for the curriculum at Key Stage 3 and for life as an adult in the wider world.

We want the children to have thoroughly enjoyed learning about geography, therefore encouraging them to undertake new life experiences now and in the future.