Geography
What does Geography look like at Easton?
Intent and Implementation Document: Geography
Intent
At Easton Primary School, our geography curriculum is designed to develop children’s skills and knowledge as geographers, empowering them to understand the intricate connections between people, places, and environments. Aligned with our school values of Creativity, Resilience, Kindness, Curiosity, and Adaptability, we aim to inspire a sense of wonder about the world, encouraging children to explore how both human and physical geography shape the way we live.
By embedding concepts of sustainability, climate change, and global citizenship, our curriculum equips pupils to consider their impact on the world and how they can contribute to a sustainable future. Through carefully sequenced lessons, fieldwork opportunities, and local studies, children gain a deep understanding of their immediate surroundings and how these relate to the wider world.
By the end of their primary education, we aim for pupils to:
- Be confident in using geographical skills to investigate places, ask questions, and find solutions to real-world challenges.
- Understand the impact of geographical processes and how they shape human and physical landscapes.
- Recognise their role as global citizens, fostering respect for diverse communities and environments.
Implementation
Curriculum Design and Progression
- We follow the Kapow Geography Scheme, adapted to meet the needs of our mixed-age classes in a small rural school setting.
- A rolling programme ensures logical progression, with units sequenced to build on prior knowledge and reinforce understanding of key geographical skills and concepts.
- The curriculum includes local geography studies, utilising our unique rural setting, the nearby River Deben, and proximity to the coast to connect pupils with the physical and human geography of their community.
Teaching and Learning Approaches
- Lessons combine enquiry-based learning, written work, fieldwork, and cross-curricular links, offering pupils a diverse range of opportunities to explore geography.
- Fieldwork plays a pivotal role, enabling pupils to engage with their local environment and apply their knowledge in practical contexts.
- Mixed-age classes are accommodated through differentiated activities, ensuring all pupils access the curriculum at an appropriate level.
Cultural Capital and Enrichment
- Trips and enrichment opportunities are integrated to bring geography to life, such as visits to coastal areas, rivers, and other local landmarks.
- Pupils conduct hands-on fieldwork, developing skills such as mapping, data collection, and analysis.
Assessment
- Geography is teacher-assessed, with evaluations based on written work, class discussions, and practical activities.
- Knowledge and skills are revisited regularly to ensure pupils retain and build on prior learning, particularly in understanding key physical processes.
- Assessments are recorded in the school’s tracking system, and pupil progress is monitored by the subject lead.
SEND and Inclusivity
- Lessons are adapted to meet the diverse needs of all pupils, with strategies such as:
- Simplified texts and resources.
- Differentiated expectations for recording findings.
- Adult support to guide questioning and data collection during fieldwork.
Staff Development
- The geography lead conducts Quality Assurance through lesson observations, work scrutinies, and discussions with staff and pupils to ensure high standards of teaching.
- Teachers are supported by Kapow training videos, which provide essential subject knowledge and practical strategies to enhance delivery.
Impact
Through this curriculum, pupils at Easton Primary School leave with a deep understanding of the world around them. They develop critical thinking skills, confidence in conducting fieldwork, and an appreciation for the interconnectedness of people and places. Our geography curriculum nurtures curious, informed, and responsible global citizens who are equipped to engage with the challenges of the modern world.
