The Geography Curriculum
Rationale
At FMPS our school motto is ‘Forever Making Pupils Shine’ and this statement pervades all areas of school life and the curriculum. In geography at FMPS, we aim to deliver a high-quality geography curriculum which aims to inspire a fascination and curiosity of the world and its people that will remain with pupils for the rest of their lives.
What we intend our children to know
Our curriculum is rooted in the local with eyes to the global. It develops knowledge of locations, places and their features, human and physical processes and key terminology and fosters an understanding of similarities and differences, interaction of people, processes and places. Working like a geographer is at the heart of learning – children are encouraged to use of geographical information from maps, atlases, globes, fieldwork and observational skills to observe, measure and record, and to interpret and communicate data with confidence.
The curriculum is designed to ensure that the building blocks of knowledge taught are sequential and progressive. Each unit builds upon prior learning from previous units, year groups and key stages. Geographical vocabulary is carefully selected in-line with year group expectations to support the acquisition of knowledge and understanding.
How we will ensure pupils learn the knowledge that we have identified
At FMPS, our teaching choices have rigour – every student is constantly being challenged to reach their individual potential. Each lesson begins with a recap to check prior learning has been retained and to ensure a secure foundation in which to gain new knowledge. Children enjoy a wide range of engaging and carefully selected learning experiences and activities, during which they are encouraged to be confident questioners who regularly collaborate with their peers to share and discuss ideas. They are given frequent opportunities to revisit prior learning and concepts. Clear and meaningful feedback provided by teachers is driven by the desire to eradicate misconception and to further embed, deepen and challenge knowledge and understanding. Staff attend training, observe lessons and plan thoroughly to ensure expert subject knowledge.
Impact
Pupils knowing more and remembering more over time and being able to apply knowledge in new situations is how we assess the impact of our curriculum. Engaging in dialogue with children will be a clear indicator of this. Through assessment for learning, staff rapidly target misconceptions and gaps in learning by carefully adapting planning to ensure all children are meeting year group expectations.
You can view our Progression Grid below:
You can view our Statement of Intent below:
You can view photographs of our geography lessons by clicking the link below:
