INTENT

At Stoke Damerel Primary Academy, every Geography lesson builds on knowledge, skills and understanding from previous lessons and prior learning. Lessons are taught in a logical progression, systematically and explicitly enough for all pupils to acquire the intended knowledge and skills. Lessons follow a recognisable sequence that is pertinent to the International Primary Curriculum and moves learning forward. The I.P.C topics are linked to the English curriculum, enabling strong cross-curricular links to be formed. Reading is a focus to ensure all children can access all areas of Geography. All children, including the most disadvantaged pupils, the most able pupils and pupils with SEND receive the same challenge within the same broad curriculum. Children develop their vocabulary and knowledge in the subjects they learn. Children’s long-term memory is developed to ensure they remember the key facts and information for each unit of learning or topic. Through the use of ‘Flashback’ recall starters, knowledge organisers and end-of-unit quizzes, children actively retain the Golden Nuggets of key information from their prior learning.

IMPLEMENTATION

All lessons are planned using high quality and appropriate resources, using excellent subject knowledge. The I.P.C curriculum follows a sequence of mapped out objectives, incorporating the knowledge, skills and understanding required to fully meet the National Curriculum (2014). Children are equipped to:

• collect, analyse and communicate with a range of data gathered through experiences of fieldwork that deepen their understanding of geographical processes,
•  interpret a range of sources of geographical information, including maps, diagrams, globes, aerial photographs and Geographical Information Systems (GIS),
• communicate geographical information in a variety of ways, including through maps, numerical and quantitative skills and writing at length.

 All lessons contain challenging, relevant vocabulary to extend children’s word banks. We encourage children to note connections, contrasts and trends over time and develop the correct use of Geography terms. Teachers employ a wide range of AfL strategies to support all learners and check pupils’ understanding (used to identify and correct misconceptions and to inform future teaching). Teachers use assessment to help pupils embed and use knowledge fluently.

IMPACT

At SDPA, we believe the study of Geography through the I.P.C makes a valuable contribution to children’s understanding of all aspects of life giving them a sense of international identity and heritage as well as fostering a tolerance and respect for the cultures and peoples represented in the past. Well-constructed and well-taught Geography lessons lead to good results because those results reflect what children have learned. All learning builds towards clearly defined exit points. Children will be able to recall knowledge about diverse places, people, resources and natural and human environments, together with a deep understanding of the Earth’s key physical and human processes. As pupils progress, their growing knowledge about the world should help them to deepen their understanding of the interaction between physical and human processes, and of the formation and use of landscapes and environments.

 All pupils will be able to present their understanding, findings, interpretations and opinions through speaking, writing, computing and a variety of artistic media.