“The study of geography is about more than just memorizing places on a map. It’s about understanding the complexity of our world, appreciating the diversity of cultures that exists across continents. And in the end, it’s about using all that knowledge to help bridge divides and bring people together.” - Barack Obama.
At Cedar Park School, our intent is to produce a high-quality geography education that inspires pupils’ curiosity and fascination about the world and its people, which will remain with them for the rest of their lives.
We aim to challenge children’s stereotypes about countries across the world, to learn about countries and cultures of their origin while encouraging them to be caring, responsible citizens.
Teaching geography equips pupils with 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 enable them to deepen their understanding of the interaction between physical and human processes, and of the formation and use of landscapes and environments.
Geography at Cedar Park School is supported by the Rising Stars scheme of work that was created in partnership with the Geographical Association. Our curriculum is implemented in such a way which allows for teachers to adapt the learning to specific cohorts or lines of enquiry and our local area where possible.
In order to ensure long-term knowledge, we revisit learning from both previous lessons and year groups and this is supported by the Rising Stars Scheme of work which logically builds and revisits prior learning.
Our curriculum is implemented in a way which allows for children to constantly revisit the concepts of place, space and scale in many different contexts. Teachers ensure that lessons have a balance of core knowledge and the children’s sense of space. Children have the opportunity to evidence their learning in a variety of ways including verbal, written, pictorial and diagrammatic responses.
In Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 Geography is taught through timetabled specific lessons on a half termly basis, alternating with Rising Stars History, with cross-subject links and references to help students embed holistic knowledge. We use a variety of learning experiences in the classroom, expand this through our fieldwork and raise engagement still further with educational visits which allow the children to develop their Geographical knowledge and skills. Children are given opportunities to explore, observe, question and compare how individuals, including themselves, live around the world and the impact of this.
In the Early Years Foundation Stage, activities and experiences for pupils are based on the areas of learning and development, as outlined in the DfE’s ‘Statutory framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage’. All activities adhere to the objectives set out in this framework. In particular, geography-based activities are used to develop pupils’ knowledge and understanding of the ‘People Culture and Communities’ and ‘The Natural World.’
At Cedar Park School, we believe the impact of our Geography teaching provides cultural capital for our children to become educated citizens of the world. We empower our children to be decision makers and global citizens who constantly consider their (and others’) impact on the planet.
Through our Geography lessons, pupils will learn key vocabulary and be able to apply their geographical skills to a range of geographical enquiries. Specific skills will have been developed including:
• Interpreting maps, atlases and globes
• Identifying geographical features
• Formulating questions and developing research
• Considering the use of four and six figure grid references and ordinance survey maps
Through the breadth and depth that our Geography curriculum offers, our children are provided with a broad knowledge of the world they live in, and understand, as responsible citizens, how they need to care and preserve the planet for future generations.
What does Geography look like at Cedar Park?
Geography at Cedar Park begins with a High 5 in which children review the ideas and knowledge mastered in previous units, ready for their development within the new context. This ensures children’s knowledge is both transferred into long-term memory and fresh in their minds as we look to deepen their understanding. While lessons are planned to ensure clear progression, Geography lessons are responsive and adaptable, with clear progression in steps between lessons that is driven from the children’s learning and questions around the topic.
At Cedar Park, we are passionate in providing a learning environment where a rich and varied use of language develops understanding, broadens vocabulary and expands children’s ability to communicate effectively with others. As a result, children regularly study geographical terms and are encouraged to use as many of these as possible when sharing understanding with their group or class as a whole. Discussion is very much encouraged in our Geography lessons, whether in pairs, groups or as a class, and we encourage children to articulate their thinking in detail.
We use written work, images, maps, primary and secondary sources of evidence, as well as a whole range of other techniques and resources to engage our children’s interest and expand understanding, while addressing any misconceptions that arise.
Challenge focuses on breadth and depth of understanding and expects the children to apply their knowledge in challenging scenarios, frequently asking children to reason, compare and justify.
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