Geography

Geography is the study of people and places.

Vision for Geography (Intent)

At Mayfield we believe that Geography helps to provoke and provide answers to questions about the natural and human aspects of the world. Children are encouraged to develop a greater understanding and knowledge of the world, as well as their place in it. The geography curriculum at Mayfield enables children to develop knowledge and skills and promote their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. Geography is, by nature, an investigative subject. We seek to inspire in children a curiosity and fascination about the world and its people which will remain with them for the rest of their lives; to promote the children’s interest and understanding of diverse places, people, resources and natural and human environments, together with a deep understanding of the Earth’s key physical and human processes.

Geography Subject Leader- Mr Stevens

Long Term Plan

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Key Vocabulary

Geography Vocabulary

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National Curriculum Aims

The National Curriculum for geography aims to ensure that all pupils:

develop contextual knowledge of the location of globally significant places – both terrestrial and marine – including their defining physical and human characteristics and how these provide a geographical context for understanding the actions of processes
understand the processes that give rise to key physical and human geographical features of the world, how these are interdependent and how they bring about spatial variation and change over time
are competent in the geographical skills needed 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.

How is Geography taught and what does it look like at Mayfield? (Implementation)

Geography at Mayfield has been recognised as the most accessible way to deepen our childrens understanding of the world around them and their place in it. Teachers have identified the key knowledge and skills of each blocked topic.

At the beginning of each topic, children are able to convey what they know already as well as what they would like to find out. This helps plan a tailored topic and ensures that lessons are relevant and take account of children’s different starting points.
Geography lessons are encouraged to be as practical as possible; using a range of different apparatus, atlases, globes, OS maps, digital photographs and satellite imagery to help our children fully understand each topic.
Place a great emphasis on the importance of key vocabulary and the children’s ability to understand these and use them within geographical theories. Previously taught vocabulary is recapped and given meaning and purpose whilst new vocabulary is embedded to children’s long-term memory.
Detailed questioning and ‘bounced questions’ allow all children to access lessons and build on one another’s knowledge and memory.
Children are given opportunities to develop their own lines of enquiry and ask questions themselves to give them a deeper ownership of their learning pathways.
Cross curricular outcomes in geography are specifically planned for, with strong links between geography and morning literacy lessons identified and utilised.
The local area is fully utilised to help children grow a sense of ownership, placement and belonging within the wider world, with extensive opportunities for learning outside the classroom embedded in practice.

What will my child leave Mayfield knowing, understanding and appreciating in Geography? (Impact)

Our children leave Mayfield understanding how Oldham, Derker and themselves, fit into the wider world. This is demonstrated in our Knowledge and Understanding books and through our broad and balanced geography curriculum and embedded key knowledge and vocabulary. Throughout their time at Mayfield, children will have built up a deep understanding of the geographical make up of Derker in EYFS and Key Stage One, developing into understanding the make up of The United Kingdom. In Lower Key Stage two, we expand our horizon further into Europe, Africa and South America before exploring North America and Asia in Upper Key Stage two.

Children leave understanding how the world fits together and how they fit into it. They understand how to safely explore and investigate accurately, using full geographical vocabulary and key knowledge, and practical methods for investigating what they come across in the wider world.

Children will have been introduced to key geographical equipment throughout their time at Mayfield and have an understanding of how to use it together to achieve their aims.

Children will have had visits to a wide variety of places to deepen their learning, make it interactive and bring it to life; the zoo, Castleshaw and Kingswood, Portland Basin, Manchester Museum and visitors such as ‘the Owl man and Furred, Feathered and Scaled all help bring our natural geographical world to life and allow them to experience other places.

Geography Pupil Voice – What do our children think of Geography at Mayfield? (Impact)

“It’s exciting because we can learn about what countries have in them.”

“Geography is exciting because we are learning about London, and I love it so much!”

“Geography is fun.”

“We have learnt about Oldham and how it had lots of mills.”

“We learnt about Egypt, it has pyramids”

“I like Geography because we can make changes to the world.”