Geography at West Wycombe School

At West Wycombe School, the Geography curriculum is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the world around them, focusing on both natural and human environments. The curriculum is structured to build on students' knowledge and skills progressively from Reception through Year 6.

Intent

Our Geography curriculum intends to inspire pupils to become curious and explorative thinkers, encouraging them to think like geographers. The curriculum aims to develop questioning, observation, data measurement, analysis, and presentation skills. It focuses on understanding how geography shapes lives at multiple scales and over time, fostering resourcefulness and active citizenship. The scheme emphasizes developing geographical skills and knowledge, critical thinking, fieldwork skills, and a deep understanding of local and global geography. It aligns with the National Curriculum and supports Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) goals.

Implementation

Implementing the Geography curriculum involves delivering a progressive and practical learning experience across the school. The curriculum is structured around four strands: locational knowledge, place knowledge, human and physical geography, and geographical skills and fieldwork. It includes cross-curricular links, inquiry-based learning, and fieldwork opportunities. The scheme provides a clear progression of skills and knowledge, with units designed to revisit and build on previous learning. Teaching strategies include independent, paired, and group work. The curriculum is spiral, ensuring that essential knowledge and skills are reinforced with increasing complexity.

Impact

The Geography curriculum's impact is measured through formative and summative assessments. The enquiry-based approach allows teachers to assess pupils against National Curriculum expectations. The expected outcomes include the ability to compare and contrast human and physical features, understand the interaction of physical elements, appreciate the relationship between humans and their environment, and develop geographical skills such as map reading and conducting enquiries. The curriculum aims to equip pupils with the skills and knowledge to study geography confidently at Key Stage 3, fostering respect and appreciation for the world and shaping them into curious and inspired geographers.
 

Reception: In Reception, students are introduced to the natural world through exploration of their immediate environment. They learn to ask questions about the natural environment, recognize seasonal changes, and understand basic concepts such as the difference between natural and man-made objects. Topics include observing and drawing plants and animals, understanding life cycles, and learning about habitats.
 

Year 1: Students begin to explore weather patterns, focusing on the weather in the UK and comparing it to other places like Shanghai. They learn about the characteristics of different climates and how weather affects daily life.
 

Year 2: The curriculum expands to include discussions on living in hot or cold places, celebrating the diversity of the world, and understanding coastal environments. Students explore why certain places are wonderful and what makes living by the coast unique.
 

Year 3: Students delve into more complex geographical phenomena such as volcanoes and the unique environment of Antarctica. They also study different types of settlements and why people choose to live in certain areas.
 

Year 4: The focus shifts to understanding where food comes from, the importance of rainforests, and the role of rivers. Students learn about the significance of these natural resources and their impact on human life.
 

Year 5: Students explore life in the Alps, the importance of oceans, and population changes. They study how geographical features influence human activities and the environment.
 

Year 6: The curriculum culminates with topics such as living in a desert, sources of energy, and conducting independent fieldwork enquiries. Students learn about the challenges of desert environments, the importance of sustainable energy, and the skills needed for geographical research.

Links Between Topics:
 

Progressive Complexity: The curriculum starts with basic concepts in Reception and gradually introduces more complex topics, ensuring a solid foundation before advancing.
 

Seasonal and Environmental Changes: From Reception through Year 6, students consistently explore how natural and human environments change over time and the impact of these changes.
 

Human-Environment Interaction: Throughout the years, there is a strong emphasis on how humans interact with and impact their environment, from local weather patterns to global issues like pollution and sustainability.
 

Fieldwork and Observation: Practical skills such as observation, drawing, and fieldwork are emphasized, allowing students to apply their knowledge in real-world contexts.

Overall, the Geography curriculum at West Wycombe School aims to foster curiosity, respect for the natural world, and a deep understanding of environmental science, preparing students to be informed and responsible global citizens.