Geography

Our aim is for children to develop a natural curiosity and appreciation about their surroundings and the wider world, becoming more aware and appreciative of people, places and environments.

Children will be confident using their geographical skills to collect and communicate information, including drawing and interpreting maps.

In Early Years children will develop their knowledge about their immediate environment through observation, discussion, stories and maps. They will explore the natural world around them, including the seasons.

In Key Stage 1 children will develop their knowledge about the United Kingdom and their own locality. They’ll learn how to use maps, atlases and globes as well as learn simple compass directions. The children will also study seasonal and daily weather patterns in the United Kingdom and look at the hot and cold areas of the world in relation to the equator and the North and South Poles.

In Key Stage 2 the children will look to extend their knowledge beyond their local area. They will begin to look at similarities and differences of human geography such as types of settlement and land use. They will also study physical geography elements such as climate zones, rivers, mountains, volcanoes and earthquakes. Children will continue to use maps, atlases and globes and will use the 8 points of the compass in their work. They will start to consider the use of four and six figure grid references and ordnance survey maps.

Geography outside the curriculum

• Enrichment activities such as school trips to local areas – Easingwold, Bridlington, Scarborough

• Assemblies about significant people from around the world.

• Celebration days, e.g. Earth Day, World Water Day

• Half termly homework, e.g. i-spy walking trail around York challenge

• Directional and coordinates activities in maths

• Class world maps are referred to in all areas of the curriculum where place is a focus

• Around the World times tables challenge in KS2

• Morning Circle with a Geography focus

• World map display with significant people located clearly

Curriculum Documents:

Link: Geography Long-Term Plan

Link: Geography – National Curriculum

Link: Lower KS2 Geography – Cycle B Summer – Mountains

Link: Upper KS2 Geography – Cycle B Summer – Human Impact (Rainforests)

Link: KS1 Geography – Cycle B Summer – Coastal Towns