GEOGRAPHY

INTENT

At the Berkeley Academy, we STRIVE to do our best and to

to inspire pupils with a curiosity and fascination about the world and its people that will remain with them for the rest of their lives. 

Through high quality teaching of Geography, we develop the following essential characteristics:

• An excellent knowledge of locations and features of places, both in the United Kingdom and the wider world. 
• An extensive base of geographical knowledge and vocabulary.
• Fluency in complex, geographical enquiry and the ability to apply questioning skills, as well as effective presentation techniques.
• The ability to reach clear conclusions and explain their findings.
• Excellent fieldwork skills as well as other geographical aptitudes and techniques which include the ability to read maps, atlases and globes.
• The ability to express well-balanced opinions, rooted in secure knowledge and understanding of current issues in society and the environment.
• A genuine interest in the subject and a real sense of curiosity about the world and the people who live here

IMPLEMENTATION

• The children will learn to make connections, to identify patterns, to embed key concepts and vocabulary as well as exploring some aspects in more depth. 

• In ensuring high standards of teaching and learning in geography, we implement a curriculum that is progressive throughout the whole school.

• Geography is taught each term and where relevant is linked to individual class topics.

• The National Curriculum drives the knowledge and skills taught and we use Focus Education plans which match these expectations

• As a school, we have OS Maps of the local area which allow children to compare the similarities and differences in landscapes and communities locally.

• Classes are encouraged to use maps, atlases and globes as resources as regularly as possible to provide field skills

• Children are taught to explore and understand the differences physical and human geography and develop their fieldwork and mapping skills. 

• In lessons, pupils develop and use their skills in enquiry, data collection, analysis and evaluation. 

Assessment

We assess Geography in number of ways through pupil voice, teacher assessment and through our Check it! Link it! Show it! structure.

IMPACT

At The Berkeley, the quality teaching of Geography and the opportunities available encourages all pupils with the foundations for understanding the world. The pupils will:

• Leave The Berkeley Academy secure in key geographical skills including map reading, enquiry based investigations and locational knowledge.
• Respect the world we live in and understand the need to protect it.
• Have thoroughly enjoyed learning about geography and have created lasting memories
• Be encouraged to undertake new life experiences now and in the future as lifelong learners
• Confidently talk about geography and positively discuss their learning experiences in the subject.
• Recognise the importance of their local area and appreciate the benefits to living there.
• Achieve above national expectations
• Develop resilience and perseverance
• Understand and appreciate the impact individuals have had in Geography