Statement of Intent

At Harrietsham CEP, we believe the teaching of Geography encourages children to enquire about people and places, both locally and worldwide. At its core, Geography is an investigative subject, which immerses children in the knowledge to research both the natural and human world. It is our belief that Geography inspires children to confidentially ask their own questions and help make sense of their own identity within the world. Geography encourages our children to research the curiosities they have about the wider world and develop a concern for environmental issues. We strive to do this in a fun, active and challenging way that immerses all pupils.

Our Geography curriculum is shaped by our school vision which aims to enable all children to flourish in their learning. As children progress through the Geography curriculum, their understanding of the world deepens and so does their ability to develop key skills and form links between physical and human processes. It is our hope our children become passionate and avid learners, to make sense of their environment. We value outdoor learning opportunities to allow the children to immerse themselves in their local environment and experience geographical concepts directly. At Harrietsham CEP we endeavour to spark children’s fascination about the world which they are living in and all the people who they share it with. As our country and own village continues to expand as a multi-ethnic society, we employ Geography as a way to explore the diversity in our local environment and the wider world. This spirit to keep exploring will continue throughout their lives, preparing children to flourish later on in society.

Implementation

Our whole curriculum is shaped by our school vision which aims to enable all children, regardless of background, ability or additional needs to flourish and become the very best version of themselves.

We teach Geography using the Kapow geography scheme, which covers all aspects of the National Curriculum. This ensures that skills and knowledge are built on year by year and sequenced appropriately to maximise learning for all children.

As a school, we focus on the seven key concepts outlined by the Kapow Geography scheme; Place, Space, Scale, Interdependence, Physical and Human Processes, Environmental Impact and Sustainable Development and Cultural Awareness and Diversity. We teach these key concepts through hands on experiences and links to our wider topics. We explore human and physical geography within our local environment and through comparisons between the UK and other countries. Our children develop their map and fieldwork skills by engaging in experiences which enable them to both use and develop their own maps of the local area. Throughout these experiences’ children are able to apply their geographical understanding and vocabulary.

We strive to enhance children’s Geographical vocabulary by making this a key aspect of our learning. This enables children to speak confidently about their learning and explain their understanding to others.

Impact

Children leave Harrietsham CEP with an understanding of the wider world, the important links made between different countries and the purpose and impact of these links. Children are able to enquire about their local environment, notice changes and suggest reasons behind why things might change. Children leave Harrietsham CEP with a concern for the environment and the knowledge to make informed choices on how they can care for it.