Welcome to our Geography curriculum page where you will find a range of information about Geography at Endeavour Academy. Our subject leader for Geography is Miss Wellburn.
INTENT
As geographers at Endeavour Academy, our children will develop a curiosity and fascination about the world and the people in it. They will learn about the location of globally significant places, both on land and at sea, including their defining physical and human characteristics. They will develop the necessary geographical skills required to collect, analyse and communicate with a range of data gathered through experiences of fieldwork that deepen their understanding of geographical processes. They will be able to communicate geographical information in a variety of ways, including through maps, diagrams, globes, aerial photographs, numerical and quantitative skills and writing at length.
Characteristics of an Endeavour Academy geographer:
- A knowledge of where places are and what they are like.
- An understanding of the ways in which places are interdependent and interconnected and how much human and physical environments are interrelated.
- An extensive base of geographical knowledge and vocabulary.
- Fluency in complex, geographical enquiry and the ability to apply questioning skills and use effective analytical and presentational techniques.
- The ability to reach clear conclusions and develop a reasoned argument to explain findings.
- Highly developed fieldwork and other geographical skills and techniques.
- A passion for and commitment to the subject, and a real sense of curiosity to find out about the world and the people who live there.
- The ability to express well-balanced opinions, rooted in very good knowledge and understanding about current and contemporary issues in society and the environment.
IMPLEMENTATION
Geography is taught through a thematic approach. At Endeavour, we follow the National Curriculum through our bespoke curriculum. Our whole school overview of learning can be viewed below and is used by staff to reinforce, build upon and make links between prior learning in turn supporting pupils to know more and remember more on their journey through school. Experiential learning such as fieldwork and workshops with geographical experts, such as Tameside wardens, to further enhance learning and to create a shared starting point on which to build further knowledge.
Whole School Geography Overview
Teaching and learning in geography is organised around school identified key concepts that we refer to as ‘big ideas’. These big ideas enable us to focus our attention on the most meaningful content, which for geography we have identified as:
Knowledge, skills and understanding in geography is developed around these same ideas and built progressively year-on-year. Our school progression documents illustrate how this is mapped out across school.
Geography Progression
At Endeavour Academy we are committed to using opportunities within geography to educate our pupils to be the best versions of themselves in order to become valuable and fully rounded members of society. Our geography curriculum is designed to encompass meaningful SMSC (spiritual, moral, social and cultural) development and promote British Values through a variety of engaging learning experiences. For example,
IMPACT
The geography subject leader, supported by the Headteacher and Senior Leaders, takes responsibility for ensuring children are progressing as expected in geography. They regularly monitor planning and children’s work to evaluate curriculum delivery and standards. Teachers complete geography assessments termly and this data is used by the geography leader to inform curriculum developments. Examples of the impact of the geography curriculum can be evidenced through pupils’ work below. Pupils are also regularly asked to reflect on their learning. Some examples of this can be seen below.
Examples of geography work
ASPIRATIONS
As part of our commitment to raising aspirations for all pupils, we want to develop an understanding in our pupils of how learning geography can be useful to them in their everyday lives (see pupil voice above) or in their future careers. Here are some jobs pupils can aspire to as geographers:
SUPPORTING YOUR CHILD WITH GEOGRAPHY
The geography curriculum is quite large and technical but you will have already been teaching your children geography from them being babies. You are already an accomplished geographer! Your daily life constantly provides you with rich geographical experiences, information and understanding. You think and act geographically, often without realising it. It comes naturally as you navigate your way around your home and neighbourhood; as you make sense of local and world news; as you respond to the weather forecast, as you decide on a holiday location and how to get there.
When out and about in your local area, you can help your child geographically by chatting about local physical features, attractions and activities. You might even like to develop this idea by asking them to provide a tourist guide for their local area for visiting relatives.
On a journey, you can share the road map or map phone app with your son or daughter so they can follow the route while you talk about where you are going. Alternatively, ask them to draw a map of their journey to school or the local shop, including any natural or man-made features along the way.
Holidays are an ideal opportunity to compare the location with their home area — you might ask your child to talk through five similarities and differences, for example. Holidays also provide an opportunity for a museum visit or a trip to a tourist attraction.
Closer to home, use anything at your disposal! Magazines, TV, films and even some computer games can provide your child with a view of distant places. They enable your child to be transported instantly to another place. Prompt their thinking with questions, such as: What might the weather be like in this place? Why might the road have been built where it is? The list of questions is endless and will lead to all sorts of discussions which will really help to develop curiosity about, and understanding of, the world.
Websites that my help your child’s geographical learning:
Online learning may help to promote geography in your home as well as hone and build on the geographical skills they already have. Below are some links to some key websites that may help with this:
The BBC Bitesize websites link to videos, games and information a wide range of geographical knowledge:
The Geographical Association is the leading organisation supporting geographical teacher in the UK. Their resources are available at:
The Royal Geographical Society has also published a wealth of resources to help teachers and parents:
Digimaps is a great resource for interacting with maps. Your child’s teacher will be able to give you our school login and then the exploration can begin!
Books that my help your child’s geographical learning:
At Endeavour Academy, we pride ourselves on nurturing as passion for subjects through reading. Below is a short list of books which could help to develop a love for geography:
EYFS geography reads:
- We’re Going on a Bear Hunt- Michael Rosen
- Who’s Driving by Leo Timers
- My Big World (OKIDO)
- This Is How We Do It- Matt Lamothe
- Mama, Do You Love Me- Barbara M. Joosse
KS1 geography reads:
- Here We Are (Notes for Living on Planet Earth) - Oliver Jeffers.
- A School Like Mine (DK)
- Adventures Around the Globe (Lonely Planet)
- Little Kids First Big Book of the World (National Geographic Kids)
- This Is How We Do It- Matt Lamothe
- What Did The Tree See? – Charlotte Guillain
- Be Green! Mindful Kids Global Citizen- Mandy Archer
LKS2 geography reads:
- Look Inside Our World (Usbourne)
- The Train to Impossible Places by PG Bell
- Geography a Children’s Encyclopaedia (DK)
- Adventures Around the Globe (Lonely Planet)
- What’s Where in the World (DK)
- Follow that Map! – Scot Ritchie
- If the World Were a Village- David J. Smith, Shelagh Armstrong
UKS2 geography reads:
- Illegal by Eoin Colfer
- SeaBEAN by Sarah Holding
- Geography a Children’s Encyclopaedia (DK)
- Utterly Amazing Earth (DK)
- Journey to the River Sea- Eva Ibbotson
- The Breadwinner- Deborah Ellise