Geography
Charlotte Hobbs and Josie McKeever
Geography Subject Leaders
"The study of geography is about more than just memorizing places on a map. It’s about understanding the complexity of our world."
Barack Obama
The study of Geography work motivates and inspires children to find out about their world, both physical and human, so that they can take an active part in contributing to and protecting this world as they grow up.
Geography Programmes of Study (KS1 & KS2)
Vision for Geography
Progression in Knowledge and Skills for Geography at Floreat Montague Park
In Early Years, Geography is taught within the curriculum area of ‘Understanding the World,’ providing links with science and history. We encourage the children to explore our outdoor area and investigate the plants and animals that we find there - we draw them, label them, research them on iPads and Chromebooks, make homes for them and follow the children’s interests in learning more about them. We introduce the beginnings of map work, encouraging children to look closely at what they see and to draw it accurately.
In Key Stage 1, children develop their locational and place knowledge by comparing different localities to where they live. They use geographical photos to make predictions about the characteristics of different places, as well as using paper maps and globes to locate different places. Children begin to undertake fieldwork in their local environment, using the meadow to observe geographical changes over time. Wokingham is also used as a case study to build up an understanding of both human and physical geography. Children are encouraged to ask geographical questions about the world around them.
In Lower Key Stage 2, children develop their use of atlas work and Google Earth to enhance their place and locational knowledge by applying a range of skills such as reading grid references and using compass points. The children are encouraged to look at both the human and physical characteristics of the environments studied, in order to develop their understanding of the world as a global community. Children undertake a local study in Reading, using fieldwork to understand how the physical geography of an area is related to the human characteristics of the locality. This allows the children to experiment with different research methods to answer their own geographical questions.
In Upper Key Stage 2, children take ownership of atlas and map work by selecting the most appropriate map for different purposes, as well as using geographical symbols and using maps to draw conclusions about different settlements. Children continue to develop their understanding of the interface between physical and human geography, discussing and debating the economic and cultural implications of different geographical aspects. Fieldwork takes place during residential visits, where children will devise their own research questions and identify ways to conduct their research. They will record measurements and analyse their findings, in order to draw conclusions about their study.
