Intent

​At Brackenwood Junior School we believe that Geography helps to provoke and provide answers to questions about the natural and human aspects of the world. Children are encouraged to develop a greater understanding and knowledge of the world, as well as their place in it. The geography curriculum at Brackenwood Junior School enables children to develop knowledge and skills that are transferable to other curriculum areas and which can and are used to promote their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. Geography is, by nature, an investigative subject, which develops an understanding of concepts, knowledge and skills. We seek to inspire in children a curiosity and fascination about the world and its people which will remain with them for the rest of their lives; to promote the children’s interest and understanding of diverse places, people, resources and natural and human environments, together with a deep understanding of the Earth’s key physical and human processes. The curriculum is designed to develop knowledge and skills that are progressive, as well as transferable, throughout their time at Brackenwood Junior School and also to their further education and beyond.

Implementation

​Geography at Brackenwood Junior School is taught by focusing on the three key areas – place (location, human and physical features), space (phenomena) and environment. Teachers have identified the key knowledge and skills of each topic and consideration has been given to ensure progression across topics throughout each year group across the school. Knowledge organisers are used to provide a summary of key facts, knowledge and vocabulary for each unit taught. All classes display a large world map which is used to link lessons to their geographical location. At the beginning of a unit, children revisit what they have already learned and build on this knowledge. The local area is fully utilised to achieve the desired outcomes, with extensive opportunities for learning outside the classroom embedded in practice. Field work is undertaken in all Year groups – Please see Field Trip Overview. Opportunities to teach geography through other subjects are used for example: using a weather APP; using devices for mapping and research; reading non-fiction texts and stories that lead into lessons and mathematical skills such as those linked to map work. Lessons are varied to include practical and recorded work and include all children.