Geography at Norfolk Community Primary School

Norfolk Community Primary School Curriculum Drivers

Sequencing of Content

Our Geography Overview ensures that pre-requisite knowledge is considered and linked to new learning. A range of concepts are taught across phases, giving opportunity to deepen understanding throughout. Local geography is heavily considered.

All year groups study Geography twice a year as the lead subject and links are also made within other units of work where appropriate.

The sequence has been carefully mapped to ensure concepts build upon one another e.g. Year 5 pupils learn about Rivers after the Y4 Science work focussing on the water cycle.

Big ideas

• Globally significant places
• Define physical and human characteristics
• Spatial variation
• Change over time
• Collect, analyse and interpret geographical data
• Interpret geographical sources
• Communicate geographical understanding

Inspired – images, videos and real-life experiences will show the children the beauty of geography. The efforts of people like Greta Thunberg to improve our world will be recognised and shared. Children will be passionate about the world they live in.

Articulate- stories of children’s experiences of geography will be communicated clearly; they will be taught precise, technical vocabulary and they will apply this to debate about big issues in geography.

Ambitious – learning journeys won’t shy away from the difficult conversations. Geography lessons will make sure that children understand, in depth, different cultures and civilisations in the world and how trade and climate change will affect the world.

Curious – children will ask questions about the world they live in. They will want to know how human geography has been affected in their locality by studying the local area. Likewise, they will want to know more about contrasting areas around the world.

Deepening Concepts

Substantive geographical concepts are deepened, such as:

Settlement – KS1 Seaside, KS1 Australia, LKS2 Berlin

Change – LKS2 Compare Sheffield and Berlin, LKS2 Tremors (Pompeii), UKS2 Mexico

Human geography – KS1 The UK, LKS2 Berlin, UKS2, North America

Physical geography – KS1 Plants and animals around the world, LKS2 Mountains and Volcanoes, UKS2 Rivers

Maps and Atlases – KS1 Maps and Routes, LKS2 Urban Pioneers, UKS2 Frozen Kingdom

Retrieval Practice

Children take part in regular mini-quizzes and retrieval activities to strengthen their memory.

Knowledge organisers and concept maps are used to regularly revisit concepts and make connections.

Remembering information and knowledge is celebrated and is part of the Norfolk Community Primary School culture.

Excited – children will have opportunities to experience geography first-hand. They will study our local area and attend trips to geographically significant places. Learning journeys will explore the marvel of our world!

Knowledgeable – geographical knowledge will be shared with pupils throughout the teaching process. Children will learn about diverse places, people, resources and natural and human environments.