Curriculum – Geography

At Lumley Junior School, we use the National Curriculum for Geography as the basis of our Geography programme.

The National Curriculum for Geography aims to ensure that all pupils:

• develop contextual knowledge of the location of globally significant places – both terrestrial and marine – including their defining physical and human characteristics and how these provide a geographical context for understanding the actions of processes
• understand the processes that give rise to key physical and human geographical features of the world, how these are interdependent and how they bring about spatial variation and change over time
• are competent in the geographical skills needed to:
  • collect, analyse and communicate with a range of data gathered through experiences of fieldwork that deepen their understanding of geographical processes
  • interpret a range of sources of geographical information, including maps, diagrams, globes, aerial photographs and Geographical Information Systems (GIS)
  • communicate geographical information in a variety of ways, including through maps, numerical and quantitative skills and writing at length.

At Lumley Juniors, we aim to equip children with geographical knowledge about diverse places, people, resources and natural and human environments, together with a deep understanding of the Earth’s key physical and human processes.  We intend to inspire in pupils a curiosity and fascination about the world and its people which will remain with them for the rest of their lives.

We provide pupils with the knowledge and key skills of: use of geographical information from maps, atlases and globes; use of fieldwork and observations skills to observe, measure and record and geographical communication. Lessons are adapted where necessary to meet the needs of pupils including those with special educational needs and disabilities.

At Lumley Junior School, our Geography curriculum is enquiry-based and we hope for our pupils to gain in-depth knowledge and skills which are progressive and transferrable.  To ensure progression, pupils begin by focusing on our local area and the UK, progress onto Europe and then the world. Geography lessons are practical in nature and appropriate use is made of maps, atlases and globes as well as photographs and field study to ensure children are engaged and enthusiastic about geography.

Children make good progress and are more knowledgeable about the world around us and are confident in talking about physical and human features of geography. Teachers adapt the curriculum to meet the needs of all children.

Key questioning during lessons, quizzes, child-led assessment and assessment of knowledge and skills takes place at the end of each unit to ensure children fully understand and remember what they have learnt before moving on to the next topic.