Intent

Geography is essentially about understanding the world we live in. It helps to provoke curiosity about the natural and human aspects of the world. At Priory Park Infants children are encouraged to develop a greater understanding and knowledge of the world, as well as their place in it. We seek to inspire our children to have a curiosity in their local area and the wider world around them. We want our children to be proud of their local community and Priory Park Infants School. We hope to foster an eco-friendly mind-set and children who want to make their local area and the wider world around them a safer and better place. Leaving us as mini adventurers who are ready and keen to continue to explore this fascinating planet.

Implementation

We follow the National Curriculum, supported by a clear skills and knowledge progression. This ensures that skills and knowledge are built on year by year and sequenced appropriately to maximise learning.

In EYFS knowledge and skills are developed through ”Understanding the World” Area of Learning. The children are given a variety of experiences involving talking about our local environment, observations about the seasons and similarities and differences in places both local and in the wider world. They begin to look at maps of the Uk and the world and have the opportunity to make their interpretations of maps and begin to use simple geographical vocabulary such as near, far, next to and under for example. 

Pupils in Key stage 1 develop knowledge about the world, the United Kingdom and their locality. They learn basic subject-specific vocabulary relating to human and physical geography and begin to use geographical skills, including first-hand observation, to enhance their locational awareness. Children learn location and place knowledge of hot and cold countries as well as seasonal and daily weather patterns in Britain.

At Priory Park we are extremely fortunate to have our own fully qualified Forest School teacher and assistant. In Year one our children visit our wild area one morning each fortnight, exploring natural features such as trees and shrubs as well as our pond and surrounding plants and mini-beasts. In Year Two the children progress to walking to Priory Park and exploring a specially designated area for their forest school, which includes having first- hand experience of the seasonal changes, use of a compass and simple map work.

Impact

By the time children leave Priory Park Infants School they will have a good knowledge of where places are and what they are like. They will be able to use and understand Geographical vocabulary and talk with confidence in pupil voice groups. Book looks, planning and lesson observations will show progression, a wealth of Geographical vocabulary and differentiation to support children where needed.