Geography

Intent

At Durrington Infant School we believe that Geography helps to provoke and provide answers to questions about the natural and human aspects of the world. The children at Durrington Infants are encouraged to develop a greater understanding and gain further knowledge about the world around them, as well as their place in it. The Geography Curriculum at Durrington Infant School helps to provide opportunities for children to develop their knowledge and skills, which can transfer to other curriculum areas. These vitally important skills are used to promote their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development through an enriching and exciting Geography programme. At Durrington Infant School, we seek to inspire a curiosity in children and a fascination about the world and its people. This will promote the children’s interests and understanding of diverse places, people, resources and natural and human environments. The curriculum is designed to develop knowledge and skills, which are progressive as well as transferable. 

Implementation

Geography at Durrington Infant School is taught in blocks throughout the year, so that children can achieve depth in their learning and become fully immersed in the topic. Teachers have identified they key knowledge and skills of each block and consideration has been given to ensure progression across topics throughout each year group. At the beginning of a Geography block, children will be given the opportunity to demonstrate previous knowledge as well as what they would like to learn, this informs the programme of study and ensures that lessons are relevant and take account of children’s different starting points. Each teacher will consider how greater depth will be taught and supported within each lesson, as well as ensuring learners will be supported in line with the schools commitment to inclusion. Cross curricular links will be identified and planned for in advance and the local area will be fully utilised, with extensive opportunities for learning outside the classroom strongly embedded into practise.

Impact

The school has a supportive ethos and our approaches support the children in developing their collaborative and independent skills, as well as empathy and the need to recognise the achievement of others. Regular and ongoing assessment informs teaching, as well as intervention, to support and enable the success of each child. These factors ensure that we are able to maintain high standards with achievement at the end of KS1 growing in time to be above with National Average and seeing a higher proportion of children demonstrating greater depth, at the end of each phase.

Outcomes in topic and floor books will evidence a broad and balanced Geography curriculum and will demonstrate children’s key knowledge. Children will review their own learning at the end of a block and record either in a poster, or a quiz, the key points they have learnt. As children progress through the school they will develop a deep knowledge, understanding and appreciated of their local area and its place within the greater geographical context.