Intent and implementation

Our Intent, Implementation and Impact statement for Geography

Geography intent statement 

At Ruskington Chestnut Street CofE Primary Academy geography education should be fully inclusive to every child. We fulfil the requirements of the National Curriculum for geography; providing a broad, balanced curriculum; ensuring the progressive development of geographical concepts, knowledge and skills; and for the children to develop a love for geography.  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 our 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 and 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 Chestnut Street and also to their further education and beyond.

Geography implementation 

Geography teaching focuses on enabling children to think as geographers. At Chestnut Street geography is taught in blocks throughout the year, so that children can achieve depth in their learning. Teachers have identified the key knowledge and skills of each blocked topic and consideration has been given to ensure progression across topics throughout each year group across the school. At the beginning of each unit of work children are able to convey what they know already as well as what they would like to find out. This informs the programme of study and also ensures that lessons are relevant and take account of children’s different starting points. Cross curricular outcomes in geography are specifically planned for, with strong links between geography and English lessons identified, planned for and utilised. The local area is fully utilised to achieve the desired outcomes, with extensive opportunities for learning outside the classroom embedded in practice.

Geography impact 

Outcomes in geography books evidence a broad and balanced curriculum and demonstrate children’s acquisition of identified key knowledge. Children review their successes in achieving the lesson learning question at the end of every session. As children progress throughout the school, they develop a deep knowledge, understanding an appreciation of their local area and its place within the wider geographical context. Regular school trips provide further relevant and contextual learning.