At Witherley geography is an important part of our school curriculum. It helps us to make sense of the world around us, better understand the places we live in, learn about and visit, why they matter and how they are connected to a globalised world. Through geography, we encounter different societies and cultures and learn to appreciate
the incredible diversity of landscapes and peoples. In geography, we face questions of what it means to live sustainably in an interdependent world and learn to value and care for the planet and all its inhabitants.

“Geography is the subject which holds the key to our future.”  — Michael Palin

Intent

We believe that geography, unlike some other subjects, is not learnt in a strictly linear way, so it is
not possible to identify a simple progression in geographical content. Instead, we see geography as
an inter-connected network of skills and concepts which help pupils develop their geographical
thinking, identify relationships and make connections with increasing fluency in different and more
complex situations.

The sequencing of geography in LMTW is planned using the triangulation of three elements:-
•the National Curriculum
•the Knowledge Building Pillars and Cognitive Blocks
•the Skills Ladder

The geographical learning within themes is designed to enable pupils to build on and contextualise
prior learning using a contemporary, meaningful framework.
Geography is planned for in such a way that each pupils will:-

1. broaden and deepen their knowledge of places
2. increase their technical geographical vocabulary
3. develop their understanding of a range of scales (local > national > global)
4. move from more concrete concepts e.g. beach to more abstract ones e.g. renewable energy
5. see connections between people, places, processes and environments
6. develop skills in a progressive, incremental way
7. use these skills appropriately and, eventually, with independence
 

Implementation

When is Geography taught?
Geography is taught through thematic units. The attached overview (Appendix 1) maps out
which thematic units feature this subject and the Long-Term Plan (Appendix 2) clearly
shows the objectives taught.

How is Geography taught?
Geography is taught through a combination of subject knowledge, geographical skills,
enquiry and fieldwork. Learning takes place both inside and outside the classroom.

Where do we learn about in Geography?
We learn about the following locations:-

Asia
China
Russia
India
Egypt

Africa
Madagascar
South Africa
Benin

South America
Brazil
Peru

North and Central America Europe
Scotland
Greece
Rome

Australasia
Fiji

Arctic Circle

Local Geography

Witherley Village

Merevale Farm

Mancetter 

What do we learn about in Geography?
We learn about:- Landscapes
Human and physical features
Landmarks

Physical systems and processes
Environments
Settlements
Biomes
Climate
Land use
Environmental issues
Sustainability

Foundation Stage

In the Foundation Stage geography is taught as an integral part of the Learning Means the World themes during the year. The area of learning covered by geography within the Foundation Stage is called Knowledge and Understanding of the World, The Early Learning Goals that are specific to geography are:

People Culture and Communities

• Describe their immediate environment using knowledge from observation, discussion, stories, non-fiction texts and maps; - Know some similarities and differences between different religious and cultural communities in this country, drawing on their experiences and what has been read in class; 
• Explain some similarities and differences between life in this country and life in other countries, drawing on knowledge from stories, non-fiction texts and – when appropriate – maps.

The Natural World

• Explore the natural world around them, making observations and drawing pictures of animals and plants;
• Know some similarities and differences between the natural world around them and contrasting environments, drawing on their experiences and what has been read in class;

Impact

At Witherley CE Primary School, children develop a real sense of curiosity to find out about the world and the people who live there, through their learning of Geography. Children understand how Geography has shaped their lives and the world today. Continuing to build on their knowledge, we hope that the children will continue to be interested in the developments of our planet throughout their life. Children have a good understanding of locational knowledge and have an understanding of where places are and what they are like. As children progress through the school, they develop knowledge of the world around them and can also think about their local area and its place within the wider world. Additionally, we aim that our children will have the ability to form opinions, take responsibility and share an understanding about current and contemporary issues in society and the environment.

We are geographers through Understanding the World (and maths!) 

Here are photos of us drawing maps, exploring the world around us, thinking about the differences in countries and ours. We are so good at talking about the world around us and sharing observations that we notice. We talk about things that are the same and differences we spot. We spend time outside and around Witherley and share the changes we notice in the natural world.