Geography Statement of Intent for CMS
We want Geography to develop our pupils’ curiosity and fascination in the world, its people and places and that they will recognise the differences and similarities that exist locally, nationally and globally. Our geography curriculum allows our learners to gain geographical knowledge, understanding and skills to explain how the Earth’s features are shaped, interconnected and change over time. We want our learners to become balanced, sympathetic and open minded who are equipped to make the most of their geographical future.
Our Geography intent aims to ensure that all pupils:
- have an interest in our world such that they can watch / read the news and understand with clarity the issues that will shape their future.
- have an informed view of the underlying causes and effects of geographical issues.
- develop a deeper understanding of the interactions between the physical and human elements that shape our world.
- enable them to develop their responsibilities as global citizens with a sense of stewardship.
Curriculum Across the Year
- In KS2 pupils receive one lesson of Geography per week.
- In KS3 Year 7 receive two lessons of Geography per week.
- In KS3 Year 8 receive one lesson of Geography per week.
Key Components
KS2
Year | Topic | Key Components | |||||
Year 5 | Mountains | Explore the mountain environment through the study of a LIC (Low Income Country) Nepal. Investigate mountain ranges of the world and the processes by which they are formed. | |||||
Mexico | A study of the country Mexico, exploring physical and human features. | ||||||
Europe | Extend knowledge of the seven continents of the world (Europe). | ||||||
Year 6 | Our Local Area | Explore physical and human features of the UK. Study our local area of Morpeth; describe the landscape using OS maps. | |||||
Raging Rivers | Extend knowledge of physical geographical features – rivers.
Locate key physical features (rivers) both nationally and globally. Develop use of geographical skills to enhance place knowledge. |
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USA | Extend knowledge of the seven continents of the world (USA). An in depth study of the western region of North America. |
KS3
Year 7 | Building a Geography Toolkit | Understand the difference between human, physical and environmental geography.
Develop key geographic and cartographic skills. |
Our Island Home | Understand the geographical differences between the United Kingdom, Great Britain and the British Isles.
Explore the physical and human geography of the UK. |
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Living in a
Global World |
Know that we live in a globalised world.
Understand that everything we do has an impact which is increasingly global rather than local or national. Explore the many ways that we are connected to people and places in other countries. Explain the impacts of MNCs. Evaluate the impact of globalisation to different stakeholders. |
The Cracking Coast |
Understand that the coast is a dynamic and changing system.
Describe what the coast is like, how it changes shape and how it can be protected. Study the processes of erosion, transportation and deposition and investigate their impact upon the coast. Explain the formation of different coastal landforms. |
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“Jambo” from Kenya | A study of the country Kenya (an LIC in Africa), exploring physical and human features. Respect the cultures and traditions of Kenya; investigate tourism. | Middle of Where? East of What? | Extend knowledge of the world’s countries.
Compare and contrast an area of high income and an area of low income in the Middle East. Appreciate the differences and similarities between people, places, environments and cultures to deepen understanding further. |
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Year 8 | Unstable Earth | Develop understanding of tectonic patterns, processes and events, the earth’s structure and plate movements.
Gain a depth of understanding by investigating comparisons between different natural disasters. Broaden understanding to include human actions and response to risk and the idea of preparedness for natural disasters. |
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There is no Planet B! | Know that climate change is a complex and controversial issue.
Know that the Earth is now at its warmest level since the late 1800s. Explain that it is not for geographers or scientists to dictate to the world but to declare what they see and then allow people to make up their mind |
The Living World | Know the difference between a biome and an ecosystem.
Understand that an ecosystem is made up of both biotic and abiotic features. Understand that a rainforest is a fragile environment that needs to be protected before it is destroyed. |
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The Living World | Continued from Spring 2
As previous |
Incredible India | A study of the country India, exploring physical and human features.
Appreciate the differences and similarities between people and places in India to deepen understanding as to why rural to urban migration takes place. |
Websites
There is a wealth of information on the internet about the topics covered in the curriculum. You could explore the following:
- KS2 Geography BBC Bitesize – https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/zbkw2hv
- KS3 Geography BBC Bitesize – https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/zrw76sg
- Map Skill Games – https://www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/mapzone/games
- National Geographic – https://www.natgeokids.com/uk/
Homework
Within Geography homework is set to provide opportunities for pupils to consolidate learning, deepen understanding and give opportunities to practise and develop skills ensuring students’ progress and raising achievement. In Geography homework will be focused around the 3Rs (Reading, Retrieval and Research).
Reading | Retrieval | Research |
Regular reading helps develop cognitive abilities. | Retrieval (recap) activities help students to strengthen their memory and recall information from their learning, leading to deeper learning and understanding. | Research activities enable pupils to deepen and extend their understanding further. |
Helpful resources for learning
Recommended Reading
Parent Information
Fun ways to inspire children with Geography
You could:
- Read around the topic you are studying
- Choose a relevant book from the reading road!
- Take a trip to a river, the coast or simply go for a walk.
Geography Assessments
Pupils are formally assessed throughout both KS2 and KS3. Assessment may include:
- Multiple choice questions
- A short response questions
- An extended written response