At Northside Primary School, geography is about inspiring our children to ask questions about the world around them, from the immediate locality to global issues of huge importance. It is about celebrating the diversity of ourselves and our world and about ensuring that our children are Happy to Learn and Inspired to Flourish . 

Intent
Geography at Northside teaches an understanding of places, people and environments.  Children are encouraged to develop a greater understanding and knowledge of the world, as well as their place in it. Geography is, by nature, an investigative subject, which develops an understanding of concepts, knowledge and skills. We seek to inspire in children a curiosity and fascination about the world and its people. We want to promote the children’s interest and understanding of diverse places, people, resources and natural and human environments. We want them to develop a deep understanding of the Earth’s key physical and human processes.

Implementation

Geography is taught through a creative, cross-curricular, topic-based curriculum where children’s learning is linked across a common theme incorporating all other areas of learning. Geography topics include a Brilliant Beginning, a Marvellous Middle and an Excellent Ending to instill excitement in the children. Also, at the beginning of each topic, children create a glossary page of key vocabulary. Vocabulary places a vital role in learning at Northside and is key to understanding geographical terms and concepts.   Each geography lesson begins with an enquiry question which forms the basis for the learning. The curriculum is designed to develop knowledge and skills that are progressive, as well as transferable, throughout their time at Northside and beyond. Consideration has been given to ensure progression across topics throughout each year group across the school. At the beginning of each half-termly topic, 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.  All geography teaching is delivered to our children in mixed-ability groups and teaching is adapted to ensure that all children achieve. Children learn about their local area and compare their life in this area with that in other regions in the United Kingdom and in the rest of the world. They learn how to draw and interpret maps and they develop the skills of research, investigation, analysis and problem-solving. Through their growing knowledge and understanding of human geography, learners gain an appreciation of life in other cultures. Key concepts such as trade, identity, citizenship, sustainability and settlement are central to our curriculum and run alongside our Northside Values of  Respect, Pride, Inclusion, Challenge, Creativity, and Resilience.

Impact
Outcomes in Learning Journals evidence a broad and balanced geography curriculum. Progress is reviewed by the subject leader who carries out learning walks, lesson visits and book looks. As children progress throughout the school, they develop a deep knowledge, understanding and appreciation of their local area and its place within the wider global context.