Intent

At Waverley Junior Academy, we believe that Geography is a key subject for promoting curiosity and asking questions to delve deeper into the understanding of the world we live in. Throughout each unit of work, we actively encourage children to develop a better knowledge of the world through enquiry questions. Our Geography curriculum is designed to ensure that pupils continually build on their knowledge about diverse places, people, resources and natural and human environments. As well as this, they will gain a better understanding of the Earth’s key physical and human processes and understand why it is important to respect them. Our ultimate aim is to inspire our children to have a curiosity and fascination about the world and the people that live upon it. Through high quality teaching, we hope that their love for Geography will remain with them for the rest of their lives making them well rounded citizens and equipping them for the future in further education and beyond. 

Implementation

Geography in Foundations@Waverley (F@W) is taught through the ‘Understanding the World’ strand of the EYFS curriculum. Children find out about the effects of different seasons, draw on information from simple maps and talk about similarities and difference between their immediate environment, England and other countries. Through continuous provision and adult led activities children are motivated to ask questions about the world around them. The key skills in the F@W curriculum goals and the focus on communicating effectively and developing new language and vocabulary ensures our pupils are prepared for the next stage of their education.

Geography in Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 is taught in blocks throughout the year, so that children can achieve depth in their learning. The key knowledge, skills and vocabulary of each unit builds progressively across each year group therefore allowing children to build on prior learning and make links across units. Tasks are selected and designed to provide appropriate challenge to all learners. To create an engaging and ambitious Geography curriculum, provision is well resourced to support effective teaching and learning. When possible pupils use their love of reading to research and deepen their understanding. In addition to this, cross curricular lessons are regular planned wherever possible and the local area is fully utilised, with extensive opportunities for learning outside the classroom actively encouraged.

Impact

The impact of successful teaching and learning in Geography at Waverley will be shown through outcomes in curriculum and literacy books. Within these books there will be evidence of a broad and balanced Geography curriculum that demonstrates children’s knowledge and understanding relating to each of the identified National Curriculum strands.  Geography work will be regularly displayed and shared throughout school or via our Waverley Facebook and school website. Discussions with children will automatically show a love for Geography learning and they will be willing to share what they have learnt with others in a positive and inspiring manner.

Please click here to download National Curriculum Geography Programmes of Study 

Please click here to see the WJA Long Term Plan