Geography at Manuden

At Manuden Primary School, we want children to develop a strong understanding of the world, the people who live in it and the physical processes that shape it.

Our geography curriculum is designed to build pupils’ knowledge of places, environments and geographical processes while developing the skills needed to think and work like geographers.

We want children to become curious about the world around them, ask geographical questions, use evidence confidently and understand the connections between people, places and environments.

How We Teach Geography

Geography is taught through carefully sequenced units that build on pupils’ prior knowledge.

Teaching includes:

• developing knowledge of places and locations;
• understanding physical and human geography;
• using maps, atlases and globes;
• interpreting photographs, diagrams and geographical data;
• developing fieldwork skills;
• comparing different places and environments;
• using geographical vocabulary accurately; and
• exploring how people and environments influence one another.

Teachers make links between topics where this helps pupils build a connected understanding of the world.

Locational and Place Knowledge

Children develop an increasingly secure understanding of where places are located and what makes them distinctive.

As pupils progress through the school, they develop knowledge of:

• the United Kingdom and its countries;
• continents and oceans;
• major countries and regions of the world;
• significant physical and human features;
• similarities and differences between places; and
• how places change over time.

Pupils are encouraged to make connections between local, national and global geography.

Geographical Skills and Fieldwork

Fieldwork is an important part of geography.

Children have opportunities to observe, investigate and record geographical features in the school grounds and local area.

They develop skills including:

• using maps and plans;
• using compass directions;
• interpreting symbols and keys;
• collecting and recording information;
• making observations;
• measuring and comparing;
• presenting geographical information; and
• drawing conclusions from evidence.

As pupils progress through the school, they are expected to use these skills with increasing independence.

Geography in Our Mixed-Age Classes

Our mixed-age geography curriculum is carefully planned to ensure full National Curriculum coverage and clear progression over time.

Where appropriate, Years 1 & 2, Years 3 & 4 and Years 5 & 6 follow a two-year curriculum cycle.

Teachers ensure that pupils build on prior learning without unnecessary repetition. Expectations, questioning and outcomes are adapted according to pupils’ age, prior knowledge and individual needs.

Geographical Vocabulary

Developing accurate geographical vocabulary is an important part of our curriculum.

Key vocabulary is introduced explicitly, revisited regularly and used in discussion, fieldwork and written work.

Pupils are encouraged to use increasingly precise language when describing places, processes, patterns and relationships.

Our Local Area

Manuden and the surrounding area provide valuable opportunities for geographical learning.

Where appropriate, pupils use the local environment to develop fieldwork skills, investigate land use, identify physical and human features and consider how places change over time.

Using the local area helps children connect classroom learning with the world around them.

People, Places and the Environment

Through geography, pupils develop an understanding of how people and environments are connected.

Children explore themes such as:

• settlement and land use;
• weather and climate;
• rivers and landscapes;
• natural resources;
• environmental change; and
• sustainability.

We encourage pupils to consider geographical issues thoughtfully and to understand that choices made by people can affect places and environments locally and globally.

Supporting All Learners

We want every pupil to participate successfully in geography.

Teachers adapt teaching and resources where necessary through approaches such as:

• maps, photographs and visual resources;
• explicit vocabulary teaching;
• additional modelling;
• practical and fieldwork experiences;
• adapted recording methods;
• pre-teaching or additional rehearsal; and
• targeted adult support where appropriate.

Adaptations are designed to remove barriers while maintaining ambitious expectations.

Assessment

Teachers assess geography through discussion, questioning, fieldwork, pupils’ written work and their ability to apply geographical knowledge and skills.

Assessment is used to identify:

• secure knowledge;
• misconceptions;
• gaps in understanding;
• development of geographical skills; and
• appropriate next steps.

Teachers revisit important concepts where necessary so that pupils build increasingly secure geographical understanding.

Geography Beyond the Classroom

Where appropriate, geographical learning is enriched through fieldwork, educational visits, local studies and opportunities to investigate real places and environments.

These experiences help pupils apply their knowledge and develop a deeper understanding of geography beyond the classroom.

Key Geography Information

• Geography Curriculum Overview
• Geography Progression
• Geography Policy

Find Out More

If you would like further information about how geography is taught at Manuden Primary School, please contact the school office.

Email: office@manuden.essex.sch.uk
Telephone: 01279 813370