Geography Curriculum Rationale

At Ormskirk CE, we believe that we are born Geographers, instinctively using our senses to explore the world around us. We aim to develop this sense of curiosity, stimulating our pupil’s interest and fostering a sense of wonder and curiosity at the world and its people. Through fantastic lessons and memorable school trips, we want our children to love Geography and to grow up wanting to be cartographers, conservationists, geologists and weather forecasters!

Curriculum Intent

At Ormskirk CE we believe that a high-quality Geography education should inspire in pupils a curiosity and fascination about the world and its people that will remain with them for the rest of their lives. We look to equip children with the geographical knowledge and skills required to find out and understand more about our planet, through studying places, people and natural and human environments.

As pupils continue on their primary school journey, their growing knowledge about the world should help them to deepen their understanding of the interaction between physical and human processes, and of the formation and use of landscapes and environments. It should also instil in them a sense of curiosity and a desire to explore the world around them. As well as building on their knowledge, we also intend for children to develop their geographical skills. We want our children to be collecting and analysing data in their lessons, and be confident using maps, globes, aerial photographs and digital mapping to name and identify countries, continents and oceans. Furthermore, we look to ensure that children develop an informed concern for the quality of the environment, enhancing their sense of responsibility for the care of the Earth and its people.

 We want to ensure we provide our children with, not only the minimum statutory requirements laid out in the National Curriculum, but also opportunities and experiences beyond the classroom through fantastic and memorable trips. For example, Year 4 enjoy an exciting start to their topic of ‘Water’ by visiting White Scar Caves and Ingleton Waterfalls, whereas Year 5 visit Mount Snowdon as part of their ‘United Kingdom’ topic. We believe that if we can Inspire our children to Aim High, then they can Achieve and Shine, both in school and later life! 

Curriculum Implementation

Geography at our school is taught in line with the National Curriculum, supported by a clear skills and knowledge progression throughout EYFS, KS1 and KS2. This ensures that skills and knowledge are built on year by year and sequenced appropriately to maximise learning for all children. Prior to each topic, knowledge organisers are provided to children so that they can revise, review and their subject knowledge. Year group curriculums are organised by class teachers under the guidance and support of our subject leaders. Teachers plan and deliver their own lessons appropriate to the individual needs of the children, allowing for opportunities for children of all abilities to develop their skills and knowledge in each topic. As well as providing creative and engaging lessons, we also look to inspire our students through memorable school trips, using local areas such as Ormskirk and Liverpool, as well as areas further afield such as Ingleton, Snowdon and London to achieve the desired outcomes.

At Ormskirk CE, we aim to:-   

• Develop an excellent knowledge of where places are and what they are like.
• Develop an excellent understanding of the ways in which places are interdependent and interconnected and how much human and physical environments are interrelated.
• Provide an extensive base of geographical knowledge and vocabulary.
• Develop highly developed and frequently utilised fieldwork and other geographical skills and techniques.
• Promote a passion for and commitment to Geography, and a real sense of curiosity to find out about the world and the people who live there.
• Encourage a sense of responsibility and informed concern for the Earth and its people.

Curriculum Impact

The impact of Geography at our school is assessed in line with our school assessment policy with links to Bloom’s Taxonomy. All teachers formatively assess children’s progress using a wide range of sources, including written work, group activities and fieldwork. In our school, we also use Earwig as a way of showing examples of children’s work which can then be assessed using Blooms Taxonomy. This is shared with parents and used by subject leaders as a way to monitor their subject. Monitoring in Geography also includes: book scrutinies, lesson observations (either in person or on our school video platform IRIS) and pupil/staff voice. 

Geography Progression Document

Geography Overview.

What Geography at Ormskirk CE looks like