Bolsover Church of England Junior School
Geography
'In our changing world nothing changes more than Geography'
Geography - knowledge of the world and our place in it.
Subject Intent
At Bolsover, our intent is to provide pupils with a deep understanding of place and the changing environment in which we live in. Through the teaching of Geography, we ensure every pupil has a better understanding of our human and physical world. With the knowledge, skills and values our chidlren developed through our Geography lessons can be used to make a positive contribution to our local community as well as the world through social and environmental action. Pupils will build on their prior knowledge (from KS1) of the local area of Bolsover and how past industries such as mining have shaped the landscape and society.
Geography enables pupils to reflect on their own surroundings and experiences as they encounter different societies and cultures in their learning. We aim to captivate pupils by giving them opportunities to discover their place in a unique and diverse world. We use Geography to broaden pupils’ horizons by developing a sense of their place in the world. We aim to inspire pupils’ curiosity and fascination about the world and its people that will allow them to become responsible citizens. We aim to provide real and enhanced experiences, to ensure every pupil develops a love for the subject and reaches their full potential.
Subject Co-ordinator
The subject co-ordinator for Geography in school is Miss Billie Ratcliffe, who can be contacted on 01246 822324, or via our school email at info@bolsover-jun.derbyshire.sch.uk. Our nominated governor for geography is Mrs Pamela Hall who can be contacted via the same contacts above.
Purpose of study
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. Teaching should equip pupils with knowledge about diverse places, people, resources and natural and human environments, together with a deep understanding of the Earth’s key physical and human processes. As pupils progress, 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. Geographical knowledge, understanding and skills provide the frameworks and approaches that explain how the Earth’s features at different scales are shaped, interconnected and change over time.
The National Curriculum aims
The National curriculum for Geography aims to ensure that all pupils:
- Develop contextual knowledge of the location of globally significant places – both terrestrial and marine – including their defining physical and human characteristics and how these provide a geographical context for understanding the actions of processes.
- Understand the processes that give rise to key physical and human geographical features of the world, how these are interdependent and how they bring about spatial variation and change over time.
- Are competent in the geographical skills needed to:
- Collect, analyse and communicate with a range of data gathered through experiences of fieldwork that deepen their understanding of geographical processes.
- Interpret a range of sources of geographical information, including maps, diagrams, globes, aerial photographs and Geographical Information Systems (GIS).
- Communicate geographical information in a variety of ways, including through maps, numerical and quantitative skills and writing at length.
Subject Policies and Guidance
Subject Overview
Curriculum Document - what do the progression of knowledge, skills and vocabulary in geography look like at Bolsover?
Our Geography Curriculum
Knowledge organisers
Assessment in Geography
Assessment of pupil progress in Geography aims to assist pupils in understanding their own progress, aid teachers with their planning, as well as informing the school’s monitoring of progression and attainment. Therefore, children should assess their work in accordance with the school’s policy for self-assessment as they would do for any other written work. Teachers should ensure that children strive to meet the skills, whilst also building up their knowledge and understanding of Geography. Teachers should ensure that all learning is marked and toolkits have been completed.
Assessments can be made through a variety of forms, including:
- Talking to pupils and asking questions
- Discussing pupils’ work with them
- Marking work against the learning objectives
- Specific assignments for individual pupils
- Observing practical tasks and activities
- Pupils’ self-evaluation of their work
The assessments made throughout the academic year are recorded and used to inform the end of year reports to parents/guardians. The co-ordinator, with support from the wider management team, will also carry out annual Geography drop ins, work scrutinise, evaluations of lesson planning, conducting pupil interviews, discussions with pupils, staff and parents as well as carrying out formal lesson observations.
Careers in Geography
Careers in Geography continue to grow and many resources that we use to help in work will be developing geographical skills. Our pupils will enter employment that is dominated by geographical change and exploration of the world.
The teaching and learning of Geography supports careers, such as:
- Transportation manager
- Journalist
- Environmental lawyer
- Landscape architect
- Weather forecaster
- Catastrophe modeller or emergency planner
- Teacher
Useful links and websites for Geography