Geography

Intent

At Hertford Heath, the Geography curriculum is designed to inspire pupils’ curiosity and fascination about the world and its people. Using the Kapow Geography scheme as the foundation of our curriculum, we provide a broad, coherent and carefully sequenced programme that helps pupils to develop a secure understanding of places, environments, human and physical processes and the interaction between people and the planet.

Our intent is for pupils to become knowledgeable geographers who can think critically about the world around them and make informed comparisons between different places, scales and contexts. Through the study of locations near and far, pupils learn about the diversity of the world, the importance of sustainability and the ways in which geography helps us understand current global challenges. They develop the skills to ask questions, collect and interpret information, use maps and fieldwork, and explain geographical patterns and processes.

We want pupils to see Geography as a dynamic and relevant subject that helps them understand their own locality and the wider world. The curriculum is inclusive and ambitious, ensuring that all pupils develop a secure foundation of geographical knowledge and skills that can be built upon in later learning.

Implementation

Geography is taught through the Kapow Geography scheme, which provides a clear progression of knowledge and skills from Early Years through to the end of Key Stage 2. The curriculum is carefully sequenced so that pupils revisit and deepen their understanding of key geographical concepts over time.

Teachers use the scheme to ensure that pupils are taught essential geographical knowledge, including:

• location and place knowledge
• human and physical geography
• geographical skills and fieldwork
• map work and use of atlases, globes and digital mapping
• comparison of local, national and global contexts

Lessons are structured to develop both substantive knowledge and disciplinary thinking. Pupils are encouraged to observe, compare, question, classify, interpret and explain geographical information. They use a range of sources, including maps, photographs, data and fieldwork opportunities, to build and apply their understanding.

The curriculum is designed to ensure that pupils build on prior learning and make meaningful connections between topics and year groups. Subject-specific vocabulary is taught explicitly and revisited regularly so that pupils can speak and write about Geography with increasing accuracy and confidence. Teachers adapt lessons to meet the needs of all learners through modelling, scaffolding, guided discussion and appropriate challenge.

Geography is brought to life through local studies, case studies and fieldwork, helping pupils to understand the relevance of Geography in everyday life. Our curriculum encourages pupils to develop an appreciation of different cultures, environments and perspectives, as well as a sense of responsibility for the future of our planet.