We believe that Geography helps to provoke and provide answers to questions about the natural and human aspects of the world.

Children are encouraged to develop a greater understanding and knowledge of the world, as well as their place in it.

The geography curriculum at Co-op Academy Portland is, by nature, an investigative subject, which develops and understanding of concepts, knowledge and skills. We seek to inspire in children a curiosity and fascination about the world and its people which will remain with them for the rest of
their lives; to promote the children’s interest and understanding of diverse places, people, resources and natural and human environments, together with a deep understanding of the Earth’s key physical and human processes. The curriculum is designed to develop knowledge and skills that are progressive, as well as transferable, throughout their time at Co-op Academy Portland and also to their further education and beyond.
 

Implementation
The Geography programme of study provided by the National Curriculum has been broken down to ensure both progression and coverage across Key Stage 1 and 2.Whilst in EYFS, the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum is followed. Geography at Co-op Academy Portland is taught in blocks throughout the year, so that children can achieve depth in their learning. Teachers have identified the key knowledge and skills of each blocked topic and consideration has been given to ensure progression across topics throughout each year group across the school. At the beginning of each topic, children are able to convey what they know already as well as what they would like to find out. This informs the programme of study and also ensures that lessons are relevant and take account of children’s different starting points. Consideration is given to how greater depth will be taught, learnt and demonstrated within each lesson, as well as how learners will be supported in line with the school’s commitment to inclusion.

Cross curricular outcomes in geography are specifically planned for, with strong links between geography and morning literacy lessons identified, planned for and utilised. The local area is fully utilised to achieve the desired outcomes, with extensive opportunities for learning outside the classroom embedded in practice.
 

Impact

Outcomes in topic and literacy books, evidence a broad and balanced geography curriculum and demonstrate children’s acquisition of identified key knowledge. Children review their successes in achieving the lesson objectives and are actively encouraged to identify their own target areas, with these being identified, shared and verified by teachers as necessary. Children also record what they have learned comparative to their starting points at the end of every topic. As children progress throughout the school, they develop a deep knowledge, understanding an appreciation of their local area and its place within the wider geographical context.

The Geography Team: Mr Jenkins and Mr Ogilvie.