Geography
Our approach to Geography education is grounded in a thematic-approach, recognising the mutually enriching relationship between History and Geography in providing contextual depth to children's learning experiences. Geography remains highly esteemed as an independent subject and it remains crucial for us, that the substantive and disciplinary skills of geography are at the forefront before being applied to meaningful contexts. Our staff, on average, deliver 6-8 lessons of Geography per term.
The structure of our Geography curriculum revolves around five fundamental areas: geographical skills and fieldwork, human and physical geography, locational knowledge, place knowledge, and responsibility. These pillars subtly mirror our values, emphasising the importance of responsibility and respect in understanding the geographical impact on the planet and people's lives.
Practical exploration takes precedence in our pedagogical approach, with fieldwork serving as a means for children to acquire tangible, real-life geography skills and embody the principles of resilience and independence. Enquiry lies at the heart of our curriculum, subtly encouraging children to foster an inquisitive mindset. By prompting them to pose and address questions, we subtly deepen their understanding of the world, nurturing independence in their exploration of geographical concepts.
Ensuring our staff are well-equipped with the latest subject knowledge is crucial, and we have done this with high-quality CPD (in recent years we have had subject knowledge top-ups with the ‘In the Know series’ from the Geography Association). This commitment reflects our dedication to delivering a comprehensive and enriching Geography curriculum at Galton Valley.