Geography

At Whitehill we use Cornerstones as the foundation for our geography curriculum as it allows us to engage learners through memorable experiences and set the scene for contextual learning. It allows us to teach knowledge and information leading to deeper understanding. We can demonstrate new skills and allow time for consolidation with a progressive framework that builds upon prior learning whilst allowing for creative opportunities. It allows us to provide imaginative scenarios to apply core skills and understanding to and enable children to apply what has previously been learning. It encourages independent thinking and allows collaboration and problem solving. It has clear next steps for learning planned in so future learning links to what has occurred previously.

We want our children to be inquisitive and to question the information they are presented with to further their geographical understanding. We want children to understand: where they are located within the world as well as within the British Isles, to be able to use a range of tools to understand their location and the landscapes of contrasting environments, to appreciate, describe and have a desire to conserve the differing environments of the world Geography is an exciting, enquiry led subject that helps us better understand the people, places and environments in the world. The programme of study for Geography states “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”. It is a subject that seeks answers to fundamental questions such as: Where is this place? What is it like? (and why?) How and why is it changing? How does this place compare with other places? How and why are places connected? Geography draws on its vast range of vocabulary to identify and name places, the features within them and the human and physical processes at work there. Such core knowledge provides the building blocks of deeper explanation and understanding; providing entry points to geographical conversations about the world.

Coverage

Cornerstones