Geography

Geography 

At Gilthill, we have developed a bespoke curriculum for geography that follows a mastery approach. This approach allows us to create a two-year cycle where knowledge can be deepened and expanded upon. Within each phase, both year groups learn the basic knowledge of geography. However, the higher year group engages in advancing learning by utilising higher-order thinking skills such as summarising and comparing.

In our geography curriculum, we emphasise key concepts through our learning threads. These learning threads are the big ideas that run through all of our teaching in geography. We adopt a topic-based approach that immerses our children in learning, both in their immediate locality and the wider world. By doing so, we aim to provide a rich and meaningful learning experience that connects our students to the real world.

We also utilise knowledge categories to link learning across themes and encourage the retrieval of previous learning. This approach ensures that our children not only acquire more knowledge but also retain and remember it over time. By continuously building on prior knowledge, we enable our students to develop a deep understanding of geography.

Our curriculum rationale aligns with the requirements of the National Curriculum by covering the key knowledge and skills outlined in the geography curriculum. We believe that it is essential for our pupils to develop a solid foundation in geography, as it equips them with the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate and understand the world around them. Additionally, our curriculum is designed to be aspirational, challenging our students to think critically, engage in higher-order thinking, and develop a global perspective.

Whole School Aims:

Our geography curriculum is closely aligned with our whole school vision, which is centred around ‘Inspiring today’s children to embrace tomorrow’s challenges’. By teaching geography in a comprehensive and meaningful way, we aim to instill these values in our students. Geography provides opportunities for our pupils to develop an understanding and appreciation of diversity, sustainability, and global citizenship. It also promotes curiosity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, which are essential for lifelong learning.

Subject Vision:

We teach geography because we believe it is a fundamental subject that enables our students to make sense of the world they live in. Our intent for pupils in geography is to develop their geographical knowledge, skills, and understanding. We want our children to become competent geographers who can analyse and interpret a range of geographical information, make informed decisions, and contribute positively to society. Through our geography curriculum, we aim to foster a sense of curiosity, empathy, and responsibility towards the environment and diverse cultures.