‘The study of geography is about more than just memorizing places on a map. It's about understanding the complexity of our world, appreciating the diversity of cultures that exists across continents, and in the end, it's about using all that knowledge to help bridge divides and bring people together.’

Barack Obama

INTENT

Teaching geography in our curriculum is vital as it helps our children develop a comprehensive understanding of the world around them, including natural landscapes, cultural diversity, and global interconnections. Geography fosters critical thinking and analytical skills by encouraging our children to examine spatial relationships and consider the environmental and social impacts of human activities. Furthermore, an appreciation for geography cultivates a sense of global citizenship, empowering our children to engage with pressing issues such as climate change, urbanisation, and resource management. In doing so, we aim to inspire Truly Great geographers who are equipped with the knowledge and skills to address challenges and contribute positively to their communities and the planet.

Our Core Values provide the platform on which we have built our curriculum offer at Barnburgh Primary Academy. Our geography curriculum is underpinned by our Core Values in the following ways;

We teach children to show perseverance in geography lessons by encouraging them to tackle complex topics, such as climate change or the analysis of socio-economic data, and to persist through challenges in understanding and applying these concepts.

We teach children to show courage in geography lessons by encouraging them to engage in discussions about sensitive topics, such as political conflicts or environmental justice, fostering an open and respectful classroom environment. By inviting children to present their perspectives and research findings, we help them build confidence in expressing their ideas while reinforcing the importance of listening to diverse viewpoints. Additionally, incorporating field trips or outdoor activities that explore local geography allows our children to step outside their comfort zones and develop a sense of adventure as they connect theory to real-world experiences.

We teach children to show respect in geography by emphasising the importance of understanding and appreciating cultural diversity, encouraging them to explore and learn about different countries, traditions, and lifestyles. Through group discussions and presentations, we promote active listening, allowing children to value each other's perspectives and contributions. Furthermore, fostering an environment where questions are welcomed encourages respectful inquiry, as children learn to engage thoughtfully with sensitive topics, demonstrating empathy and an appreciation for the richness of our world's geography.

We teach our children to show ambition in geography lessons by introducing them to real-world challenges, such as climate change and erosion. We inspire them to explore potential solutions and consider careers in fields such as environmental science or urban planning.

We teach our children independence in geography lessons through skills such as map reading and data analysis  This empowers them to navigate and interpret geographic information. By fostering a supportive environment that values critical thinking, we encourage our children to develop their own conclusions and insights about the world around them.

Please find the geography progression document below. This is a working document.