Intent 

At Haddenham St. Marys, we aim to ignite curiosity and foster a deep connection with the world through Geography. Recognising the importance of hands-on experiences for young learners, our curriculum emphasizes fieldwork and practical skills. We strive to:

• Develop children’s understanding of their immediate environment and its features.
• Encourage observational skills and geographical inquiry.
• Introduce basic geographical vocabulary and concepts.
• Foster an appreciation for diverse places and cultures.

Implementation

At Haddenham St. Marys, we embrace a thematic approach to learning, where geography, history, and English are interwoven within engaging overarching themes each term. This integrated method allows children to make meaningful connections across subjects, enhancing their understanding and engagement.

Our geography curriculum is designed to be experiential and interactive:

• Local Exploration: Children engage in regular walks around the school grounds and nearby areas to observe physical and human features, celebrating our fantastic school grounds and historical village.
• Mapping Skills: Using simple maps and directional language, children learn to navigate their surroundings and represent them through drawings and models.
• Use of Technology: Tools like Google Earth are employed to explore different parts of the world, fostering global awareness.
• Cross-Curricular Links: Geography lessons are integrated with subjects like art (e.g., drawing landscapes), literacy (e.g., writing about places), and science (e.g., studying habitats).
• Enquiry-Based Learning: Lessons are structured around questions that encourage investigation and critical thinking, such as “What features make our local area special?”

Impact

Through our geography curriculum, children:

• Develop a sense of place and belonging within their community.
• Acquire foundational geographical knowledge and vocabulary.
• Enhance their observational and analytical skills.
• Demonstrate curiosity about the wider world and its diverse environments.
• Build confidence in using maps and other geographical tools.

Regular assessments, including observations, discussions, and work samples, indicate that pupils are meeting age-appropriate expectations and are well-prepared for the next stages of their geographical education.