Geography
At West Rainton Primary School, we are proud to offer a varied geography curriculum to our pupils. From a young age, we ensure that our children are gaining the necessary geographical skills they will need for secondary school and beyond. Our children leave West Rainton with a good understanding of the world, as well as the ability to give their opinion on current geographical issues, such as trade and resourcing.
Leadership and intent of geography at West Rainton
Mr Michael Neasham
At West Rainton Primary School, we believe it is essential that children learn about the places and cultures of the world, as well as current geographical issues affecting us today.
Please see my mission statement as subject leader here:
Our subject map was created after consultations with staff to ensure that children’s learning in geography is progressive and varied. Staff are aware of previous and future topics to make sure children can use their previous learning and that it is continuously built upon. Full governing body training was also carried out in Autumn 2019 in line with new curriculum guidelines.
Below you will find the subject policy and curriculum mapping for geography:
How geography is taught at West Rainton
Children at West Rainton Primary receive 60 minutes of geography teaching per week. For the duration of a half term, every class has a geography focused topic each term. During this topic, the children will learn key places around the world and how geography affects the daily lives of people all around the world. In our nursery and reception, children begin to think about their place in the world and notice changes in their local environment. Children in KS2 learn about the effects of geography (weather, trade) on places and people around the world.
All children have a geography specific exercise book in which to complete their varied geography activities. Having a subject specific book ensures that the children are aware of the subject they are currently working on and they know which activities are relevant to this subject.
This year, we have purchased a wide range of resources to be used in the classroom to enhance the teaching of geography in our school. For geography, we have purchases age appropriate globes and atlases to ensure that all of our children from nursery to year 6 can access our geography curriculum. Our children always enjoy using our geography resources!
As part of our provision on offer, pupils with special educational needs are planned for very carefully in school. This is an important part of the geography curriculum, as we strive to ensure that all of our pupils fully understand what they are being taught. This may involve greater explanations about the world around them, and simplified tasks to ensure that pupils with SEND gain as much as they can from the learning on offer. Our provision across the curriculum was highlighted when we were awarded the inclusive ‘Centre of Excellence’ award in late 2020. It is crucial for us that our pupils with SEND make progress, and move on from where they are in their learning journey. This provision may look very different to our other pupils, through differentiation and modification of the curriculum. Our decisions are made in consultation with the SENDCo, Mrs Firth, who advises and supports members of staff with their provision.
The impact of geography at West Rainton
At West Rainton, we believe that it is essential that our children know why we teach what we do, and how these subjects can help them progress in secondary school, further education and potential career paths.
We believe that the geographical skills that the children learn and an important part of future life. The children gain valuable experience with map reading, directions, compass use and knowledge of the world around them .
Particular careers where geography will be beneficial include: tourism sector, nature conservationist, surveyor, environmental consultant, local government, cartographer and town planner.
