Through progressive and carefully sequenced planning, teaching and assessment teachers support pupils to build knowledge and apply that knowledge as skills.

In Reception children teaching activities and learning objectives are taken from the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum. We strongly believe that children learn best through self initiated and supported play. We provide lots of opportunities for the children to explore and investigate the outside area and are encouraged to talk about their observations.

In Key stage 1 teaching is based on The 2014 National Curriculum for Geography. Planning progression is planned within the Curriculum Foundation Subject map and teachers plan lessons that are engaging and exciting for the children, encouraging a love for the subject. A range of resources are used to support the childrens learning such as atlas’ and world maps, online resources and non fiction books. Geography is taught as a cross curricular topic, during theme weeks, special occasions and as opportunities arise.

Pupil progress data is collected half-termly by the class teacher and this is recorded on the school’s Sonar tracking system. This data and the progress of disadvantaged groups is regularly monitored by the class teacher and subject leaders.

By the time all children leave Howbridge Infant School they will:

• Have good knowledge of where places are and what they are like.
• Have a good understanding of the ways in which places are interdependent and interconnected and how much human and physical environments are interrelated.
• Have an extensive base of geographical knowledge and vocabulary.
• Be fluent in complex geographical enquiry and the ability to apply questioning skills and use effective analytical and presentational techniques.
• Have the ability to reach clear conclusions and develop reasoned arguments to explain findings.
• Have highly developed and frequently utilised fieldwork and other geographical skills and techniques.
• Have a passion for and commitment to the subject, and a real sense of curiosity to find out about the world and the people who live there.
• Have the ability to express well-balanced opinions, rooted in very good knowledge and understanding about current and contemporary issues in society and the environment.

Disadvantaged Pupils

High expectations are set for disadvantaged pupils to ensure they make progress equal to that of other pupils. Teachers encourage high engagement and interest in the subject to ensure pupils develop their knowledge, skills and understanding, providing them with a solid base for future life.

SEND

We aim to set suitable learning targets, respond to pupils’ diverse needs and overcome potential barriers to learning and assessment for groups and individuals and follow the guidance set out in The National Curriculum Handbook, key stage 1 and 2. The children’s entitlement is based upon the programmes of study as defined in the Statutory Orders. All children regardless of race, gender and ability, will be given equal access to geography.