Geography

Intent

West Ashton has a unique environmental and social context, whose investigation and exploration can open a window to the wider world and complexities its holds.  In particular, the surrounding natural landscapes of West Ashton, Westbury and the contrasting townscape of Trowbridge offer opportunities to compare communities, settlements and communities.  We have the River Biss and the River Avon to study as geographers, whilst having strong links to cities such as Bath.  This enables us to make deep curriculum links to subjects such as history, science and maths to ensure that children are acquiring knowledge, developing curiosity and opinions but also have an enthusiasm for independent enquiry.Fieldwork is central to our geography skills and is specifically identified in this document as central to deepening understanding.  We promote geography as an enquiry led subject that seeks to answer fundamental questions which deepen our understanding and engagement: Where is this place?  What is it like this? How and why is it changing? How does this place compare with others?  How and why are places connected?

As geographers we debate important questions and use these questioning skills to develop deep understanding:  What is the impact of this on communities?  What will the future be like and why?  What can we do to influence change?  We are curious and ask questions to generate ideas, then use evidence and data to make connections.  Children are encouraged to reflect on their learning through an environment and social context.

Implementation

Through high quality teaching we develop the following essential characteristics of geographers:

• an excellent knowledge of where places are and what they are like.
• an comprehensive understanding of the ways in which places are interdependent and interconnected
• fluency in complex, geographical enquiry and the ability to apply questioning skills, as well as effective presentation techniques
• the ability to reach clear conclusions and explain their findings
• excellent fieldwork skills as well as other geographical aptitudes and techniques
• the ability to express well-balanced opinions, rooted in very good knowledge and understanding about current issues in society and the environment
• a genuine interest in the subject and a real sense of curiosity about the world and the people who live here.
• challenge questions for pupils to apply their learning in a philosophical/open manner

Impact

Children are immersed within a high quality curriculum against National Curriculum objectives.    They demonstrate excitement and curiosity as geographers.    Children are fully engaged in lessons, will ask questions and seek to gain a deep understanding of the locality and social context.  Children develop confidence in explaining the reasons, behaviours and conditions of local and global environments and their communities.  They take pride in their learning; become debaters and investigators. This is enabled by strong links to other curriculum subjects, consistent and effective teaching and children’s engagement