Geography

At Cippenham School, children are encouraged to develop a greater understanding and knowledge of the world, as well as their place in it. The geography curriculum enables  children to develop knowledge and skills that are transferable to other curriculum areas. 

Geography is an investigative subject, which develops an understanding of concepts, knowledge and skills. It is important to inspire in children a curiosity and fascination about the world and people within it; to promote the children's interest and understanding of diverse places, people, resources and natural and human environments, together with a deep understanding of the Earth's key physical and human processes.

Our curriculum is shaped by our school vision which aims to enable all children, regardless of background, ability, additional needs, to flourish and to achieve their very best.

Through CUSP we will teach the National Curriculum, supported by a clear skills and knowledge progression. This ensures that skills and knowledge are built on year by year and sequenced appropriately to maximise learning for all children. Existing knowledge should be checked at the start of each new topic. This ensures that teaching is informed by the children's starting points and takes account of pupil voice. Lesson content and tasks are designed to provide appropriate challenges to all learners.

It is important that children develop the skills of a geographer by fully immersing them in all areas of the subject. The grounds of the school and the local area in general should be fully utilised and provide opportunities for learning outside the classroom.  School trips and fieldwork are provided to give first-hand experiences, which enhance children's understanding of the world beyond their locality.

By the time pupils leave Cippenham school they will:

• Have a knowledge of where places are and what they are like.

• Have an understanding of the ways in which places are interdependent and interconnected and how much human and physical environments are interrelated.

• Have a wide geographical knowledge and vocabulary.

• Be fluent in geographical enquiry and have the ability to apply questioning skills

• Have the ability to reach clear conclusions and develop reasoned arguments to explain findings.

• Have experience of fieldwork and other geographical skills and techniques.

• Have 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 with very good knowledge and understanding about current and contemporary issues in society and the environment.