Why we teach Geography?
- Geography education should inspire in pupils a curiosity and fascination about the world
- It enables our children to explore and investigate their learning environments. Enabling them to communicate, interact and talk about what they want to do, to feel they are valued and relate learning to themselves, their own lives and the real world.
- At Cliffdale, we want our children to know about differences and similarities around them and in the wider world.
- We want our children to explore and understand places, initially in their own home and other familiar places nearby, this develops our children into noticing objects, patterns, sequences on journeys to and from home, such as the colour of a building, the number on a door.
- We want our children to be provided with opportunities and activities both indoors and outdoors to encourage their interest and curiosity. Activities and play will be based on first-hand experiences that encourage exploration, problem solving, experimentation, prediction, observation, critical thinking, decision making, and discussion.
How do we teach Geography?
- Our topics provide breadth of learning, engagement and stimuli
- Through forest school where children can learn through observation, exploration, curiosity and cause and effect
- Skills for life trips &PE trips: archery, horse riding, rock climbing, swimming, gymnastics, visiting the shops, park, farm and many more.
- Attention Autism is used to demonstrate concepts and ideas, inspiring awe and wonder
- Curiosity Boxes are used to encourage exploration and engagement
- Continuous Provision and Sensory play- through tuff trays to promote exploration, investigation and problem solving
- Assemblies
- Stories and songs
- External visitors
- Role play situations – puppets, dressing up
- Transitioning around the school and wider community
- Geography through technology (e.g. google maps, youtube videos etc)
- Following children interest e.g. flags
- Joint whole school topics for global events such as the Olympics.
What difference Geography makes to our children?
- Our Geography curriculum not only allows our children to learn about the world around them but also gives them the opportunity to build their confidence to explore and engage in their surroundings, transfer skills and participate in a range of activities to promote their independence and self-esteem.
- We want our children to respect and value all people and cultures and encourage exquisite minds through communication and investigation.
- Supporting our children to develop their Geography skills can enable them to:-
-Understand the world around them
-Expand their knowledge
-Support their transitioning skills
-Enriching and widening their vocabulary
-Understand geographical similarities and differences
-Understand each other and each other's similarities and differences
-Begin to make sense of their physical world and their community.