Geography at Thringstone

Geography helps children make sense of the world around them, from the village of Thringstone to countries and environments across the globe.

Our Geography curriculum reflects our curriculum drivers of Culture and Communication. Children develop an understanding of different places, people and environments while learning to use geographical vocabulary to explain, compare and question the world around them.

We want children to leave Thringstone with curiosity about the world, an appreciation of different communities and an understanding of how people and places are connected.

How We Teach Geography

Our curriculum is carefully sequenced so that children build geographical knowledge and skills over time.

Learning begins with children's immediate surroundings before expanding to the local area, the United Kingdom, Europe and the wider world.

Throughout their time at Thringstone, children develop their understanding through four key areas:

• Location and Local Geography
• Physical and Human Features
• Physical and Human Processes
• Comparing Places and Environments

Children regularly revisit and build upon previous learning, helping them make meaningful connections between places and geographical concepts.

Early Years

In Reception, geography is taught through Understanding the World.

Children explore their immediate environment, observe seasonal change and begin to understand how different places can be similar and different. They also learn about caring for the environment through activities such as recycling, outdoor learning and exploring the natural world.

These early experiences encourage curiosity and lay the foundations for future geographical learning.

Developing Geographical Skills

As children move through the school, they become increasingly confident geographers.

They learn to:

• use maps, atlases, globes and digital mapping
• investigate human and physical features
• compare places and environments
• understand weather, climate and natural processes
• use geographical vocabulary accurately
• carry out fieldwork and present their findings.

Fieldwork gives children first-hand experiences of geography, helping them ask questions, collect information and apply their learning beyond the classroom.

Understanding Our World

Geography helps children understand both their local community and the wider world.

From learning about Thringstone and the National Forest to comparing regions across Europe and beyond, children develop an appreciation of different landscapes, cultures and ways of life. They also explore important global issues such as sustainability, climate change and the impact people have on the environment.

By understanding how people and places are connected, children develop the knowledge and curiosity to become informed global citizens.