What is the intent of Geography at Mandeville Primary School?
At Mandeville, our Geography curriculum aims to inspire children to understand their place in the world as part of both the local and global community. We aim to support the children as they develop their knowledge of physical and human geography through fieldwork and map skills, and by asking questions, spotting patterns and drawing conclusions.
How is Geography organised at Mandeville Primary School?
Geography learning begins in Mandeville within the EYFS and the ‘Understanding of the World’ learning goal. During this phase, our children are offered opportunities to explore and understand their immediate environment, and to begin to observe physical changes, such as the weather and seasons. Through play, song and discussion of their own experiences, including talking about their own holidays and interests, the children also begin to explore the concept of the wider world. Teachers support the children’s understanding by using maps and globes, photographs, small world play and stories.
Geography in Key Stage 1 and 2 at Mandeville is taught following the ‘Oddizzi’ scheme of work. Following the scheme, pupils accumulate knowledge as they progress through the school, children are then encouraged to apply their understanding to new and unfamiliar places and concepts. For example, in Year 1’s local area study, children learn basic geographical knowledge, vocabulary and skills through the concrete experience of a familiar place. This then allows them to make meaningful comparisons with places beyond the United Kingdom in Year 2.
During Key Stage 2, this knowledge of places feeds into regional studies from the Americas, Europe and the UK. Knowledge becomes both broader and deeper as pupils progress and become familiar with an ever-wider range of places. This growing knowledge is also fed by the development of locational knowledge, geographical skills and a growing understanding of human and physical processes.
Throughout the school, map and fieldwork skills are supported through local and virtual trips, and regular exploration of places through maps, atlases and globes across the curriculum, including in history, MFL and English.