The geography curriculum at Monkston is designed to engage our pupils and promote an interest in all areas of geography. In reception children explore geography within three main areas of learning: ‘People and Communities’, ‘The world’ and ‘Technology’. They make observations about the local environment and discuss similarities and differences between places.
In KS1 and KS2, pupils learning is organised into 4 main areas:
In KS1 the children focus on the local area, the UK and where the UK is compared to other countries. In KS2 geography lessons, pupils develop their knowledge about the world, the United Kingdom and locality building on in greater depth from their learning in KS1. They are introduced to specific vocabulary relating to human and physical geography and start to use their geography skills. In upper KS2 the children focus on physical features looking at mountains and volcanoes.
Throughout the geography curriculum, pupils develop further understanding of British values. They gain an understanding of mutual respect for others people’s cultures and back grounds. For example in year 2, children compare Milton Keynes to Mexico and learn about the country, life styles and cultures. In year 3 the children look at four different contrasting locations around the world and learn about what makes them different. In addition, the children learn about environmental and human impact on climates. For example, in year 4 children learn about the human impact on the rainforest and in year 3 they look at the polar ice caps and what is causing them to melt.
Throughout the geography curriculum, pupils explore the different characteristics of learning and deepen the children’s understanding of being inquisitive, resilient, cooperative, creative, resourceful and reflective. For example children will work with their peers on field work projects cooperatively. They become inquisitive learners when learning about different countries and what makes them similar or different.