GEOGRAPHY
Intent:
At Barnack, our Geography curriculum is designed to ignite a passion for the world and its rich diversity of landscapes, cultures and environments. We firmly believe that learning is life-transforming; thus, our mission is to empower every student to flourish as informed and curious global citizens. Anchored in our core values, we are committed to nurturing a thorough understanding of how both physical and human geography shape our planet and influence our actions. By exploring our termly questions—What makes us who we are?, How does adversity inspire courage and creative possibilities? and In an ever-changing world, how can the choices we make have an impact?—we inspire children to think critically about global issues and recognise their vital role in a sustainable future.
Implementation:
Geography is thoughtfully integrated into the curriculum from Nursery through Year 6, aligned with the National Curriculum and enhanced by high-quality resources and evidence-based pedagogy. Our teaching approach features immersive hands-on fieldwork, geographical technology such as Digimaps, and the exploration of physical maps and atlases to develop essential geographical skills. Lessons are structured to evolve from foundational concepts like locational knowledge and map skills to more complex concepts such as physical and human geography. We assess learning through a variety of methods, including teacher judgements, post-tests, and formative assessments utilising tools like Kahoot quizzes. Our rich array of resources—ranging from atlases and globes to digital mapping tools—provides children with a comprehensive learning experience that equips them to navigate and understand the world around them.
Impact:
By the conclusion of their Geography education at Barnack, children will possess a robust understanding of both global and local geography, including knowledge of continents, countries, significant geographical features and the landscape of the United Kingdom. They will be confident in essential map skills, have a deep appreciation for cultural diversity and demonstrate a heightened awareness of current environmental issues. Our curriculum is designed to cultivate inquisitive and environmentally conscious individuals capable of critically engaging with global challenges like climate change and sustainability. Through enriching opportunities such as field trips, geography clubs and eco-explorer initiatives, children will not only acquire academic knowledge but also foster a lifelong passion for exploring and protecting the world they inhabit. Our success is reflected in outstanding pupil outcomes, high levels of engagement and an increasing commitment to making informed choices for a sustainable future, positioning our children as the courageous change-makers of tomorrow.