The British School of Barcelona
September 2016
Primary Department
GEOGRAPHY POLICY
5 & 7 Diamond Court, Opal Drive, Eastlake Park, Fox Milne, Milton Keynes MK15 0DU, T: 01908 396250, F: 01908 396251, www.cognitaschools.co.uk
Registered in England Cognita Limited No 5280910 Registered Office: Seebeck House, One Seebeck Place, Knowlhill, Milton Keynes MK5 8FR
PRIMARY GEOGRAPHY POLICY
British School of Barcelona
Contact names
Executive Headteacher
Head of Secondary School
Casteldefells
Head of Early Years and
Primary Castelldefels
Head of Early Years and
Primary Sitges
Cognita Head Office
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John Bell
[email protected]
Amanda Hughes
[email protected]
Clare Oxberry
[email protected]
Heather Bell
[email protected]
Simon Camby,
Director of Education
[email protected]
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PRIMARY GEOGRAPHY POLICY
1.
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

Geography is about the study of places, the human and physical processes that shape
them and the people who live in them. It helps pupils make sense of their surroundings and
the wider world and helps children to understand the ways of life and cultures of people in
other places.

“A high quality geography education should inspire in pupils a curiosity and fascination
about the world and its people that will remain with them for the rest of their lives. Teaching
should equip the pupils with knowledge about diverse places, people, resources and
natural and human environments, together with a deep understanding of the Earth´s key
physical and human processes.” – National Curriculum – 2014 Geography Purpose of
Study.

Both Key Stages will focus on Locational Knowledge, Place Knowledge, Human and
Physical geography and geographical skills and fieldwork.
1.2
In the Primary Department we aim to:
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2.0
To develop geographical knowledge and understanding of places in the world
To help children to develop a sense of identify through learning about their local area,
Europe and other parts of the world
To enable children to know and understand environmental problems at a local, regional and
global level
To develop a variety of geographical skills inc. mapping and research skills and to develop
their geographical vocabulary
To formulate appropriate questions, develop research skills (collect, analyse and
communicate data) and evaluate material to inform opinions.
CURRICULUM PLANNING

3.0
Throughout both Key Stages the Geography curriculum will be planned and taught using
advice and guidance from the 2014 National Curriculum. We make use of the local
environment in our fieldwork and we also choose a locality where the human activities and
physical features provide a contrast to those that predominate our own immediate area.
Our curriculum planning is in three phases (Long term, Medium term and Short term). Our
long term plan maps the geography topics studied in term during each year group. Our
medium term plans follow the objectives in the NC and give details of each topic of work.
Short term plans are weekly overview of with dates and teaching notes.
ASSESSMENT, RECORDING AND REPORTING

Assessment in Geography is ongoing and formative with a variety of strategies used such
as observation, discussion, marking and questioning. Assessment for learning which is
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September 15
PRIMARY GEOGRAPHY POLICY
becoming embedded in the school encourages children to be more involved in their
learning. Whilst the most significant source of evidence for children´s achievement will
come from the ongoing evalution of lessons, from time to time teachers may feel they need
to consolidate this, and tasks will sometimes be set as an assessment opportunity.
Information from assessment is used to inform teacher´s short term planning and to help
the teacher identify ways forward for the pupils learning. Reporting to parent occurs in the
form of a written report.
4.0
EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES AND SEND

The teaching of Geography in the Primary Department is fully inclusive – activities within
and outside the classroom are planned in a way which encourages full and active
participation, by all children irrespective of ability. Lessons offer both support and
challenge for individual children where necessary. Through our geography teaching we
provide learning opportunities that match the needs of children and we take into account
the targets set for individual children in their IEP.
Ownership and consultation
Document sponsor (role)
Document author (name)
Specialist advice
John Bell: Executive Headteacher
Clare Oxberry: Head of Early Years and Primary (Castelldefels)
Audience
Audience
All school based staff
Version control
Implementation date
Review date
01.09.16
August 2017
Related documentation
Related documentation
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September 15