Geography

Geography At Freshwaters

At Freshwaters, we feel that the teaching of geography is essential for our children to develop an understanding of the world around them. To be aware of the wide range of environments across the planet, from their local area to the incredibly diverse places around the earth. Our creative curriculum is used to inspire and motivate our children to ask questions, to be curious and become modern day geographers. Studying geography enables the children to use a range of skills; to be able to locate places on a map or globe, identify continents, recognise both physical and human features, as well as identify seasonal weather patterns and the changing climates. The vocabulary linked to a specific area of geography is taught at the beginning of each lesson to enable all our pupils to access their learning without any barriers. A Big Question is then used to open up an enquiry led lesson and a range of resources used to draw conclusions and greater understanding.

‘The Investigation of the meaning of words is the beginning of education’ – Antisthenes 455 BC

Geography is taught by class teachers in three annual modules from Nursery through to year 6. In our Early years, geography is taught through storytelling, carpet time and immersive play. We believe in bringing geography to life, using the outdoor space, making links with the local area of Harlow, orienteering, map reading, documentaries and media.

What will our geographers be learning?

Nursery

Our nursery children start their journey with us by looking at where they live and their Homes in Harlow. They discuss different communities and how families may have connections around the world. In Spring the children get to look at maps of the local area and globes to discover other countries around the world. They begin to recognise what the green and blue sections represent on the globe. During the Summer term, the children return to investigate The United Kingdom and locate their school on a map, as well as other schools in the Harlow area.  

Reception

Once in Reception our children further develop their knowledge of The Globe and the different countries around the world. Throughout the year the children continually investigate the Changes in the Weather and the impact this has on the natural environment. In the summer term the children focus on the continent of Africa and compare the similarities and differences between life in Africa and life in Harlow.

Year 1

In year 1 the children start the year by deepening their understanding of Where do I live? They begin by looking at a world map and identify the different continents and oceans. They continue to focus on the United Kingdom and the main cities within the UK. They look at the local area of Harlow and the area around the school.  In the Spring term the children have the chance to Go on a Safari and get to visit Kenya. They look at the different environments within the country and compare cities. In the summer term year 1 go Around the World and visit a wide range of cities and countries, including: Beijing, Australia, New York, Brazil and Antarctica.

Year 2

Year 2 start their year with Map Makers, a chance to look at different types of maps and learn how natural and man-made features are represented on maps. They use keys and compass points to identify various points on the map. In spring, the children go on an Arctic Adventure where they discover oceans, coastlines and the Northern Lights, as well as investigation the Inuit way of life. In the summer term year 2 look at My World and Me and delve deeper into the difference between physical and human features around the globe.

Year 3

In year 3 we follow on from our previous learning and remind ourselves of the different continents and the features and countries linked to each continent. Exploring Countries of the World, they will also explore areas of human and physical geography from population and culture to mountains and rivers. In Spring, year 3 focus on the phenomena that is Volcanoes, where they are found and how they erupt. They explore specific volcanic areas and the flora and fauna that inhabit these areas. At the end of the year, the focus turns to Rainforests, where they are located, who lives in them including animals, plants and indigenous people.

Year 4

Year 4 start the year with a focus on Our European Neighbours, discovering some fascinating facts about Europe, the varying features of each country, capital cities and the different cultures. In the Spring term, the focus turns to the various occupations around the world and how people Earn a Living. The children explore a range of professions and how they differ according to the location and community. During the summer term the children investigate Settlements, including their local area of Harlow. The children get to use ordinance survey maps, use keys and create their own development within the Harlow area.

Year 5

In Year 5 they begin their term with a focus on North America and the different countries, cities and landscapes located in this vast continent. The children learn how times zones work across the area and then compare the geographical features with their own locality in Harlow and the surrounding areas. In the Spring, year 5 will be Investigating Rivers following the journey of a river from the source to the mouth. They get the chance to study the water cycle and the impact that pollution is having on our river system. Year 5 get to visit Harlow’s main river, the River Stort, that runs through the town. In the summer, the focus turns to The United Kingdom and an opportunity to deepen their knowledge of the country they live in. This is focused on the countries, counties and main cities within the UK including both human and physical features.

Year 6

In year 6 our pupils focus on Our Local Area - Harlow and get the opportunity to delve into the beginnings of Harlow New Town and how it has developed over time. Starting with the initial planning of Harlow and the changes that have occurred and are continuing as the town develops. This allows the children an opportunity to investigate the town that they live in and have a better understanding of the designer, Sir Frederick Gibberd. In the summer term the pupils look at Extreme Earth, and the natural disasters that impact on the earth including; tropical storms, erupting volcanoes, tsunamis and droughts. All of this is closely linked to current world events and why these events are increasing.