Intent
At Daven Primary School, our long-term planning is coherently structured to ensure that each stage matches the demands of the National Curriculum so that children meet the age-related expectations. We have designed our curriculum so that each term and year build upon one another. Pupils have opportunities to recall previous knowledge, make connections, develop fluency and take their understanding to a deeper level.
We have ensured that the geography curriculum offers a wide range of opportunities: both inside and outside the classroom, so that children really can develop a sense of awe and wonder about the world around them.
Implementation
Our geography curriculum delivers the National Curriculum in a way in which knowledge is structured so that each term and year build upon one another. We have ensured that pupils study a rich variety of locations, people and communities to ensure that pupils gain an understanding of the wider world, including the influence that geography has on the world we live in today. Each year group allows pupils to develop the skills of fieldwork and Key Stage Two Pupils conduct a yearly geographical survey: to find out more about the local area (and in some cases beyond) and think critically about the actions we can take to improve our local area.
“The procedure of first teaching in small steps, and then guiding student practice, represents an appropriate way of dealing with the limitation of our working memory.” Rosenshine, 2012.
The geography curriculum at Daven Primary School is delivered as weekly sessions (when being taught) and is designed to enable pupils to not only be academically successful, but to also develop the knowledge and skills to be able to be life-long geographical scientist. We want the knowledge that is provided to empower pupils to have a positive impact on the world that we live in.
The work of Rosenshine, along with research conducted by the Education Endowment Foundation, have allowed us to structure the way in which we deliver lessons and assess children's recall. We start every session with 'Flashback 4' in order to recall key facts from current topics, and previously taught topics. In addition, end-of-unit assessments, in the form of low-stakes quizzes are completed and misconceptions are addressed before moving on to the next lesson/unit. Children then complete an end-of-unit showcase to demonstrate what they have learnt over the course of a topic.
During weekly lessons, teachers provide clear explanations, models and images before the pupils embark on guided practice. Independent application takes place either in verbal or written form and work is evidenced in both floorbooks and pupils books. To assess individual knowledge, 'knowledge in the spotlight' questions are completed so teachers can effectively assess children's understanding.
Impact
In geography, the knowledge and skills have been carefully mapped out, and teachers use their knowledge of their class to adapt learning so that every child can become successful geographer and feel like they have travelled the world, without leaving Congleton.