Our Geography Curriculum Vision

Intent: Exploring Our World and Beyond

At Drybrook Primary School, our geography curriculum is designed to instil in our pupils a profound and dynamic understanding of the Earth and its complexities. Geography is not just about learning facts; it's about nurturing global awareness and understanding the ever-changing nature of our world.

We aim to develop our students into informed global citizens, equipped with the knowledge and skills to appreciate and engage with the world's diverse environments, cultures, economies, and peoples. Our curriculum seeks to foster 'open-mindedness', enabling pupils to challenge stereotypes and grasp the fluidity of key geographical ideas and concepts.

In their studies, our pupils will look beyond their immediate surroundings in the Forest of Dean, gaining an objective perspective of the world and considering how it might evolve in the future. We encourage our students to develop a deep and descriptive understanding of the world, both natural and human-made, to think critically about different societal, economic, and environmental possibilities.

Implementation: Building a Foundation of Geographical Knowledge

Our approach to teaching geography begins with revisiting and building upon prior knowledge, fostering meaningful connections with new learning. In every lesson, our staff explicitly model geography-specific vocabulary and skills, ensuring that pupils can weave new information into broader concepts. 

We emphasise repetition and practical application to reinforce understanding of key geographical terms and concepts. Regular vocabulary recaps help to solidify learning, with key terms integrated into lesson plans and actively used in each session.

In the classroom, pupils have access to a variety of resources that enrich their understanding of geographical concepts and skills. Quick-fire questions review learning progress and help ensure that pupils are retaining and deepening their knowledge. Ongoing assessment during lessons informs our teachers’ planning, ensuring that each pupil's learning needs are met effectively.

Summative assessments at the end of each unit evaluate pupils’ grasp of the geography objectives, ensuring they have a comprehensive understanding of the topics covered.

Impact: Cultivating Informed Geographers

The impact of our geography curriculum is evident in how our pupils engage with and understand the world around them. They emerge as young geographers who can articulate their understanding of diverse places and cultures, and consider future scenarios with a critical and informed perspective.

At Drybrook Primary, our commitment to geography education goes beyond imparting knowledge—it's about nurturing a curiosity and respect for our planet and all its inhabitants, equipping our pupils with the understanding and skills to navigate and contribute to the world responsibly.