geography

In Harnham, we have a rich, diverse community. With increasingly improved technology, we are global citizens. For a harmonious environment, we need to understand and celebrate our differences. Communication now allows us to talk to people from all over the world and understand different ways of life. We are able to see pictures of everyday life in far corners of the world through social media. If children are able to communicate and understand what an earthquake is, then they can access the news and have a greater understand the consequences. A higher level of communication can also help future generations to understand the climate crisis. Through our Geography curriculum, we promote environmental awareness as our learners engage with sustainability, climate change and the impact of human activities on our planet. This promotes active love through compassion for the world around us.

Beyond that we want to open children’s eyes to their impact on the wider world - giving them the knowledge to understand the link between physical and human Geography.

As teachers we have ownership over the Geography curriculum, therefore we can teach Geography that is relevant to our children. Our Geography Long Term Plan provides children to learn a deep knowledge about their own area while comparing to other countries.  This will allow them to understand their own community and environment while understanding why other countries and cultures are the way they are.  In addition, learning about other countries and cultures can inspire children who may not otherwise have aspirations to visit them. We understand that as a result of schools closing due to Corona Virus in March 2020, a substantial amount of the Geography curriculum was lost. We have recognised these gaps and we are determined to fill these throughout the year.

Local studies are vital to our children understanding the relevance of Geography. Getting outside amongst real Geography can help resilience. Seeing hills and rivers and understanding their uses can bring Geography to life.  The importance of rivers and the water cycle is brought to life when Year 4 visit the water meadows to observe how vital rivers are to Salisbury. In addition, Salisbury is alive with history being close to Stonehenge and Old Sarum. Linking History to Geography allows children to understand how Geography has shaped our city.

‘Getting outdoors was where the magic appeal of Geography lies. It’s being out there, it’s being able to see and touch and feel what the land is like.”       Michael Palin

Furthermore, seeing historical sites and understanding the Geography behind them can bring the history to life.  One example of this is during the history topic on the Stone Age Period we conduct a local study on Stonehenge and think about why the area was chosen and how it has changed through time. Children seeing the area for themselves allows the children to envisage the area in the Neolithic period and see its geographical features for themselves.

In our long term plan, we have ensured each year group recaps on locational knowledge they have previously learned, in order to guarantee they leave Harnham with the confidence to apply these skills.

The Harnham Junior School curriculum will provide pupils with a deep understanding in locational knowledge, place knowledge and human and physical geography. Through a curriculum that is personal and relevant to Harnham, pupils will have learnt to understand and appreciate their immediate environment. At the same time, we will also have broadened their horizons, stimulating their interests in other cultures and backgrounds and teaching them to respect and celebrate difference and diversity. Finally, we aim that by the time the children leave Harnham, they will have developed a strong appreciation of nature and an understanding of their responsibility to care for our planet.