Geography
At Carleton House Preparatory School, our Geography curriculum sparks curiosity and equips pupils with the knowledge and skills to explore both the natural and human aspects of the world around them. Aligned with the UK National Curriculum for Key Stage 1 and 2, our Geography programme fosters a sense of wonder and responsibility, encouraging pupils to understand their place in the world and how they can contribute to it.
Key Features of Our Geography Curriculum:
Investigative Approach to Learning:
Geography is an investigative subject at its core, and our lessons are designed to nurture curiosity and critical thinking. Pupils explore a wide range of places, people, and environments, both locally and globally, through fieldwork, map skills, and enquiry-based learning. They learn to ask questions, gather information, and draw conclusions about the world around them.
Understanding of Physical and Human Processes:
Our curriculum ensures pupils develop a clear understanding of key geographical processes. From the water cycle and weather patterns to urbanisation and globalisation, pupils learn how physical landscapes and human activities interact. This knowledge helps pupils make sense of the dynamic and interconnected world they live in.
Global Citizenship and Environmental Awareness:
At Carleton House, we aim to prepare pupils to be informed and responsible global citizens. Pupils explore global challenges such as climate change, sustainability, and resource distribution, learning about their impact on both local and global communities. This fosters a sense of responsibility for the environment and encourages pupils to think critically about how they can make a positive difference.
Fieldwork and Practical Learning:
Fieldwork is an essential part of our Geography curriculum, providing hands-on opportunities for pupils to investigate their environment. Whether it’s exploring local rivers, studying land use, or conducting environmental surveys, fieldwork helps pupils develop key skills in data collection, observation, and analysis.
Cross-Curricular Links and Transferable Skills:
Geography at Carleton House is closely linked with other subjects, including Science, History, and PSHE. The skills pupils develop in Geography, such as research, problem-solving, and critical thinking, are highly transferable and benefit their learning across the wider curriculum. Geography also contributes to pupils' spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development by helping them appreciate diverse cultures, communities, and perspectives.
Preparation for the Future:
By understanding how the Earth’s features are shaped, interconnected, and change over time, our pupils are well-prepared for the challenges of the future. Our Geography curriculum equips pupils not just for the next stage of their education, but for life as engaged, informed, and responsible citizens of the world.
Progression Through Key Stages:
Key Stage 1 (Years 1 and 2):
In the early years, pupils are introduced to basic geographical concepts such as place, location, and environment. They explore their local area and compare it with contrasting locations around the world, gaining a foundational understanding of human and physical geography. Map skills are developed using simple maps, globes, and aerial photographs, helping pupils to identify landmarks and understand spatial relationships.
Key Stage 2 (Years 3 to 6):
As pupils progress, they deepen their understanding of both physical and human geography. They study topics such as rivers, mountains, climate, and natural disasters, alongside human topics like settlements, trade, and economic activity. Pupils learn to use a range of geographical tools, including more complex maps and digital technologies, to analyse and interpret data. Fieldwork becomes more detailed, allowing pupils to apply their knowledge in real-world contexts.
At Carleton House, we aim to instil a lifelong fascination with the world and its people, ensuring our pupils leave with a broad understanding of the complex relationships between human activity and the natural world. Through exploration, enquiry, and critical thinking, our Geography curriculum nurtures the global citizens of tomorrow.
