Curriculum: Geography

Our planet is a fascinating place! In our Geography curriculum from Early Years to Year 6 (Prep. 4), we enable children to begin to develop an understanding of their world, its different places, environments and peoples.

Through their work in human geography they learn about other cultures, about the interdependence of countries and the importance of caring for our planet for the future. In physical geography they learn about the processes of Nature that form and shape the landscape and which influence human activities.

Children develop a wide range of skills especially the ability to use and interpret maps and to develop their own opinions on issues. We want children to enjoy their geography lessons and to realise how interesting the world is so that when they leave us they will carry that curiosity and fascination with them. We want them to think about their own place in the world, their responsibilities to other people and to the environment.

Topics in the Junior department include: Tropical Rainforests including a visit to Chester Zoo, Water and Rivers, Ghana -  a developing country, Volcanoes and Earthquakes.

Geography is a subject about the real world and we are trying to bring the world into our lessons by using interactive computer programmes and websites.  In Prep.3 the boys look at the topic of water using the programme shown in the photos.  We use Ordnance Survey’s website ‘Mapzone’ to develop map skills.  All classes use the computers as part of the Geography curriculum.

In Prep. 4 we have introduced a new topic this year, CHINA.  We feel that knowing about such an important country is valuable for the future. The boys have carried out a considerable amount of independent research both at home and in school in preparation for life in secondary school and to help them to develop the skills needed to become independent learners.