Geography

Geography develops children’s knowledge and understanding of people and places. At Godolphin, we learn about the wider world as well as local areas, looking at the physical, social and economic issues surrounding each case study. Use of maps, atlases, photos and the internet ensure a well balanced and interactive method of learning for all pupils. There are many cross-curricular links with subjects such as literacy, numeracy and history. In the Foundation Stage, children learn about similarities and differences in relation to places, objects and materials. They are able to discuss their own immediate environment and understand how environments may vary from one to another. During Key Stage 1 and 2, pupils explore physical and human differences in the world around them. Children learn about the skills needed to ask geographical questions about a locality in the UK compared to a locality in a less economically developed country. Children are taught how settlements differ and change and they understand environmental issues linked to these. Children also learn about water and its effect on landscapes such as rivers and coasts. They are taught differences in weather and the effect of climate change.

The pupils learn how to read maps and to use an atlas. They learn about life in a developing country and compare the area around Godolphin with urban areas. They study the water cycle and how rivers are important to our landscape.