Geography

Intent: At Hazelmere we want our children to be good geographers, who have a love for geography. We have chosen to shape our geography curriculum to ensure that learning is relatable but also allows our children to gain knowledge of the wider world. Children investigate a range of places – both in Britain and abroad – to help develop their knowledge and understanding of the Earth’s physical and human processes. Our aims are to fulfil the requirements of the National Curriculum for Geography; providing a broad, balanced and differentiated curriculum; ensuring the progressive development of geographical concepts and knowledge, alongside developing transferable skills.

 

Implementation: Geography at Hazelmere is taught in both half term and termly blocks throughout the year, so that children can achieve depth in their learning. Teachers have identified the key knowledge and skills of each blocked topic and consideration has been given to ensure progression across topics throughout each year group across the school. At the beginning of each topic, children are able to convey what they know already as well as what they would like to find out (this informs the programme of study and also ensures that lessons are relevant and take account of children’s different starting points), the ‘Big Question’ is also introduced. We are also working towards providing our children to gain more ‘real-life’ experiences within geography outside the classroom. Cross curricular outcomes in geography are specifically planned for, meaningful links are made when possible. Geography is also supported through specific drives which include Global Recycling Day, Orienteering sessions and the celebration of the school’s cultural diversity.

 

Impact: Our Geography Curriculum is well thought out and is planned to demonstrate progression. Outcomes in geography are supported by:

  • A reflection on standards achieved against the planned outcomes after each unit
  • Pupil discussions about their learning
  • Children review their successes in achieving the lesson objectives at the end of most sessions
  • Teachers will also carry out formative assessment during lessons 

We want the children to have thoroughly enjoyed learning about geography, therefore encouraging them to undertake new life experiences now and in the future.

Spring 2022

Year 3 have had such an exciting start to the term with a visit from Zoolab (see photos below). They were able to handle a wide variety of animals they might find in the rainforest! Year 3 are also trying to "Grow your own Rainforest" too.

 

Year 6 will soon be heading to Walton-on-the-Naze to look at coastal erosion later in the term. 

Summer 2021

Year 5 were able to have a virtual visit from Anglia Water for our Water unit.  We learnt about saving water, recycling and reusing water along side pollution. 

 

Spring Term 2020

Year 5 are studying Natural Disasters, after returning in the New Year the year group found a very strong link between our learning and the tragic wild fires in Australia. Keen to help them, they quickly organised a cake sale. The cake sale was a roaring success and raised over £250. We will be sending the money off to the WWF. We will continue to learn about natural disasters going forward into the Spring Term.

 

Autumn Term 2019 Year 4 Settlements  

In the Autumn Term year 4 had Mrs Hunt to come in to help them with their Settlements unit. Mrs Hunt is our ex-head teacher but she has also lived on the estate or very close by for her whole life! Children were able to observe past photos Greenstead and identify changes which have occurred along with comparing and contrasting local places to see how they have been developed. They also thought carefully about why people settle in Greenstead.  Year 4 also spent a lesson selecting questions to ask Mrs Hunt.  Lots of information was gathered which they will use in future lessons.