Benchill Primary Geography Curriculum

Intent

The Benchill Curriculum is designed to give your child a deep understanding of the world. It focuses on teaching important knowledge and skills about different places, people, resources, and environments. By learning geography, children will understand how physical and human processes shape our planet. The curriculum aims to make students curious and fascinated about the world, preparing them to understand complex interactions and changes over time.

Implementation

The Benchill Curriculum is carefully structured and builds knowledge step-by-step. Each year, your child will learn more about their local area, the UK, Europe, and the world. This approach ensures they gain a thorough and coherent understanding of geography. Here's how it's done:

• Knowledge-Rich Curriculum: Each lesson is planned to provide specific knowledge and skills that build on what was learned previously.

• Geographical Skills: Starting with basic skills like reading maps and using compasses, your child will progress to more advanced techniques such as interpreting data and conducting fieldwork.

• Yearly Focus: Every year begins with a "Spatial Sense" unit to teach essential geographical skills, which are then applied throughout the year.

• Fieldwork: Practical activities help children observe and understand their surroundings. For example, younger students might study their school’s geography, while older students might investigate local environmental issues.

Impact

The Benchill Curriculum aims to develop knowledgeable, skilled and curious students who love geography. As a result of this curriculum:

• Enhanced Understanding: Your child will understand important geographical concepts and be able to answer questions about different places and environments.

• Skills Development: They will become proficient in using maps, conducting fieldwork, and interpreting geographical data.

• Global Awareness: Studying diverse regions and cultures helps children appreciate global interconnections and the impact of human actions on the environment.

• Responsible Citizenship: By learning about globalisation and sustainability, students are encouraged to think critically about their role in the world and how they can contribute to a sustainable future.

This structured and comprehensive approach ensures your child is well-prepared with the knowledge and skills needed to understand and engage with the world around them.

Parent Guide to Supporting Geography Learning

Geography helps children understand the world around them, fostering curiosity about diverse places, people, resources, and environments. Here’s a helpful guide to support your child’s learning in Geography across different year groups, based on the curriculum and whole school plan.

Nursery and Reception

Topics:

• Weather

• Natural Materials

• Seasons

Activities to Support Learning:

1. Weather Diary: Help your child keep a weather diary, noting daily weather changes.

2. Nature Walks: Collect natural materials like leaves, stones, and twigs. Discuss their differences and uses.

3. Seasonal Changes: Observe how trees, plants, and the environment change with seasons. Create a seasonal collage.

Year 1

Topics:

• Spatial Sense

• The UK

• Seven Continents

Activities to Support Learning:

1. Map Exploration: Use simple maps to locate your home, school, and other familiar places.

2. UK Tour: Discuss the four countries of the UK and their capitals. Use pictures or videos to show landmarks.

3. Continental Adventure: Use a globe or world map to find and name the seven continents.

Useful Websites:

• National Geographic Kids

• BBC Bitesize Key Stage 1

Year 2

Topics:

• Spatial Sense

• The British Isles

• Northern Europe

Activities to Support Learning:

1. British Isles Puzzle: Create a puzzle of the British Isles and help your child put it together.

2. Virtual Tours: Explore landmarks in Northern Europe through online virtual tours.

3. Directional Games: Use a compass to learn simple directions (North, South, East, West).

Useful Websites:

• DK Find Out!

• BBC Bitesize Key Stage 2

Year 3

Topics:

• Spatial Sense

• Settlements

• Rivers

• UK Geography: The South West

• Western Europe

• Asia – China and India

Activities to Support Learning:

1. Settlement Models: Build simple models of settlements using blocks or other materials.

2. River Study: Visit a local river, observe, and discuss its features and importance.

3. Cultural Exploration: Learn about the cultures, foods, and traditions of China and India.

Useful Websites:

• Google Earth

• Geography for Kids

Year 4

Topics:

• Spatial Sense

• Mediterranean Europe

• Eastern Europe

• UK Geography: Northern Ireland

• UK Geography: London and the South East

• Asia - Japan

Activities to Support Learning:

1. Map Skills: Practice reading and creating maps with landmarks and symbols.

2. Cultural Festivals: Explore festivals and traditions in Mediterranean and Eastern Europe.

3. Japan Culture Day: Have a Japan-themed day with food, crafts, and stories from Japan.

Useful Websites:

• National Geographic Kids

• BBC Bitesize Key Stage 2

Year 5

Topics:

• Spatial Sense

• Mountains

• UK Geography: East Anglia, The Midlands, Yorkshire and Humberside

• Australia

• New Zealand and the South Pacific

• Local Study

Activities to Support Learning:

1. Mountain Models: Create 3D models of different types of mountains.

2. Local Area Project: Research and present on a notable feature of your local area.

3. Australia and New Zealand: Learn about the geography, animals, and landmarks of these regions.

Useful Websites:

• Kids World Travel Guide

• BBC Bitesize

Year 6

Topics:

• Spatial Sense

• British Geographical Issues

• North America

• South America

• Africa

• Globalisation

Activities to Support Learning:

1. Global Issues Discussion: Talk about current global issues like climate change and how they affect different regions.

2. Continent Study: Choose a continent and explore its major geographical features and cultural aspects.

3. Mapping Projects: Use online tools to create detailed maps of different regions.

Useful Websites:

• National Geographic Kids

• Google Earth

General Tips for Parents:

• Engage with Content: Ask your child to explain what they've learned.

• Use Resources: Utilise online resources and local libraries for books and materials.

• Practical Activities: Incorporate geography into everyday activities like cooking (using recipes from different countries) and travel (planning routes and discussing places).

Supporting your child in Geography can be a fun and enriching experience that enhances their understanding and curiosity about the world. Happy exploring!