At Altmore, Geography is taught through a broad and balanced curriculum. In Key Stage 1, we teach according to the National Curriculum. Teachers plan and teach Geography lessons using the scheme of work designed by Cornerstones. Through each Cornerstone topic, children of all abilities will all have the opportunity to develop their geographical skills and knowledge.
EYFS
Understanding the World is one of the seven areas of the Early Years Foundation Stage, through this area the children are able to develop their Geography skills. This allows the children to make sense of their physical world and their community by exploring, observing and finding out about people, places, technology and the environment. We learn about the about familiar features such as houses and shops on their everyday experiences. We also observe and discus the weather everyday which allows the children to become familiar with different types of weather and how it can affect us.
Key Stage 1
In Year 1 and 2, through the Cornerstones topics we learn about maps, weather and season patterns, hot and cold areas of the world. In Key Stage 1, we begin to build upon our geographical vocabulary by learning about where we live. We learn how to use a range of geographical equipment such as compasses, atlases, globes, thermometers and anemometers. We have the opportunities to look at ariel photographs and plans as well as improve our simple fieldwork and observational skills.
Altmore Eco Warriors
At Altmore, we encourage all children to be aware of environmental topics that can impact our world. We recently registered to be part of the Eco Schools programme. The programme allows us as a school to embark on a path towards improving both the environment in both school and the local community while at the same time having a positive impact on the lives of the children, their families and school staff. As a school we are hoping to achieve the ‘Eco-Schools Green Flag Accreditation.’
At Altmore there is an Eco Warrior from each Key Stage 1 class. Children who wanted to become an Eco Warrior all had the opportunity to say why they wanted to become an Eco Warrior and what they would do if they did become an Eco Warrior. Once they all pledged their case, the children in their class all voted for the person who they thought would be the best Eco Warrior and who they wanted to represent for their class.
Useful Books
Below are some wonderful book you could read to your child which links well to Geography topics:
EYFS
| In Every House on Every Street Jess Hitchman 7 Lili La Beleine Naughty Bus |
Project Weather Philip Steele Tree: Seasons Come, Seasons Go |
Dear Greenpeace Simon James |
Key Stage 1
| Atlas of Ocean Adventures Emily Hawkins & Lucy Adventures Cycle City |
Lift-the-Flap Questions and Answers About Weather John Birningham Tidy |
The Last Tree Ingrid Chabbert |
Useful Websites