Geography

A good geographer is someone who is excited about the dynamics and aspects of the world; they have an enthusiasm to better understand the people, places and environments within it. At Downe, geographers are encouraged to understand why and how places are changing and how this has had an impact on the past, present and future world we live in. Not only does it connect our individual geographers to their community by identifying, locating and exploring their local surroundings, it allows the children to link these to wider contexts around the world. Underpinning this is a strong component that deepens children’s geographical thinking and therefore makes them an excellent geographer.
Implementation

Geography is taught through the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) scheme which enables children to approach learning by developing the knowledge, skills and understanding necessary to confidently explore the physical and human geographical features of their local area and the wider world. Through the IPC units, learning provides pupils with opportunities to learn about the world as it is now and the many ways that it has been influenced by human activity. In addition, they will acquire the skills to analyse maps and create their own, use technical vocabulary to describe geographical processes, collect and present data that draws conclusions about places and geographical issues, and use aerial photography to explain the physical and human processes that occur in a geographical region.

The IPC has been integrated with the National Curriculum to ensure pupils meet the statutory requirements in a creative and stimulating way. When planning for the IPC, teachers adapt the units of work to create half-termly or termly topics that pupils can relate to and that cater to their specific interests. They are adapted to meet the needs of every child and provide challenge to all.