Geography Statement of Intent

Connecting with learning

At Radcliffe on Trent Junior School, it is our aim to encourage and inspire our pupils to broaden their knowledge of places and environments throughout the world; to interpret and use a range of sources including maps, diagrams and data, and to develop their investigative and problem-solving skills both inside and outside the classroom. Our geography curriculum enables pupils to understand the key physical processes which form, develop and influence the physical features of our planet. It explores how those features throughout time have influenced human decisions and civilisations, and continue to do so. The topics we teach are carefully planned so that our pupil’s geographical learning starts by making connections with what they are familiar with in their immediate surroundings before moving to study their local surroundings and then extending outwards to a global focus. Pupils are encouraged to consider their role as the future stewards of our planet. They look at plastic pollution and the importance of recycling at school and within the home in Years 3 and 4, then in Years 5 and 6 pupils build on this knowledge and expand their view to establish a global perspective, considering sustainability and the use of natural resources. The geography curriculum is also developed to make meaningful links with other subjects where these are relevant and is flexible to make important links with current events and developments making learning relevant and meaningful.

Connecting with others

As pupils study geography they make connections with their local and global community and develop their awareness of different societies and cultures. This helps them realise how nations rely on each other and are inter-connected. It can inspire them to think about their own place in the world, their values and their rights and responsibilities to other people and their local and global environment linking to our school values of ‘Be understanding and respect others’ and ‘Be responsible and do your best’.

As a Green Flag Eco-School, we constantly encourage and support our pupils to monitor and implement sustainable practices within their homes, our school and the wider community. Having an Eco-Committee means that pupils have a voice and can express their views and opinions as well as make decisions collectively for the good of their school environment and beyond. Our Global Links Committee enables pupils to broaden their understanding and experience of global communities and culture and to take action against injustice and make a positive contribution to the lives of others.

Connecting with community

Our local area is utilised to support pupils learning. For example, when studying the features of a river, children visit the River Trent close to our school to identify these features first hand. We have undertaken a review of our large school grounds, prompted by the national lock-down restrictions, and created a nature area in the school grounds. This pupil driven, community project has enabled us to extend the opportunities for fieldwork and outdoor learning linked to our geography curriculum. Our nature area brings learning to life and is a fully inclusive space which is well-utilised by all pupils. We are fortunate to be able to welcome local and global experts into our school to inspire pupils through providing a range of enriching activities including assemblies, workshops and live video calls. This not only supports our pupils to make the connection between their learning and the wider world but also to encourage them to be aspirational about their future and the impact they can make in society.