Geography helps us to develop an understanding of places, people and environmental change. At Royton Hall we endeavour to provide pupils with the opportunity to participate in geographical enquiry and enhance their skills in a variety of contexts.

Through enquiry led learning, children develop a curiosity and fascination for the world and its people. They compare and contrast their lives with those of others and examine the way the world has been shaped by physical and human processes.

First-hand experience is gained through field studies within the local area and children are provided with opportunities to engage in geographical research and enquiry through carefully planned activities.

Being a geographer at Royton Hall begins as children start to explore their surroundings and the world around them. They develop a sense of 'belonging' and place within both their local community and the wider world.

In Reception, children investigate the school grounds and talk about the seasons and our natural world. They build on their understanding in Key Stage One by looking at how we fit into our local community and study contrasting areas within the United Kingdom and Europe. As children progress into Key Stage Two, they look at how we fit into the world describing human and physical features, helping them to make sense of both their immediate surroundings and the wider world.

Aims

• To stimulate the children’s interest in and curiosity about their surroundings
• Develop children’s sense of identity through learning about the UK and its relationship with other countries
• Create and foster a sense of wonder about the world
• Inspire a sense of responsibility for the environment and the world we live in 
• Develop children’s competence in specific geographical skills
• Increase children’s knowledge and awareness of the world
• Help children acquire and develop the skills and confidence to undertake geographical enquiry, problem-solving and decision-making

Objectives

• To develop geographical skills by using maps, undertaking fieldwork and engaging in geographical enquiry/decision-making exercises
• To increase knowledge and understanding of places both locally and worldwide, including distinctive features and comparing similarities and differences
• To increase knowledge and understanding of physical geography, recognising the related patterns and processes e.g. weather, mountains and rivers
• To increase understanding of human geography, recognising the related patterns and processes, i.e. landmarks, population, settlements, inter-dependence, communications and economic activities
• To increase understanding of environmental geography and the importance of sustainable development