A Vision for Geography

Part of the PGQM examples series

2a. There is a vision for geography that is helping to shape the way the subject is taught. This vision informs the geography policy and guides the writing of SOW based on the NC.

Image from St John’s Primary School Poulton

2a

There is a vision statement which identifies how learning geography can benefit pupils. This is influencing classroom practice in an increasing number of classes.

The curriculum is underpinned by a policy & schemes of work.

Planning documentation shows clear referencing to geography within the NC and provides for appropriate progression across the school.

The school leadership team offers clear encouragement and support for the Subject Leader & other interested colleagues in their desire to work towards achieving the PGQM.

Well thought through vision statement identifies the wide-ranging nature of geography. It is shared by all stakeholders.The curriculum is underpinned by a recently revised policy & schemes of work for teaching geography.

Planning documentation ensures progression across the school & has clear references to the geography NC.

The impact of the revised policy & clear direction from the SLT can be seen in the quality of teaching & learning across the school.

Progress is being made in embedding high quality geography across the school.

Innovative vision statement matches the school’s overall aims & explicitly recognises the important contribution that geography makes to a broad and balanced curriculum.

Recently updated policy & scheme of work for Geography, which was developed by a team within the school. Progression & continuity is clear. The impact of this policy is well embedded across the school.

The SLT is proud for the school to be seen as a centre of excellent geography & offers clear encouragement to the Subject Leader to work with other teachers & influence geographical practice beyond their own school, e.g. by working closely with the GA.

Download the full framework wording here

How recently have you reviewed your policy?

How effective is your scheme of work?

How well does your vision underpin and lead your geography policy and curriculum?

Who devised the vision? Who it is shared with and how?

What evidence of impacts do you have?

At Lent Rise, we envisage a geography curriculum which arouses, in the children, an enjoyment, interest and understanding of their surroundings on a local, regional, national and international scale. We aim to support children in developing a sense of identity and an enhanced sense of responsibility towards the Earth and its people. Through the innovative use of ICT and fieldwork, pupils will be introduced to skills and concepts to develop their use of geographical enquiry...

Extract from Vision statement Lent Rise Primary School Gold 2011

Images: Lent Rise Primary School

Our vision is inspired by the children themselves when they were asked

about geography. It was also developed after I attended two GA

courses last year (2010) and fed back to staff about raising the profile of

geography. It now forms part of our geography policy and is displayed in

the entrance to our school.

Vision for Geography‘Geography underpins a lifelong conversation about the earth as the home of humankind.’‘We must think geographically about the changing world.’From the Geographical Association’s 2009 manifesto ‘A Different View’

Our geography teaching aims to motivate children to find out about the physical world, and enable them to recognise the importance of sustainable development for the future of mankind. Through their growing knowledge and understanding of human geography, children will gain an appreciation of life in other cultures. By exploring their own locality and through studying others, they will learn how to draw and interpret maps, and develop the skills of research, investigation, analysis and problem-solving.

Extract from Vision statement Duke of Norfolk Primary School Bronze 2011

Image: Duke of Norfolk Primary School

4 Steps to creating a vision for geography in your school1. Ask where are you now and where do you want to go next?

What works well? What could be improved? What can geography do for your learners?

2. How does (and could) geography support your school aims?

e.g. Maybe you are an Eco – school and have a strong focus on sustainability; work closely with the local community or with a partner school.

3. Find out what stakeholders think and want

Survey pupils, parents and governors

4. Use everyone’s views to create a sense of purpose for the subject and share.

Use the vision to introduce your policy & inform planning. Display and /or publish

See further examples from PGQM schools and some activities that can be used to support staff discussion here.