Curriculum intent
The study of geography stimulates an interest in and a sense of wonder about places. It helps young people make sense of a complex and dynamically changing world. It explains where places are, how places and landscapes are formed, how people and their environment interact, and how a diverse range of economies, societies and environments are interconnected. It builds on students’ own experiences to investigate places at all scales, from the personal to the global.
The geography curriculum at Tuxford Academy provokes curiosity about the world by inspiring students to ask questions and open their minds to change, diversity, interactions, perceptions and representations of place and space. Within lessons we foster a strong sense of British values and a holistic awareness of spiritual, moral, social and cultural aspects of the world around us. We hope this curiosity leads students to pursue geography beyond key stage 3 to GCSE, A level and into future careers. A wide range of examples from the physical and human world are used to build students’ understanding of geographical concepts and theories to broaden and deepen their knowledge of place. As such, geography lessons enable all students to gain confidence in core geographical skills, whilst providing opportunities for independent research and creativity through homework challenges allowing students to explore their interests beyond the classroom. Students are fully supported in practising and developing knowledge retention techniques and metacognitive thinking strategies to aid them in becoming resilient and independent learners. Geography also facilitates the development of students’ literacy and numeracy skills, whilst consolidating transferable skills from a wide range of other subject areas.
Approaching lessons through geographical enquiry encourages questioning, investigation and critical thinking about issues affecting the world and people’s lives, now and in the future. Fieldwork is an essential element of this. Providing active and immersive learning opportunities for all across a range of environments is at the heart of our ethos, aiding students to develop their verbal and teamwork skills. Students learn to think spatially and use maps, visual images and new technologies, including geographical information systems (GIS), to obtain, present and analyse information, ensuring our curriculum is modern and engaging. Geography at Tuxford aims to inspire students to become global citizens by exploring their own place in the world, their values and their responsibilities to other people, to the environment and to the sustainability of the planet.
