The GA's Primary Position Statement
Primary geography is a curriculum jewel
Geography is challenging, motivating, topical and fun. In our diverse society children need, more than ever before, to understand other people and cultures. The Geographical Association believes that geographical knowledge, concepts and skills are essential components of a broad and balanced curriculum. Geography makes a major contribution to children's physical, intellectual, social and emotional development. In short, geography matters! As Professor Andrew Goudie puts it, 'What other subject tells us so much about the great issues of our age?'.
Fieldwork and enquiry
Practical enquiries and investigations provide children with first-hand information and direct experience of the real world.
Knowing the locality
Studying the locality helps children to develop their sense of identity and self-esteem.
Maps and plans
Geography helps children to locate themselves in their surroundings and find their way from one place to another.
Photographs, charts and diagrams
Geographers use a great variety of visual devices to communicate findings in non-verbal ways.
Investigating issues
Some of the best work in geography comes when children debate issues, appreciate uncertainties and propose solutions to problems.
ICT
Interactive whiteboards, digital cameras and the internet allow children to record and interpret the world in new ways.
Cycles, patterns and processes
Geographical concepts such as cycles, patterns, processes and interaction provide a unique way of describing and analysing the world.
Sustainability and the environment
Sustainable development and the care of the environment are key issues for the twenty-first century and form an important part of the geography curriculum.
Critical and creative thinking
The best geographical studies promote critical and creative thinking skills and long term learning across the curriculum.
Respecting diversity
Geographical studies tackle mediated images which can, for example, produce negative stereotypes of other people and places
Global citizenship
Geography recognises that we are all interdependent global citizens with a responsibility to the planet and to each other.
Considering the future
Geography helps children to develop attitudes and form opinions about current issues, appreciate tensions and uncertainties and consider the future of the world and its peoples.
What can geography do for primary school children?
Geography offers children unique opportunities for learning.
| Life skills | World knowledge | People and places |
|
Developing the ability to make sense of information Observing and interpreting the environment Map reading and way finding Understanding and interpreting pictures Communicating findings in drawings, charts and diagrams Recording and analysing data using ICT Discussing issues and problems with others Critical and creative thinking |
Developing an awareness and understanding of distant places and environments Recognising how people from all over the world are linked through travel and trade Building a framework of place knowledge Investigating major rivers, mountains and cities Developing an appreciation of other peoples and cultures Recognising the need for a just and equitable society |
Developing an understanding of spatial relationships at a range of scales Undertaking fieldwork, enquiries and active exploration of the locality Exploring landscapes, settlements and human activity Considering environmental issues and local Agenda 21 Becoming a global citizen with multicultural understanding |
And children can usually tell you what they like, which can give you a start point for classroom or fieldwork:
- I know where I live
- I like looking after plants
- I enjoy being out in the rain
- I think we should try to produce less waste
- I think we are all citizens of this world
- I know why there are new buildings on my street
- I like reading about other people and places
- I enjoy playing in the role play area
- I think our world is a wonderful place
- I know why there's a pelican crossing outside my school
- We come to school in the walking bus
Finding time for geography
Although there is nothing laid down in law, QCA suggests that as a 'starting point' foundation subjects, including geography, could each occupy 4% of curriculum time. At key stage 1 this translates to about 50 minutes a week (30 hours a year) and 55 minutes a week (33 hours a year) at key stage 2.
Excellence and enjoyment in primary schools: the contribution of geography
Advice on curriculum time can be found in the government's strategy for primary schools 'Excellence and Enjoyment' which encourages teachers to take ownership of the curriculum. 'Teachers have much more freedom than they often realise to design the timetable and decide what and how they teach'. Other ways of finding time for geography include theme days, clubs, school councils, extended projects and research.
Geography teaching and learning should be an enjoyable, creative and magical experience for pupils and teachers alike
Paula Richardson, Geography Consultant
Investigating the quality and character of different places is essential in any worthwhile geography curriculum. Children are uniquely equipped to undertake these studies as they have a freshness of vision and a strong natural desire to explore their surroundings
Stephen Scoffham, Principal Lecturer in Primary Education, Canterbury Christ Church University
Primary geography investigates real contexts and real life. It has relevance to children’s lives and engages them emotionally
Elaine Jackson, Chief Advisor/Joint Head of Service, Trafford Learning
Geography provokes and answers questions about the natural and human worlds, using different scales of enquiry to view them from different perspectives
The National Curriculum
In primary schools where geography is taught outstandingly well and where it is promoted by subject leaders and senior managers, the subject is seen as adding valuable breadth and richness to the curriculum
David Bell, HMI
The Geographical Association
What can the Geographical Association offer primary schools?
- A brilliant journal, Primary Geographer, full of exciting and innovative ideas, delivered to you in print and online three times a year
- Big discounts on a wide range of publications from early years onwards for children, non-specialist teachers and co-ordinators
- Primary focussed CPD opportunities and the GA Annual Conference
- Practical help and support for primary geography subject leaders
- Support for primary geography - and a broad and rich curriculum - at national policy level
