Geography

The study of geography at Tetherdown stimulates an interest in, and a sense of wonder about places. It helps children 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, as well develop empathy and respect for different cultures and how a diverse range of economies, societies and environments are interconnected. It builds on children's own experiences to investigate places at all scales, from the personal, local to the global.

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. Children learn to think spatially and use maps, visual images and new technologies, including geographical information systems (GIS), to obtain, present and analyse information. Geography inspires children 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.

Our high quality geography education enables our children to be able to:

• Draw on a geographical fieldwork and mapping skills set to measure and interpret. For example making a small world play; drawing free hand maps; collecting and analysing quantitative data for example pictogram about Highgate Woods.
• Have fluent specialist knowledge. For example: finding human and physical features in Cherry Tree wood; writing persuasive travel brochures for Mexico, observing coastal erosion and protection at Walton on the Naze; debating the migration factors in Brazil.
• Organise their learning and know the next steps (meta cognition).