Our Vision for Geography at Lockyer's Middle School

Geography at Lockyer’s aims to develop our childrens’ sense of their place as global citizens in a dynamic, varied and interconnected world. Together with the ability to interpret and evaluate information from different sources, a sound understanding of the relationships between locations, landscapes, environments and peoples is essential to making informed decisions in many aspects of life. We aim to equip our children with the skills and confidence to be curious about the world around them and to take the lead on issues which are important to them.

Learning in geography at Lockyer’s is developed through a series of units, each of which focuses on a specific topic. Each unit of work is planned to progressively strengthen and expand children's knowledge about places.  Children learn about places in terms of their location; the processes that have created their landscapes and environments; their physical and human characteristics and how they vary in time and space. Units also explore the relationships between places at a local, national and global level. 

Through lesson activities and field work, children are taught how to ask geographical questions and how to use a range of maps, diagrams, photographs and data to find the answers to their enquiries. They also learn a range of ways to communicate their geographical knowledge and understanding.

How Geography Links to other Subjects at our School

Communication and interpretation skills in geography provide children with opportunities to apply and develop their English and mathematical skills. The subject draws heavily on children's scientific knowledge, particularly about materials, plants and animals. For instance, learning about rivers, glaciation, climate and the structure of the Earth all require an understanding of materials and changes of state. 

The consequences of human actions are a key part of our children’s learning in geography. In each topic, children learn about how human lives are influenced by their environment and also how our personal choices influence the environment, even in far-flung places. This is another area of geography that links with science, but also has connections to historical events and current affairs. Through learning about the relationships between people and their environment, children develop empathy and understanding of lives different to their own. They gain a growing understanding of the importance of living sustainably and of making ethical choices. Our Rights Respecting Schools ethos underpins much of this learning.  Our school’s Eco-Schools work provides children with a way to act on this knowledge locally.

How you can help with Geography at home

To support your child with their learning in geography, you could take your child to visit local geography.  We are fortunate to live close to some world-class examples of physical geography:

• Poole Harbour is the second largest natural harbour in the world;

• The Jurassic coast, a world heritage site because of its unique geology, stretches from Studland to Exmouth; 

• Durdle Door, one of the most photographed beaches in the world. 

Encourage your child to notice the environment around them and to ask questions about it.

Any of David Attenborough’s documentaries will provide a wealth of geographical knowledge. 

The following websites contain useful resources to help your child answer geographical questions:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/zrw76sg (Key stage 3 geography from the BBC)

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/zbkw2hv (Key stage 3 geography from the BBC)

https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/search (The National Geographic Kids site)