At Queen’s Hill Primary School, we strive for excellence in Geography. The study of geography at Queen’s Hill stimulates an interest in and a sense of wonder about places. This happens as soon as you enter the school...
Our rationale for both the topics covered and the teaching strategies used is to enable 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.
From the Foundation stage and Key stage one we ensure that the children have an understanding of themselves in their own locality and can relate this to the rest of the world. This is achieved by using world maps, getting to know each child and their links across the globe, teaching subject specific vocabulary and undertaking local field work.
In Key stage 2 children continue with the fieldwork as an essential element of their studies while extending their knowledge and understanding beyond the local area which includes European countries and North and South America. They will explore a range of the world’s most significant human and physical features such as rivers, volcanoes and natural disasters.
By the end of KS2 our aim is that all children are able to confidently navigate around the world using atlas, maps and digital technology and be able to use geographical vocabulary to explain human and physical differences of countries from around the world in readiness for their secondary education and more importantly to succeed as global citizens! At a time when topics such as climate change, water availability, natural resources are as important as ever. These example are much easier understood by those who know geography well. We believe that geography delivered in this way will help children to maximise their potential and become successful and happy learners.
Subject in Action
Year 2 Geography – Weather Reports
In Year Two this half term we have been learning about China in geography. The children compared the weather in Beijing to the weather in Norwich and worked together in groups to create weather reports. They made sure their weather reports included information about temperature and items of clothing that people might need.
How many European countries can you name?
Mr. Clarke, along with the rest of the Year 5 team have been challenging the pupils to see how many European countries they can name as part of their current geography topic. Why not have a go at home, using this free online quiz from Lizard Point!
Volcanic Eruption in Year 4
In year 4, we are going to be writing a recount about the events that took place when Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD. To kick start our writing, we reenacted a volcanic eruption and watched a reconstructed animation of Mount Vesuvius erupting over Pompeii. The children were really engaged and took notes about what … Read more
Being Historians in Year 4
After our successful Roman day, we started our learning about the Romans with a research lesson. The children worked in groups and used books and iPads to research the question ‘Why did Emperor Claudius invade Britain?’. Then the children presented their findings to the class.
Thunderstorm bottles
In Y5 we have been identifying emotions and discussing how we can manage them. We made ‘Thunderstorm Bottles’ by filling a bottle with water and adding in a range of craft materials and paint. We can then use these whenever we feel angry or anxious about something by shaking the bottle. The swirling water and … Read more
Year 3 Victorian Toys
Year 3 had so much fun today creating jack-in-the-boxes. We showed creativity and grit and determination!
Roman Day in Year 4
In Year 4, we started Week 3 with a Roman day, to introduce our new topic. The children and adults came to school dressed as Romans. We had Roman themed lessons all day, including making Roman shields, Roman numerals, gladiator top trumps cards and our own chariot race! Here are the children using their handmade … Read more
60’s Disco
In Year 1 we have begun our new topic of old and new toys. We are focusing on what toys and life were like in the 1960’s. We had a disco to help us get a feel of the 60s. We had a great time dancing and listening to The Beatles on Mrs Carpenter’s record … Read more
