Intent

Barlby Primary follows the Kapow Primary: Geography scheme. The scheme aims to inspire pupils to become curious and explorative thinkers with a diverse knowledge of the world; in other words, to think like a geographer. Through the Kapow scheme we aim to build an awareness of how Geography shapes our lives at multiple scales and over time. We hope to encourage pupils to become resourceful, active citizens who will have the skills to contribute to and improve the world around them.

The curriculum aims to encourages:

- A strong focus on developing both geographical skills and knowledge.

- Critical thinking, with the ability to ask perceptive questions and explain and analyse evidence.

- The development of fieldwork skills across each year group.

- A deep interest and knowledge of pupils’ locality and how it differs from other areas of the world.

- A growing understanding of geographical concepts, terms and vocabulary.

Implementation

At Barlby Primary school, the Kapow Geography scheme is implemented through an enquiry-based approach allowing children to make connections and apply their Geography skills to other areas of learning. Each unit contains elements of geographical skills and fieldwork to ensure that fieldwork skills are practised as often as possible. Kapow Primary units follow an enquiry cycle that maps out the fieldwork process of question, observe, measure, record, and present, to reflect the elements mentioned in the National curriculum. Lessons incorporate various teaching strategies from independent tasks to paired and group work, including practical hands-on, computer-based and collaborative tasks. This variety means that lessons are engaging and appeal to those with a variety of learning styles. Each lesson is adapted to ensure that all pupils can access learning, and opportunities to stretch pupils’ learning. Knowledge organisers for each unit support pupils in building a foundation of factual knowledge by encouraging recall of key facts and vocabulary.

Impact

The impact of Kapow Primary’s scheme can be constantly monitored through both formative and summative assessment opportunities. At Barlby Primary we hope that pupils leave school equipped with a range of skills and knowledge to enable them to study Geography with confidence at Key stage 3. We hope to shape children into curious and inspired geographers with respect and appreciation for the world around them alongside an understanding of the interconnection between the human and the physical.