Geography

‘The study of geography is about more than just memorizing places on a map. It’s about understanding the complexity of our world, appreciating the diversity of cultures that exists across continents. And in the end, it’s about using all that knowledge to help bridge divides and bring people together.’

Barack Obama

At Gawthorpe Community Academy, our Geography curriculum is designed to develop children’s curiosity and fascination about the world and its people that will remain with them for the rest of their lives. As pupils progress, their growing knowledge about the world will help them to deepen their understanding of the interaction between physical and human processes, and of the formation and use of landscapes and environments. Geographical knowledge, understanding and skills provide the frameworks and approaches that explain how the Earth’s features at differences scales are shaped, interconnected and change over time.

At Gawthorpe we develop the following essential characteristics of geographers:

  • An excellent knowledge of where places are and what they are like, both in Britain and the wider world
  • A comprehensive understanding of the ways in which places are interdependent and interconnected
  • An extensive base of geographical knowledge and vocabulary
  • Fluency in complex, geographical enquiry and the ability to apply questioning skills, as well as effective presentation techniques
  • The ability to reach clear conclusions and explain their findings
  • Excellent fieldwork skills as well as other geographical aptitudes and techniques
  • The ability to express well-balanced opinions, rooted in very good knowledge and understanding about current issues in society and the environment
  • A genuine interest in the subject and a real sense of curiosity about the world and the people who live here.