Map Reading

Maps, at a variety of scales, are used frequently as a matter of routine and are an intrinsic part of learning in geography. The use and study of maps is central to geographical learning and understanding. Maps are key to representing the features and layout of the world, from the local to the global.

Children will know:

• maps can support and develop our knowledge of a place now and what it looked like in the past.
• how to read and interpret different types of Ordnance Survey maps is a fundamental aspect of geography teaching.
• how to decode information from maps
• how to construct (or encode) maps
• analyse distributions and relationships
• that maps can be used to route-find
• how to interpret the information to draw conclusions

Continuity and Change 

Continuity and change can be described as ‘understanding how and why change occurs locally and globally, why and how things stay the same and analysing trends across time.’

Children will know:

• a world exists beyond their locality they and that they are connected to those around them as well as those around the world.
• change does not always mean progress.
• there can be ‘bad/negative’ changes.
• There are differences between change, progress and development.
• changes can be made by humans through physical processes

Cause and Consequence

Cause and consequence can be described as ‘the identification and description of reasons for and results of geographical events, situations and changes studied around the world.’

Children will know:

• reasons and events usually lead to results (sometimes more than one) but things did not always turn out as planned.
• human and physical features can change due to geographical processes.
• actions made in the short-term can have long term consequences.

Fieldwork

Fieldwork is fundamental to the study of geography - it makes the subject come alive, promotes enthusiasm for geography and motivates students. Fieldwork is the means by which students can engage and develop a deep understanding of geographical processes and enquiry.

Children will know:

• that fieldwork is the process of observing and collecting data about people, cultures, and natural environments.
• that changes over time can be observed.
• that certain elements of geography are best studied through experiences.

Similarities and Differences

Similarity and difference can be described as ‘the ability to identify and explain similarities within and across locations studied’. Similarity and difference relates to geographical analysis of the extent and type of difference between people, groups or experiences in different places.

Children will know:

• locations are different dependent on physical and human features and processes.
• how to compare two different locations.
• differences can be found across one small-scale location.
• similarities and differences can change over time.