Geography

Geography is a strong subject at Whittington. Following a very favourable OFSTED report the school was selected to be part of a county review of the subject where schools with good practise were hi-lighted. Summer 2005 Kate Hardy one of the Geography Advisors for Staffordshire came to visit the school. She went round the school to see how geography is taught at Whittington. She was very impressed with our standard of work, particularly our wonderful displays.

At Whittington we follow the guidelines of the National Curriculum for areas of study and skills and expected attainment. There is a high premium of practical “hands on” experience, particularly in fieldwork and this generates a lot of enthusiasm and enjoyment of the subject.

We are very fortunate in our environment and make good use of the school, its grounds and immediate surroundings, as well as the village itself and the nearby city of Lichfield within our studies. Fieldwork is important to us and we begin in school and use the village within Key stage 1 and Year 4/3. In Year 6/5 they widen their experience by taking part in an outdoor residential experience, which builds on many skills including map reading.

We hi-lighted individual geographical skills and develop and follow them throughout the school. For example in Foundation and Year 1 they begin with 3D and pictorial mapping, Year 2 begin to draw more complex maps and begin to use simple grid references, until by Year 6 the children are accomplished, orienteering competition winners.

We use cross-curricular links effectively, especially History, ICT for research purposes, Maths and Science. PSHE is increasingly emphasised whereby the children consider, their environment and take decisions about how to improve their surroundings. There is a good, positive attitude and enthusiasm for the subject across the school.