Geography

"Geography explains the past, illuminates the present and prepares us for the future. What could be more important than that?" Michael Palin, 2007

Geography at Oatlands is about understanding the world that we live in.  It is about the understanding of space (physical Geography) and place (what gives the space meaning); the connection to personal and cultural identity.

Airport Day 

Airport Day is a whole school Geography day that takes place every three years. On Airport Day, every class flies to a different destination and learns all about the human and physical geography of the location. 

Highlights of the day include checking in and receiving their boarding pass, in the in-flight snack and entertainment and visits from the pilot. Once children have arrived they take part in a range of exciting activities including baking local delicacies, learning traditional dances, regional crafts, postcard writing and visits to the beach! 

Fieldwork 

Fieldwork is part of our Geography curriculum.  It connects children to their local environment, creates memories and helps develop identity. It helps explain the often 'messy' nature of geography in the real world, compares this to theory, and so deepens understanding. It promotes curiosity, vocabulary acquisition, creativity and critical thinking.

Our Curriculum Intent

At Oatlands Infant School Geography provides a means of exploring, appreciating, and understanding the world in which we live.  Children are encouraged to develop a greater understanding and knowledge of the world, as well as their place in it.  Geography is, by nature, an investigative subject, which develops an understanding of concepts, knowledge, and skills.   We intend for children to become passionate and knowledgeable about our local community and beyond, by learning through experiences in practical and fieldwork activities.

We seek to inspire in children a curiosity and fascination about the world and its people which will remain with them for the rest of their lives; to promote the children’s interest and understanding of people, places, natural, human and physical geography.  The curriculum is designed to develop knowledge and skills that are progressive, as well as transferable, throughout their time at Oatlands Infant School and also to their further education and beyond.