Year 1 have been superb geographers recently. They have been learning about Antarctica and the South Pole! The children discovered which animals live there and are able to explain why those types of animals are able to survive there. Children understand why this is the only continent that humans do not inhabit and can explain what the environment and its conditions are like. Here, you can see the wonderful work they completed, as well as some map/globe work in action. Well done year 1!
Our Year 3 children braved the elements to complete an 'environmental survey' in the local area. The children chose three different areas to visit: a residential street, a busy dual carriageway and a church. Using maps to support their journey to each location, they spent time comparing the different places. The children recorded their thoughts and feelings about each place (what they liked and disliked about each one) as well as commenting on the cleanliness, the noise-level and how aesthetically pleasing each place was.
This activity allowed the children to apply some deeper thinking about their local environment, giving them a sense of place. The children began to think about how they feel in certain environments and what they enjoy about their surroundings.
The Year 3 children were certainly excellent geographers during their environmental walk!
Year 4 enjoyed a trip to Summerhill Country Park to facilitate their Map Skills unit. The children have been developing their map-reading ability in the classroom but particularly enjoyed the chance to get out into the great outdoors and augment these skills on a practical level. After an initial helping hand by Summerhill’s instructors, the children set off on an orienteering experience which they thoroughly enjoyed.
Well done, Year 4, on being superb map readers!
Year 5 have been learning about different biomes in Geography in term 1b, paying particular attention to rainforests. In the photographs, children are learning about the effects of deforestation and the impacts that this has on the environment, on animals and on humans. In our Space to Learn suite, children debated the positives and negatives of deforestation and then had to decide if they were ultimately ‘for’ or ‘against’ it, giving reasons to justify their decision. Some tough decisions had to be made!
Year 6 have been busy geographers this year and have enjoyed some excellent fieldwork opportunities.
In October, the children visited the nearby village of Greatham. The children observed the differing physical and human features of the village; they learned how these had changed and developed over time in relation to the needs of the community.
Term 3b was particularly busy for our Year 6s in their Rivers unit. After locating some ‘world rivers’ using atlases, children were able to research some interesting facts about their chosen river. It was then time for an in-house visit from Teesmouth Field Centre who delivered an in-depth workshop on our local river, the River Tees. Children learned about the course of a river and demonstrated their knowledge by physically acting out the various stages. Pupils then were able to draw accurate maps of the River Tees, including newly learned terminology.
We didn’t stop there, though! To get a closer look of the River Tees, we set off on an educational visit to various points of interest along the river itself. We made the short trip to the Transporter Bridge where children learned all about this local landmark and how the people of the area have benefitted from it for over 100 years. Children also had the chance to visit the Tees Barrage and learned all about the numerous uses of this man-made project. Children spent time sketching and recording their observations in these locations, whilst enjoying the fresh air and sunshine!