Geography

Introduction to Geography at Harris Academy Morden

“Geography is the subject which holds the key to our future” (Michael Palin)

Geography is the study of relationships between physical and human phenomena that gives rise to spatial patterns on the surface of the earth. Whilst other disciplines may study concepts such as landscapes, flora and fauna, the atmosphere, people and culture, the built environment and political territories, geography is the only discipline that concerns itself with the relationships between these, thus allowing students to develop a deep understanding and appreciation of the interconnectivity of humans and nature. Geography provides students with the means to think about the world in new ways and appreciate the delicacy of our planet and the diversity of cultures that exists across continents. We call this “thinking geographically”. Thinking geographically helps students to distinguish between disciplinary knowledge and everyday social and cultural knowledge and allows them to become global citizens who can form values and responsibilities to other people and the environment to ensure the sustainability of the planet. Geography is uniquely placed to empower pupils from all background through developing a multifaceted view of the world and their place within it. The power of diversity in geography serves to tackle stereotypes, dismantle dominant narratives and improve representation of places and people (Milner, Robinson and Garcia, 2021).

In Geography at Harris Academy Morden, geographical enquiry is at the heart of the curriculum and plays a central role in the teaching of geography as it encourages thinking geographically.Enquiry deepens conceptual understanding through reasoning, data interpretation, argumentation and fieldwork and helps students to engage with, and make sense of, geographical data, and encourages a questioning approach supported by evidence from the real world. The curriculum serves as an important vehicle to represent the world accurately, fairly and truthfully and in a way that reflects the plurality of voices. Therefore, the topics studied are focused around enquiry and students are encouraged to explore concepts through reasoning, data and source interpretation, debate and questioning. Students are empowered to become active, confident and independent learners.