At Queen’s Hill Primary School, we strive for excellence in Geography. The study of geography at Queen’s Hill stimulates an interest in and a sense of wonder about places. This happens as soon as you enter the school...
Our rationale for both the topics covered and the teaching strategies used is to enable young people make sense of a complex and dynamically changing world. It explains where places are, how places and landscapes are formed, how people and their environment interact, and how a diverse range of economies, societies and environments are interconnected.
From the Foundation stage and Key stage one we ensure that the children have an understanding of themselves in their own locality and can relate this to the rest of the world. This is achieved by using world maps, getting to know each child and their links across the globe, teaching subject specific vocabulary and undertaking local field work.
In Key stage 2 children continue with the fieldwork as an essential element of their studies while extending their knowledge and understanding beyond the local area which includes European countries and North and South America. They will explore a range of the world’s most significant human and physical features such as rivers, volcanoes and natural disasters.
By the end of KS2 our aim is that all children are able to confidently navigate around the world using atlas, maps and digital technology and be able to use geographical vocabulary to explain human and physical differences of countries from around the world in readiness for their secondary education and more importantly to succeed as global citizens! At a time when topics such as climate change, water availability, natural resources are as important as ever. These example are much easier understood by those who know geography well. We believe that geography delivered in this way will help children to maximise their potential and become successful and happy learners.
Subject in Action
Year 4 – Volcanoes 🌋
This afternoon year four were learning about why volcanoes and earthquakes tend to occur in the same locations. We watched some amazing videos showing the huge power of these natural disasters. To finish the lesson, we recorded the stages of a volcanic eruption. We have loved studying earthquakes and volcanoes this term and look forward … Read more
Year 4 – Roman Cities
This week, year 4 have been learning how Roman’s went about planning their towns and cities. They looked at the town which is modern day Cirencester but was known as Corinium Dobunnorum under Roman rule. To finish the lesson, we labelled the forum, an aqueduct, an amphitheatre as well as other important structures. Next week … Read more
Dinosaurs!
Last week Reception, we had a mystery visitor in our classrooms. They left some clues; footprints and a tray of fossils. We discovered from reading “The Girl and the Dinosaur” that just like the dinosaur in the story, we had been visited by night dinosaurs too! We have had lots of fun exploring dinosaurs in … Read more
Year 2 Geography
Year 2 have started their exploration of Norwich compared to Shanghai by creating models of Norwich landmarks. Have a look at their versions of Norwich Castle, Norwich Market and Carrow Road!
Year 4 – Roman Day
Year 4 had a fantastic Roman Day with Titus Flavius. We learned about life as a Roman legionnaire, practised marching, held weapons, tried on armour, asked lots of questions and all managed to pass the 5 stages of becoming a Roman soldier. Back in class there were lessons on Roman numerals and we all tried … Read more
Historical Enquiry
Year 6 went on a hunt around the classroom for information about the Norwich Strangers! Life changed a lot for the Strangers after they arrived in Norwich. They were allowed to worship in their own language and follow their religious traditions, but some local people did not welcome them at first. Over time, many Stranger … Read more
The Norwich Strangers
Year 6 were very lucky to have a visit from Karen and Clair who work at the Norfolk Record Office to deliver activities on our history unit: The Norwich Strangers. They helped Y6 to recap their understanding of who the Norwich Strangers were, where they came from and why they came to Norwich. Everyone showed … Read more
Year 4 Trip – West Stow Anglo-Saxon village
Today year four had a fantastic day trip to West Stow near Bury St Edmunds to visit the Anglo-Saxon Village. They got to explore the artefacts on display in the museum; handled some replica artefacts and were able to look around a reconstructed village of the time. We had to use lots of our historian … Read more