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 5 Viking Day
Year 5 had a fantastic Viking day today. They were able to row, try on outfits, explore artefacts and decide if they wanted to trade or raid! All children showed great curiosity and grit and determination and we are very proud of them. More photos to follow!
Year 6 Remembers
Last Friday, our Year 6 pupils led a wonderful Remembrance Assembly for the rest of the school. They shared their moving poetry and thoughtful artwork, reminding us all of the importance of honouring those who have fought and served in the armed forces. The children also explained the meaning behind different coloured poppies: the purple … Read more
Year 4 Roman Town Design
This week in history, our year 4s learnt about how the Romans designed their towns and cities. With a forum at the centre, city walls with gate houses, amphitheatres, bath houses, a basilica and temples, we were amazed at how many different buildings featured. After finding out how we know so much about these towns … Read more
Year 1 Toy Museum
This week, Year 1 had fun visiting the toy museum! They got the coach to Strangers’ Hall and met the Toy Maker who showed them some amazing old toys. The children sorted, made and tested different toys. They given got a chance to explore the toy room and look at toys that were over 100 … Read more
Rationing in World War Two
Exploring rationing during the war, Year 6 learned about the “Make do” attitude that everyone had to adopt when resources were limited. We look at the books that everyone, even babies, were issued with the amount of food they were allowed each week. Because some items were unable to be imported into the country, due … Read more
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