In geography, the study of place is at the heart of everything we do.
Location is one element of what place involves, but place incorporates so much more. By examining the interaction between physical and human geography, children develop a rich understanding of the world and the unique ways in which landscapes, cultures and communities are connected.
The National Curriculum (2014) firmly establishes that “place” sits at the centre of geography education, recognising its importance in helping children explore and understand the world around them.
Exploring Place in Primary Geography: What Does the Curriculum Say?
The National Curriculum identifies different types of places for study, which we explored in a recent blog, including:
Small areas (KS1)
Regions (KS2)
Surrounding environment (KS1)
Local areas (KS2)
By studying places at different scales progressing from small areas in Key Stage 1 to regions and local areas in Key Stage 2, children develop an understanding of how physical and human geography interact to create unique places. For instance, our Key Stage 2 unit on Naples and Campania shows how people have adapted to living in an active volcanic area with Vesuvius and the Campi Flegrei to the east and west of a major industrial city and port. Farmers grow their vines and other crops in the region, and it is a major centre of international tourism.
Establishing a Sense of Place
A sense of place is the emotional connection people feel to a specific location based on its geography (and history). It often focuses around characteristics, that make a place special or unique, to foster a sense of authentic human attachment, identity and belonging.
Teaching this concept to Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 helps children understand the world around them and their role within it. Younger children may develop a sense of place through activities based on their immediate surroundings, whilst older children will explore places further afield and develop an understanding of the local connections to the wider world.
Learning Through Nuance and Depth
Ofsted’s ‘Getting Our Bearings’ report (2023) emphasises the importance of teaching about places in a nuanced and complex way. Children should revisit the same places over time, examining them from different perspectives and through varied geographical lenses. For example, exploring how natural landscapes influence human activity and, in turn, how human actions reshape those landscapes, enables pupils to appreciate the dynamic and interconnected nature of geography.
Developing Informed Views of Distant Places
When teaching distant places, it’s crucial to move beyond stereotypes and encourage children to develop an informed, balanced understanding of the area studied. By uncovering the diverse “geographical stories” of each place, pupils develop curiosity and respect for the world’s diverse landscapes and cultures. Whether it’s a bustling city or a remote rural area, every place has its own unique narrative shaped by the interplay of physical and human geography.
Building Skills for a Lifelong Curiosity
From Key Stage 1 to Key Stage 2, children are encouraged to think critically about what makes each place unique and significant. By fostering a sense of wonder and a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of places, geography education equips pupils with skills that extend beyond the classroom. They learn to see the world through different lenses, developing not only geographical knowledge but also empathy and a broader global perspective.
Ready to Inspire Curiosity?
At B&C Educational, we’re passionate about bringing the world to your classroom through our engaging geography units. Whether you’re exploring your local area using one of our bespoke units or introducing pupils to the wonders of distant places, like the Amazon Basin, our resources are designed to spark curiosity and provide meaningful learning experiences.
Visit our website to explore our range of ready-to-download geography units or contact our team to find out more about the tailor-made options available.
Commentaires