Curriculum Intent

The curriculum at James Bateman is rich in knowledge.

James Bateman Middle School provides opportunities for all our pupils through our curriculum and wider educational opportunities. Our intent is to ensure that all pupils make outstanding progress and that our curriculum will remove any barriers that may affect their learning.

Subject-specifically, the curriculum is built around a progression model that ensures pupils incrementally gain deep knowledge and skills that are fundamental to each subject. Purposeful assessment is integral to the curriculum to ensure knowledge is fully embedded and highlights areas for development.

Throughout the curriculum there is a strong emphasis on developing;

• a ‘love of learning’.
• readiness, resilience and respectfulness: the skills required to be a productive member a diverse 21st century society
• an understanding of ‘British Values’ and the implications for life in modern day Britain.
• pupils spiritual, moral, social and cultural learning.
• independence and enabling pupils to become creative, critical thinkers.
• an understanding of the importance, through the careers programme, of the opportunities available to pupils once they leave school.

At the heart of the school is the focus on broadening pupils’ cultural horizons to ensure they are able to continue to the next stage of their educational journey.

Implementation

At James Bateman Middle School, the geography curriculum provides a comprehensive and enriching learning experience that equips students with the necessary knowledge, skills, and attitudes to navigate and understand the dynamic world we live in.

Our teaching approach is designed to meet the diverse needs of students. The curriculum is enriched through fieldwork experiences, such as the river studies trip to Severn Valley Country Park for Year 6 students and the coastal studies trip to Llandudno for Year 7 students. During residential visits, pupils also enhance their understanding of maps, rivers and the cultural capital that city visits support.

Our geography curriculum is inclusive, and we pride ourselves on providing all students with the support and resources they need to succeed, regardless of their ability. By fostering a welcoming and supportive learning environment, we ensure that every student feels valued and empowered to achieve their goals.

Impact

Ready, Resilient, Respectful

The geography curriculum provides a rigorous and comprehensive learning experience that empowers students to become ready, resilient, and respectful.

By participating in these experiences, our students develop a sense of readiness and adaptability, preparing them for the challenges of the ever-changing world. They also develop resilience by learning to cope with the unexpected and adapt to new situations, both in the field and in the classroom.

Overall, by fostering readiness, resilience, and respect, we empower our students to become active and engaged citizens, ready to make positive contributions to our global community.

Evidence of Knowledge and Skills

A variety of assessment methods are used, including formative assessments such as class discussions, homework assignments, and quizzes, as well as summative assessments, which take place at the end of a unit of study and may involve tasks such as presentations, research projects, and tests.

By continuously assessing students’ learning in geography, teachers can identify areas where students may need additional support, tailor instruction to meet their individual needs, and provide timely feedback to support their ongoing growth and development.

Student Voice

Students are actively engaged in the learning process. They demonstrate a positive attitude towards learning in geography and articulate their understanding through ongoing review and retrieval of their learning.

Teachers encourage students to be reflective, taking ownership of their learning, and engaging in regular self-assessment and evaluation. Through this process, students develop a deeper understanding of their strengths and areas for improvement, and are better equipped to set goals, track their progress, and achieve success.

Click here to view the Autumn 1 term Knowledge Organiser

Click here to view the Geography Progression Map