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Our School

ACE Geography Focus Day with Mrs Denton

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Mrs Denton brings us ACE Geography Focus Day 18th June 2021.

Sarah DentonWe put Mrs Denton in our ACE Spotlight! as Astley’s Geography Curriculum Lead, to find out how she aims to 'inspire pupil’s curiosity and fascination about the world and its people,' with her exciting plans for pupils on Friday 18th June in our ACE Geography Focus Day


How long have you been teaching?

I have been teaching for 5 years, but before this I was a teaching assistant for 17 years, working in both Foundation Stage and Year 1. Since being here at Astley, I’ve been a teacher in both Year 1 and year 4. I’m Curriculum Lead for both Geography and Design Technology.


What other jobs have you had and how did they lead you to teaching?

My parents worked in education and my family moved to Australia for 7 years when I was 7.. I was lucky to have lived on one of the Barrier Reef islands which I have since learned no longer exists after a hurricane hit some years ago. My family moved back in time for me to begin High School in England. I also worked in a Bank before I became involved in education.


Did you enjoy Geography when you were at school and what kinds of things did you learn about?

I studied Geography as an O’level, but Geography at this time tended to be more about maps and places in the world. I feel lucky to have lots of real-life Geography experience through the places I’ve seen in my travels through my childhood years. This has given me important skills for understanding what places are like: how and why places change, their differences, similarities and how they are all connected.


Why is Geography an important curriculum subject and how does Geography relate to other subjects within the ACE Curriculum?

Geography for pupils at Astley is about so much more than maps! It is about how the world relates to people and how people relate to the world. It’s also about the impact of things in the world on people. Geography helps to provoke and provide answers to questions about the natural world and its human aspects. Astley pupils are encouraged to develop greater understanding and knowledge of the world as well as their place in it, with skills that are transferable.

Geography is a brilliant cross-curricular subject as it will often include learning about the History of countries, use field work, Maths and English too. It also involves pupils developing their own views and ideas, for example, pupils learn about Fair Trade, discuss and form opinions on what they feel is right and wrong and study the impact of choice. Pupils can take their ideas in lots of directions!


What areas does the Geography Curriculum cover across the school?

Each academic year, pupils will cover topics which explore three areas: Local Geography, the United Kingdom and the World.

In Bears class, pupils might ask questions such as, ‘Where do I live?’ to gain knowledge of their immediate environment, study the cliffs at Cromer and ask, ‘What is a beach?’ and then look to their wider environment by asking, ‘Where do Bears live?’ to place themselves in a world context. Sharks might ask ‘Why is Norfolk special?’, be asked to ‘Compare two places in the UK’ and question, ‘Why do people live in mega cities?’


How has teaching Geography been affected by the pandemic and Lockdowns?

Pupils were able to use the DB Primary platform to access resources, links and ideas to engage with Geography during this time. In addition, the Lockdown periods gave pupils the chance to connect or reconnect with their immediate environment and for some this has been an important way of understanding their local Geography.


What will be new in Geography in the near future?

Pupils can look forward to new resources to use in class, such as globes and maps!


What can pupils look forward to on ACE Geography Focus Day?

The aim of ACE Geography Focus Day this year is 'to inspire pupil’s curiosity and fascination about the world and its people.'

I would like pupils to deepen their understanding of what places are like, why and how they are connected and the importance of location. Some pupils don't have the opportunity to travel, and of course because of the pandemic, visiting other countries has been restricted.

I’m thrilled to announce that on our ACE Geography Focus Day pupils will get the chance to experience what it would be like to fly to a different continent! We will create three ‘Arrivals’ lounges in school so that each class will have their own passports and airline tickets and will experience ‘take-off’ and ‘landing’ with inflight snack and drink too!

Other activities will involve map knowledge, the study of a famous landmark in the continent they visit and a culturally specific craft. For example, Lions will study Africa and may try their hand at paper-roll African masks. Dolphins will travel to Australia and try out Australian dot art. Pupils will experience cultural stories to inspire further reading and writing or perhaps make holiday posters of the places they discover on their travels.

To take advantage of the recent creation of our Astley 'Super Bubbles', pupils across the school will be able to share their discoveries and experiences with other year groups. Even better!


What would be your most important aim for Geography at Astley?

Geography is a subject packed with excitement and vitality that demonstrates all aspects of the world, to better understand its people, places and environments and the interactions between them.

I hope pupils will find joy and build their knowledge and enthusiasm for learning about countries and cultures in a way that will develop throughout their Astley years, to carry them through to High School and beyond.

Pack your bags, grab your tickets, fasten your seats belts for take-off and fly up, up and away!

Thank you, Mrs Denton, for flying under our ACE Spotlight!


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Our Schools

Synergy Multi-Academy Trust comprises fifteen Norfolk schools serving children between the ages of 2 and 18. Our schools work collaboratively together to raise standards and provide education of the highest possible standard, offering the best of opportunities for pupils. The Trust was initially established in 2015. We believe that all of our schools have strengths and areas to develop, and that all can improve through sharing expertise and wisdom. The Trust understands that there will be excellent practice in each school, and that every school will be able to contribute to the development of the Trust as a whole.

Our Schools

Synergy Multi-Academy Trust comprises fifteen Norfolk schools serving children between the ages of 2 and 18. Our schools work collaboratively together to raise standards and provide education of the highest possible standard, offering the best of opportunities for pupils. The Trust was initially established in 2015. We believe that all of our schools have strengths and areas to develop, and that all can improve through sharing expertise and wisdom. The Trust understands that there will be excellent practice in each school, and that every school will be able to contribute to the development of the Trust as a whole.