Geography plus

Geography's contribution to the wider curriculum

As well as being a worthwhile educational experience in its own right, geography provides an excellent vehicle to enrich the wider curriculum by giving children a real context for their learning. Geography is well placed to make a significant contribution to the current curriculum priorities of literacy, numeracy, ICT and citizenship.

Consider what geography can contribute to these wider aspects of the curriculum as well as what they can contribute to learning in geography.

The distinctive characteristics of geography allow it to contribute to the
wider curriculum by providing children with opportunities to:

• develop and extend their investigative and problem-solving skills, including skills in number and ICT, inside and outside the classroom
• participate in a range of independent and collaborative learning experiences that extend their personal, social and study skills
• gain experiences that help them make connections between themselves, their communities and the wider world
• develop awareness and understanding of a range of peoples and cultures, and a respect for many different attitudes, views and beliefs
• recognise the need for a just and equitable society, and their own role in making this possible
• explore issues of environmental change and sustainable development, and develop the skills and attitudes necessary for active involvement as citizens.

For examples of how geography enriches the wider curriculum, choose one of the key stages from the menu.