Geography is about understanding the world, its people, and the environments in which we live.
David Harvey

Developing Saltburn Children

At Saltburn Primary School, we aim to develop children’s understanding of Geography by providing a rich, engaging curriculum that encourages curiosity about the world around them. From an early age, children explore key geographical concepts such as location, human and physical features, and the relationship between people and their environments. We use a variety of teaching methods, including hands-on activities, field trips, and interactive resources, to bring Geography to life. Through these experiences, children develop their map skills, learn about different cultures and climates, and gain a deeper appreciation of global issues. Our goal is to inspire children to be confident explorers of the world, fostering an understanding of how Geography shapes their lives and the world they live in.

Curriculum Aims

•To develop contextual knowledge of the location of globally significant terrestrial and marine places, including their defining physical and human characteristics and how these provide a geographical context for understanding the actions of processes.

•To understand the processes that give rise to key physical and human geographical features of the world, how these are interdependent and how they bring about spatial variation and change over time.

•To be competent in the geographical skills needed to:

-collect, analyse and communicate with a range of data gathered through experiences of fieldwork that deepen their understanding of geographical processes

-interpret a range of sources of geographical information, including maps, diagrams, globes and aerial photographs

-communicate geographical information in various ways, including through maps, numerical and quantitative skills and writing at length

Local context

Saltburn is a seaside town located on the northeast coast of England, in the county of North Yorkshire. It lies within the Redcar and Cleveland borough, approximately 12 miles east of Middlesbrough and around 5 miles north of the larger town of Redcar. The town is positioned on the coast of the North Sea, which plays a significant role in shaping its geography and climate.

The geographical setting of Saltburn is defined by its natural features, including the surrounding cliffs, beaches, and the Saltburn Valley. The town is nestled between two prominent headlands: Huntcliff to the north and the Cleveland Way, a long-distance walking route that skirts the coastline. These cliffs give Saltburn its striking visual appeal, with elevated views over the sea.

In terms of topography, Saltburn’s location is marked by some steep gradients, particularly around the cliffs and the town’s iconic funicular railway, which connects the lower part of the town near the beach to the upper part near the Victorian spa buildings and the town centre.

This mix of coastal and moorland geography provides Saltburn with a diverse landscape, attracting visitors for its natural beauty, outdoor activities, and the charming Victorian-era architecture that complements the surroundings. The combination of sea and countryside makes Saltburn a unique geographical location with a blend of seaside and rural appeal.

How will we enrich cultural capital?

We recognise that, while all children equally deserve the very best start in life, not all children receive the same opportunities as their peers around the country. Levels of disadvantage fluctuate from one school or class to another, and these differences can affect a child’s life chances in so many ways. We believe that it is our duty to enrich the lives of all children wherever possible to diminish this difference.

In the study of geography, our local area provides countless opportunities for children to experience practical and purposeful fieldwork.

Use of interactive maps and globes
Fieldwork
Virtual field trips
Inviting visitors from universities, libraries and societies to share expert knowledge with passion and enthusiasm
School Trips organised to enhance classroom learning
Engaging in national and international events (e.g. European Day of Languages)
Virtual learning to bring sites of historical importance into the classroom (e.g. VR tours / Google expeditions)
Cross-curricular links (Orienteering in P.E.)