Textbooks have never been very popular in UK primary schools, but they are in fact extremely useful. They are usually written by experts who have spent a lot time studying a particular discipline and who have a detailed knowledge of the school curriculum. Textbook authors will also be well versed in teaching and learning techniques and be able to draw on their own classroom experience in what they write. Deciding what to include in a book is often a matter of judgement. When you pick up a textbook you gain access to ideas and experience that has been developed over many years.
Collins Primary Geography is structured around well-established themes and topics which have stood the test of time. That’s why it is now in its fourth edition. Pupils who engage with the series gain an overview of geography which includes mapwork, place knowledge, local investigations, world studies and current issues. It is sometimes said that the scope of geography is absurdly vast. Selecting material that is age-appropriate, and which conveys the excitement and challenge of the contemporary thinking means making some hard choices.
Delve inside Collins Primary Geography
The series is structured around key concepts and ideas. The physical environment – rivers, water, weather, mountains and volcanoes – features in the opening units. Human geography topics such as settlement, population, work and transport come next. The final units focus on UK regions and the wider world. Mapwork skills are introduced throughout, along with diagrams, charts and data panels. This approach makes it possible to trace a topic from one book to the next or to select units which meet the needs of your particular school or class.
From Climate Change to Conservation: A Modern Take on Primary Geography
One of the key features of this new edition of Collins Primary Geography is that it has a much stronger focus on environment and sustainability than before. The idea that we need to care for the world permeates the books for the younger children. For older pupils there are some fascinating case studies on recycling, renewable energy, regenerative farming and sustainable living. Nature and nature conservation is a recurring theme. The series also includes a brand-new unit on climate change which not only spells out the problems but also suggests what we can do in response. There are panels on climate change and its implications in all the other books as well.
Fieldwork has always been an important part of geography and it is highlighted in this series. For example, each of the lessons for pupils in KS1 finishes with a ‘look and find’ or ‘things to do’ activity that highlights practical work. Similarly, at KS2 the lessons all start with an enquiry question and finish with an example of a study or investigation which pupils could undertake in or around your school. The idea that geography is best learnt through the soles of your feet is brought to life in Collins Primary Geography – it is much more than a set of desk-bound books.
Pupils who use the series will not only learn about their own locality through fieldwork, they will also develop a synoptic knowledge of the wider world. Key Stage 1 children are introduced to the continents and oceans to provide a framework for their future understanding. As pupils progress to Key Stage 2, they learn about different parts of the world in greater depth. Asia is featured in book 3, North America in book 4, Africa in book 5 and Europe and South America in book 6. Case studies of named places and personal portraits help to make these studies accessible to pupils of all abilities.
A final word
I have really enjoyed devising and writing Collins Primary Geography. It has involved a lot of research, provoked many stimulating discussions and led to some life-long friendships. If you would like to know more about the thinking behind the books simply to turn to the Teacher’s Guides where you will also find a photocopiable resource to support each lesson. And if you want to consolidate pupils’ learning further you will find a set of dedicated workbooks which are designed to do just that. I hope you have fun finding out about geography with your pupils. There is so much to learn and geography, in all its diversity, has never been more relevant.
Dr Stephen Scoffham was President of the UK Geographical Association (GA) (2018-2019) and is editor of the GA’s best-selling publication, the Primary Geography Handbook. Stephen collaborated on the updated Primary Geography scheme with Colin Bridge who was a primary school headteacher for many years and who has extensive experience of teaching both KS1 and KS2 pupils.