c. Fieldwork & Outdoor Learning
Our location allows geography to be taught where it matters most - in the world beyond the classroom.
At Aston Rowant School fieldwork and outdoor learning are a fundamental part of our geography curriculum. We believe pupils develop the strongest geographical understanding when learning is experienced directly, in real places, using real skills.
Our school is exceptionally well‑placed to deliver high‑quality geography. Situated within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and close to Aston Rowant, we are surrounded by varied and contrasting landscapes that provide rich opportunities for geographical enquiry.
Geography Through Our Local Landscape
We make purposeful and regular use of our immediate environment to support pupils in developing secure geographical knowledge and skills.
Our local context includes:
- Aston Rowant Nature Reserve
- Five Ways, Aston Rowant, within walking distance
- Extensive school grounds
- The Moors Path, running through our site and beyond to Kingston Blount
These locations allow geography learning to be active, meaningful and deeply rooted in place.
Aston Rowant Nature Reserve & Five Ways
Being close to Aston Rowant Nature Reserve gives pupils first‑hand access to chalk grassland, woodland, open countryside and protected habitats. Visits and learning linked to this area support pupils in understanding:
- Natural landscapes and landforms
- Habitats and biodiversity
- Conservation and human impact
- How environments are protected and managed
Five Ways in Aston Rowant, easily accessed on foot, provides an excellent geographical reference point. Pupils use this location to:
- Practise map reading and orientation
- Use compass points and directional language
- Observe land use and transport routes
- Compare natural and human features
These experiences help pupils understand how different geographical features intersect and interact.
Learning Through Our School Grounds
Our extensive school grounds are used regularly as a fieldwork base, particularly for younger pupils and as an introduction to geographical enquiry.
Within the school site, pupils:
- Observe seasonal change and weather patterns
- Carry out simple fieldwork investigations
- Record observations through maps, sketches and photographs
- Develop early map‑making and data‑collection skills
Using familiar spaces allows pupils to practise skills confidently before applying them in wider and less familiar environments.
The Moors Path & Connections Beyond School
The Moors Path, which runs the length of our school grounds and continues past the cricket ground towards Kingston Blount, is a particularly valuable geographical resource.
It enables pupils to:
- Follow and interpret a continuous physical route
- Explore how paths connect settlements
- Compare land use along its length
- Understand movement, access and connectivity
This supports pupils in developing a sense of scale, distance and progression between places.
Map Work, Observation and Enquiry
Fieldwork activities are carefully designed to build geographical skills progressively across the school. Pupils are taught to:
- Read and interpret maps, aerial images and plans
- Use compass points and grid references
- Create and annotate maps and plans
- Observe, record and analyse geographical data
- Ask geographical questions and suggest explanations
These skills are revisited and deepened from KS1 to KS2, ensuring secure progression.
Links to Forest School, Allotments and Eco Learning
Geographical learning is strongly supported through:
- Forest School, where pupils explore woodland environments and natural processes
- Allotments, developing understanding of land use, seasonality and sustainability
- Eco projects, linking geography to environmental responsibility and climate awareness
These experiences help pupils understand that geography is not just about distant places, but about how we live, care for and interact with the world around us.
Impact on Pupils
As a result of our strong focus on fieldwork and outdoor learning, pupils:
- Speak confidently about their local area
- Use geographical vocabulary accurately
- Demonstrate secure map and enquiry skills
- Show respect and care for natural landscapes
- Make meaningful links between geography, sustainability and everyday life
Geography is understood as a living subject, connected to pupils’ own experiences and responsibilities.