THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN HISTORY AND GEOGRAPHY EDUCATION ESSAY   2300W

Whilst geography and history are two discrete subjects within the National Curriculum (1999), Martin (2002) believes that it is possible to identify areas of similarity between them from looking at the importance of history and geography statements. Moreover, she points out that there are links between history and geography through the knowledge and understanding, skills, concepts and values and attitudes and therefore it is possible to incorporate cross-curricular links when teaching the subjects. However, before these links are explored it is important to provide an overview of both subjects in their own right.

Cooper et al (2006) state that geography is fundamental to children’s understanding of the world they live in. They highlight that geography allows children to study people and develop a sense of place. Furthermore, they point out that geography fosters children’s appreciation of the environment and helps them to understand why sustainability is important. Similarly, Catling and Willy (2009) suggest that primary geography allows children to develop a curiosity about the world through exploring people