Geography Curriculum

Statement of Intent: Geography

Geography develops pupils’ understanding of the world in which they live through the study of place, space and environment.

Whilst Geography provides a basis for pupils to understand their role within the world, by exploring locality and how people fit into a global structure, the subject also encourages children to learn through experience and we intend on increasing their cultural capital, particularly through practical and fieldwork activities.

Through the teaching of Geography, St Joseph and St Teresa Catholic Primary School it is our intention to:

•             Offer opportunities for children to explore the world in order to develop an understanding of the human and physical world in which they live and their place within it.

•             We aim to promote the children’s interest and understanding about diverse places, people, resources and natural and human environments, together with a deep understanding of the Earth’s key physical and human processes.

•             Promote children’s spiritual, moral, social and cultural development by increasing pupils’ knowledge, understanding and tolerance of other cultures.

•             Make pupils aware of environmental problems at a local, regional and global level but also their rights and responsibilities to the people and environment, this includes using the Catholic Social Teaching principles to underpin our reflections and application of this.

•             Encourage pupils to commit to sustainable development where possible.

•             We encourage the children to ask questions about the world and provide opportunities for them to develop geographical skills and knowledge to be able to answer them.

•             Develop pupils’ graphic skills, including how to use, draw and interpret maps.

•             Develop a variety of transferable skills, including those in relation to problem-solving, ICT and presenting conclusions in an appropriate and creative way.

•             Developing their ability to use key geographical vocabulary which is appropriate and accurate and which evolves from EYFS to Key stage 1 and through to Key Stage 2.

Statement of Implementation: Geography

Our pupils should be able to organise their knowledge, skills and understanding through a clear progression during their time at St Joseph and St Teresa Catholic Primary School.

Geography is taught in blocks throughout the year and is mapped on a Whole School Curriculum Plan, so that children can achieve depth in their learning, but also the intent and how it is implemented is consistent and builds upon knowledge and skills in a whole school approach.

Teachers should identify the key knowledge and skills of each blocked topic and there will be a review in developing whole school progression grids to ensure the approach is systematic in knowledge and skills taught.

Existing knowledge is checked at the beginning of each topic, and should be clearly shown by classroom displays or in books. This ensures that teaching is informed by the children’s starting points and that it takes account of pupil voice, incorporating children’s interests. Tasks are selected and designed to provide appropriate challenge to all learners, in line with the school’s commitment to inclusion. At the end of each topic, key knowledge is reviewed by the children and rigorously checked by the teacher and consolidated as necessary. Misconceptions should be addressed throughout the topic and subject specific vocabulary should be planned and clearly used.

Cross curricular outcomes in Geography are specifically planned for and these are indicated on the whole school Geography Knowledge and Skills Progression Map.

Within Geography, we strive to create a supportive and collaborative ethos for learning by providing investigative and enquiry based learning opportunities. Emphasis is placed on investigative learning opportunities to help children gain a coherent knowledge of understanding of each unit of work covered throughout the school. The Geography provision is audited, resourced and specific resources are mapped to specific year groups and topics to support effective teaching and learning. The local area is fully utilised to achieve the desired outcomes, with extensive opportunities for learning outside the classroom embedded in practice.