Geography

INTENT:

The intention of our Geography curriculum is to inspire in pupils a curiosity and fascination
about the world and its people that will remain with them for the rest of their lives. We
strive to equip pupils with knowledge about diverse places, people, resources and natural
and human environments, together with a deep understanding of the Earth’s key physical
and human processes. As pupils progress, their growing knowledge about the world
should help them to deepen their understanding of the interaction between physical and
human processes, and of the formation and use of landscapes and environments.
Geographical knowledge, understanding and skills provide the frameworks and
approaches that explain how the Earth’s features at different scales are shaped,
interconnected and change over time.

IMPLEMENTATION:

Organisation and Curriculum Coverage

Teachers create a positive attitude to Geography learning within their classrooms and
reinforce an expectation that all pupils are capable of achieving high standards in
Geography. Our whole school approach to the teaching and learning of Geography
involves the following:

• a carefully devised programme of study based on National Curriculum objectives
  and statutory frameworks which links to English programmes of study and is based
  on high quality texts;
• planning involves teachers creating engaging lessons, often involving high-quality
  resources to aid understanding of conceptual knowledge and developing
  geographical skills;
• Geography lessons focus on the key features of locational knowledge, place
  knowledge, human and physical geography and geographical skills and fieldwork
  so that children learn to use a variety of skills to find out more about the world they
  live in. These types of geographical enquiry include: using maps and globes, using
  compass directions, recognise key human and physical landmarks and use
  fieldwork and observational skills;
• teachers use precise questioning in class to test knowledge and skills and assess
  pupils regularly to identify those children with gaps in learning so that all pupils
  keep up;
• through our planning, we involve problem solving opportunities that allow children
  to apply their knowledge, and find out answers for themselves. Children are
  encouraged to ask their own questions and be given opportunities to use their
  geographical knowledge and skills and research to discover the answers. This
  curiosity is celebrated within the classroom;
• teachers ensure that the quality and variety of subject specific vocabulary that
  children hear and speak are key factors in developing their geographical vocabulary
  bank and articulating concepts clearly and precisely.
• activities are planned to meet the needs of all pupils. Differentiation is achieved
  through careful planning and organisation. Learners should be supported and
  challenged to progress within Geography. Differentiation enables all students to
  engage in the curriculum by providing learning tasks and activities that are tailored
  to their needs, abilities and interests. Pupils are encouraged to work in groups or
  individually, where appropriate;
• we build upon the knowledge and skill development of the previous years. As the
  children’s knowledge and understanding increases, and they become more
  proficient in fieldwork and observational skills;
• events, such as themed days, guest speakers and trips, allow all pupils to come off timetable, to provide broader provision and the acquisition and application of
  knowledge and skills.

IMPACT:

The successful approach to Geography results in a fun, engaging, high-quality curriculum,
that provides children with the foundations and knowledge for understanding the world.
Our engagement with the local environment ensures that children learn through varied and
first hand experiences of the world around them. Frequent, continuous and progressive
learning outside the classroom is embedded throughout the Geography curriculum.
Through various workshops, trips and visits, children have the understanding that
Geography has changed our lives and that it is vital to the world’s future prosperity. From
this exposure to a range of different cultures from various places around the world, all
children develop their geographical knowledge and sense of belonging promoting their
chances of achieving. Children at St Stephen’s Catholic Primary School overwhelmingly
enjoy Geography and this results in motivated learners who acquire a sound
understanding of the world in conjunction with the nine key skills as part of our curriculum
offer.