Geography

Geography

 ‘Geography underpins a lifelong ‘conversation’ about the earth as the home of humankind.’ Geography Association

Intent

We believe that Geography is an essential part of the curriculum and teachers ensure that the children develop their ‘Locational knowledge’, ‘Place knowledge’, knowledge of ‘Human and physical geography’ and develop their ‘Geographical skills and fieldwork. These areas will cover the human and physical processes, which shape them, and the people who live in them. Skills developed through Geography help pupils make sense of their surroundings and the wider world.

The national curriculum for geography aims to ensure that all pupils:

  • Develop knowledge of the location of places, seas and oceans, including their defining physical and human characteristics.
  • Understand the processes that give rise to key physical and human geographical features of the world.
  • Are competent in the use of geographical skills such as field work, map reading and data analysis.

Implementation

At St Francis CE Primary School, Geography topics are planned to be stimulating, engaging and relevant for children. We regularly organise Whole School Encounters to enrich pupils’ learning and visits are carefully planned within a sequence of lessons, in order to have the most impact on learning. There is a focus on the progression of skills and vocabulary from EYFS to year 6, so that children can apply and build on previous learning. Geography is approached through block teaching so that opportunities for immersion, depth of study and cross curricular links are maximised. Links to prior knowledge and other curriculum areas are made wherever possible.

Impact

We strive to ensure that our pupil’s attainment is in line with, or exceeds, their potential when we consider the varied starting points of all our children. The teaching and learning of Geography ensures that children are accessing work at age related expectations, with regular opportunities to be challenged through higher-level objectives.

At St Francis CE Primary school, practitioners share ideas regularly to ensure relevant and current practice. Attainment, engagement and enjoyment in Geography is monitored by subject leaders, using a variety of strategies such as book looks, learning walks, staff discussions and pupil voice. 

Feedback is given to teachers in order to continue to ensure that we have an engaging and effective curriculum. Leaders use the information gathered to assess whether the children retain and can apply key vocabulary and skills. 

At the end of each block, all children complete an extended piece of writing which assesses individuals’ understanding and demonstrates their ability to discuss the topics they have covered.

Where children’s learning is not evidenced in books, floor books, photographs or displays will demonstrate the engagement and application of learning.

When children reach the end of KS2, they will have developed confidence, skills and enjoyment in Geography learning, which will enable them to be ready for transition to secondary school where they will be learning at a higher level.