Geography at St Mary's

Intent

We believe that Geography helps to provoke and provide answers to questions about the natural and human aspects of the world. We pride ourselves on our creative learning environment and classroom displays.

Children are encouraged to develop a greater understanding and knowledge of the world, as well as their place in it.  Geography is, by nature, an investigative subject, which develops an understanding of concepts, knowledge and skills. We seek to inspire in children a curiosity and fascination about the world and its people which will remain with them for the rest of their lives; to promote the children’s interest and understanding of diverse places, people, resources and natural and human environments, together with a deep understanding of the Earth’s key physical and human processes. The curriculum is designed to develop knowledge and skills that are progressive, as well as transferable, throughout their time at St Mary's and also to their further education and beyond.

Implementation

Geography is taught in blocks throughout the year, so that children can access their previous learning and achieve depth in their new learning. Key knowledge and skills have been identified to ensure progression across topics throughout each year group and across the school.  The local area is fully utilised to achieve the desired outcomes - especially to enhance the geographical skill of 'fieldwork' -  with extensive opportunities for learning outside the classroom embedded in practice.

Impact

Outcomes in books and regular pupil voice evidence a broad and balanced geography curriculum and demonstrate children’s acquisition of identified key knowledge. Children review their successes in achieving the lesson objectives at the end of every session. As children progress throughout the school, they develop a deep knowledge, understanding an appreciation of their local area and its place within the wider geographical context.