Geography
Vision Statement
At St. Peter’s we believe that Geography should inspire in pupils an interest and fascination about both their immediate surroundings and the wider world. Pupils should learn how their environment impacts their lives and the impact their lives have on the environment. Teaching should 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. Pupils will be taught the skills required to be able to collect, analyse and communicate with a range of data gathered through experiences of fieldwork, as well as being able to confidently interpret a range of different geographical sources. Our vision is that St. Peter’s pupils leave with an increased confidence and understanding of the interaction between physical and human processes, and how the Earth’s features are shaped, interconnected and change over time.
Intent
The geography curriculum at our school aims to give pupils the knowledge and skills they need to understand the world in which they live. By the time pupils leave in Year 6 they will have: - an excellent knowledge of where places are and what they are like, both locally, and across Britain and the wider world; - a comprehensive understanding of the ways in which places are interdependent and interconnected; - an extensive base of geographical knowledge and vocabulary; - fluency in geographical enquiry and the ability to apply questioning skills, as well as effective presentation techniques; - the ability to reach clear conclusions and explain their findings; - excellent fieldwork skills; - the ability to express well-balanced opinions, rooted in very good knowledge and understanding about current issues in society and the environment; - a genuine interest in the subject of geography and a real sense of curiosity about the world and its people that will remain with them for the rest of their lives. |
Implementation
Geography is taught in blocks throughout the year, so that pupils achieve depth in their learning. The key knowledge and skills that pupils acquire and develop throughout each block have been mapped across the school to ensure that knowledge builds progressively and that children develop skills systematically. At the end of each topic, key knowledge is reviewed by the children and rigorously checked by the teacher and consolidated as necessary. The school’s own context is also considered, with opportunities for fieldwork activities in the school grounds and fieldwork visits to local areas embedded in practice. Planning is informed by and aligned with the National Curriculum. In addition, staff have access to the Cornerstones plans and resources. Teachers cater for the varying needs of all learners, differentiating activities where necessary and as appropriate, and ensuring an appropriate level of challenge. Outcomes of work are regularly monitored to ensure that they reflect a sound understanding of the key identified knowledge.
Impact
At St. Peter’s, pupil voice shows that pupils are confident and able to talk about what they have learnt in geography using subject specific vocabulary. Pupil voice also demonstrates that pupils enjoy geography and are able to recall their learning over time. Pupils’ work demonstrates that geography is taught at an age appropriate standard across each year group with opportunities planned in for fieldwork. Work is of good quality and demonstrates pupils are acquiring knowledge, skills and vocabulary in an appropriate sequence that will ensure pupils are equipped with the geographical skills and knowledge that will enable them to be ready for the curriculum at Key Stage 3 and for life as an adult in the wider world. We want the pupils to have thoroughly enjoyed learning about geography, therefore encouraging them to undertake new life experiences now and in the future. Geography is also monitored by the subject leader throughout the year in the form of book monitoring, looking at outcomes and pupil interviews to discuss their learning and understanding and establish the impact of the teaching taking place. |
