INTENT

Geography inspires curiosity and fascination about the world and its people.  At St. Anselm’s, the Geography curriculum provides learning opportunities which not only meet the requirements of the National Curriculum 2014 but are also broad, relevant to our pupils and inclusive. We aim to stimulate children’s interest in their surroundings while learning about their place in the world. We aim, wherever possible, to link learning in this subject to other areas of the curriculum, such as English, computing and art whilst at the same time providing pupils with opportunities to develop the personal attributes of our unique Rainbow Curriculum.

‘Inspire to Aspire’

Throughout their learning, children will be learning about historical and contemporary geographers whose work relates to the area being studied in the topic. As far as possible, these inspirational figures will represent all genders, celebrating and recognising the contribution of people from all cultures to society.

Implementation

Through a wide variety of activities pupils learn about local places, places in the UK and places in the wider world. They also learn about key geographical processes. Key knowledge and skills have been mapped across the school to ensure progression between year groups.

In EYFS, the Geography programme of study is closely linked to the following Early Learning Goals:

• Understanding of the World
• Communication and Language

In KS1 there are 6 units with a Geography focus.

In KS2 there are 12 units with a Geography focus.

Pupils are taught  locational and place knowledge through:

• physical geography- pupils identify and understand physical patterns and processes around the world and use the appropriate vocabulary
• human geography-  pupils understand and identify the impact people have on the planet and use the appropriate vocabulary
• fieldwork- pupils learn how to carry out investigations using a variety of fieldwork techniques.
• using maps – pupils locate places on maps using the correct directional and locational language
• making maps- pupils make increasingly sophisticated maps using a key.

IMPACT

We ensure that pupils:

• are equipped with knowledge about diverse places, people, resources and natural and human environments;
• have a deep understanding of the Earth’s key physical and human processes;
• have an understanding of  how the Earth’s features at different scales are shaped, interconnected and change over time;
• are competent in the skills to collect, analyse and communicate with a range of data gathered including through experiences of fieldwork;
• communicate geographical information in a variety of ways, including through maps, writing, numerical and quantitative skills.

The high- quality geography education at St. Anselm’s ensures that pupils understand that we are part of a diverse local community and a larger international community. They appreciate the similarities and differences between communities and places across the globe and are aware of how these are connected.  They begin to understand their role in shaping and protecting the world of the future, encouraging them to think and act in a sustainable way.