Geography Curriculum

Intent

Geography is a valued part of the curriculum at Our Lady and St Edward’s Primary School as it provides a means of exploring, appreciating and developing our Knowledge and Understanding of the world in which we live and how it has evolved.

Our school policy is developed in accordance with the National Curriculum for Geography and Foundation Stage Curriculum for Understanding of the World. Throughout this Policy, the term ‘Geography’ includes the Knowledge and Understanding elements of Foundation Stage Curriculum, alongside National Curriculum Geography for Key Stage 1 and 2.

Geography explores the relationship between the Earth and its people. Geography draws on its vast range of vocabulary to identify and name places, the features within them and the human and physical processes at work there. It provokes and answers questions about the natural and human world. We are fortunate to be located on a peninsula with easy access to the beach, river and other manmade and natural environments.

Geography stimulates curiosity and imagination and we aim to build upon a child’s ‘personal geography’ by developing geographical skills, understanding and knowledge through the study of both human and physical Geography. Geography is an important link between natural and social sciences and focuses on understanding and tackling issues about the environment. We aim to deepen their understanding of how both human and physical Geography play a part in our lives. Geography can help pupils to understand how and why places are changing, and better predict what likely futures may be and their potential impact upon them. This approach deepens understanding of what places are like, why and how they are connected, and the importance of location.

Geography can contribute to the elimination of racism, sexism and all forms of unfair discrimination in society, by leading pupils to a greater understanding of the global community and promoting equality.

The National Curriculum states that, “A high-quality geography education should inspire in pupils a curiosity and fascination about the world and its people that will remain with them for the rest of their lives.”

Impact

Pupil interviews, learning walks, end of unit quizzes and work in pupils’ books, evidence a broad and balanced Geography curriculum and demonstrate pupils’ acquisition of identified key knowledge relating to each of the identified National Curriculum strands as appropriate to key stage: locational knowledge, place knowledge and human and physical geography.

EYFS pupils develop their knowledge and explore the key strands within Understanding the World including: the natural world, environments, people, culture and communities, natural materials, weather, simple map work, comparing and contrasting their own life and those of others. This is in addition to the development and application of key skills, supported by a range of experiences, activities, opportunities, visits and field work.

As pupils progress through the school, they develop a deep knowledge, understanding and appreciation of their local area and its place within the wider geographical context.

Geography - Key Knowledge

Below is a list of the key Geographical knowledge that all children should be fluent with. Children should be able to recall the key facts from their year group, and all previous year groups. They should be confident discussing, explaining and describing events in detail.

Geography Key Progression

Key Stage 1

Pupils should develop knowledge about the world, the United Kingdom and their locality. They should understand basic subject specific vocabulary relating to human and physical geography and begin to use geographical skills including first hand observation to enhance their locational awareness.

Key Stage 2

Pupils should develop knowledge and understanding beyond the local area to include the United Kingdom and Europe, North and South America. This will include the location and characteristics of a range of the world’s most significant human and physical features. They should develop their use of geographical knowledge, understanding and skills to enhance their locational and place knowledge.