Geography
INTENT
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At St Mark and All Saints, we aim to deliver a high-quality geography education which inspires in pupils a curiosity and fascination about the natural world and its people. Through our learning enquiries, we intend to equip children with geographical skills to develop their knowledge through studying places, people and natural and human environments. This seeks to deepen the understanding of the Earth’s human and physical forms and processes. Teachers intend to use creative, collaborative and discussion-based approaches to bring Geography alive and give children the opportunity to explore new learning themselves. We plan to provoke thought and encourage children to ask and answer their own questions through exploration and research to enable them to gain a deeper understanding and knowledge of the world and their place in it. In order to retain new skills, we aim to provide children with practical experiences in and beyond the classroom which enable them to further develop as independent and competent geographers. We plan to offer children opportunities to use maps, collect and analyse data, interpret sources of geographical information and communicate their geographical knowledge in a variety of ways as well as taking part in practical fieldwork opportunities.
IMPLEMENTATION
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In order to foster children’s curiosity about the world and ensure high standards of teaching and learning in Geography, we implement a skills-based curriculum that is progressive throughout the school. Our Geography based learning enquiries are planned to develop breadth and depth in the progression of geographical skills and encourage children to ask and answer questions. Progression in skills and knowledge are clearly outlined in our Geography progression grid, which maintains strong links to the National curriculum. In order to plan for repetition and building of prior knowledge, teachers are expected to know what has been taught previously as well as having a secure understanding of what needs to be taught. Where appropriate, we make cross-curricular links so that learning is repeated in several contexts and children are given opportunities to recall knowledge and skills, strengthening their long-term memory. Teachers are encouraged to consider opportunities available to use the school grounds and the local area for fieldwork. We are passionate about developing knowledge, understanding and skills through children being outside and enjoying the Geography around them. So as to further enhance children’s learning, educational visits are also encouraged to enable children to gain first-hand, real-life experiences and apply skills practically.
IMPACT
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Our Geography curriculum is high quality and planned to demonstrate clear progression in skills. Children will develop the geographical knowledge and skills to enable them to explore, navigate and understand the world around them. Engaging lessons will shape inquisitive learners who aspire to research and explore new learning further. Children will be able to talk about the skills and knowledge they have acquired and be equipped and prepared to become competent geographers in secondary education and as an adult living in the wider world.
