Intent

Our intent for Geography comes from the National Curriculum purpose and aims. Our Geography curriculum will ensure that all pupils:

• Develop contextual knowledge of the location of globally significant places – both terrestrial and marine – including their defining physical and human characteristics and how these provide a geographical context for understanding the actions of processes.
• Understand the processes that give rise to key physical and human geographical features of the world, how these are interdependent and how they bring about spatial variation and change over time.
• Are competent in the geographical skills needed to:
  • Collect, analyse and communicate with a range of data gathered through experiences of fieldwork that deepen their understanding of geographical processes.
  • Interpret a range of sources of geographical information, including maps, diagrams, globes, aerial photographs and Geographical Information Systems (GIS).
  • Communicate geographical information in a variety of ways, including through maps, numerical and quantitative skills and writing at length.

Implementation

Geography planning for KS1 and KS2 is based upon the Rising Stars Geography scheme of work, chosen because it ensures complete coverage of the key stage 1 and 2 Geography curriculum with knowledge-rich, high-quality digital resources.

The units have key questions to encourage the use of geographical enquiry, as well as a focus on the acquisition and application of key subject knowledge, concepts and vocabulary throughout. Skills, knowledge and understanding in geography progress through Year 1 to Year 6, being taught, developed and applied throughout the schemes of work. A range of opportunities are provided to enable all pupils to communicate their Geography at St. Cuthbert Mayne knowledge and understanding of the subject. Links are made within and across units to support pupils in making connections.

In EYFS, children are provided with a foundation of geographical skills and knowledge through:

• Familiarisation with their local area.
• Exploring contrasting environments.
• Drawing simple maps.
• Exploring the natural world around them.
• Looking at aerial views of familiar places.
• Knowing there are other countries and thinking about how they are different to our own.

Impact

The essential knowledge, skills and understanding within the Rising Stars Geography curriculum helps us ensure that the learner’s essential skills are being developed, alongside National Curriculum requirements. Geographical questioning helps pupils to gain a coherent knowledge and understanding of the world and its people. Through our curriculum, pupils learn to think critically, ask perceptive questions and evaluate evidence.

Children at St Cuthbert Mayne Catholic Primary School will:

• Demonstrate a love of Geography and an interest in further study and work in this field.
• Retain knowledge that is pertinent to Geography with a real life context.
• Be able to question ideas and reflect on knowledge.
• Be able to articulate their understanding of their geographical based learning and reason using rich language linked to the concept being studied.
• Demonstrate a range of transferable skills within their work through organising, recording and interpreting results.
• Have evidence of work showing a range of topics covered, cross curriculum links and work adapted to their individual needs.
• Work collaboratively and practically through conducting fieldwork within their geography based lessons.
• Achieve age related expectations in Geography at the end of their cohort year.