Geography

Intent

At St Francis we aim to inspire our children to have a curiosity about and fascination with the world, its people and their stories – our shared past and knowledge and understanding of events and people who have shaped our world. We believe History and Geography helps to provoke and provide answers to questions about the world, its people and the children’s place in it. We pride ourselves on providing children with hands on and creative learning which provides rich environments for children to both obtain and retain a breadth of knowledge and understanding. Furthermore, we aim to inspire a curiosity and fascination of the diverse places and people which will help ensure they are active and respectful members of society as they grow.

The Geography curriculum at St Francis enables children to develop their knowledge of the world and skills of key geographical concepts while promoting and understanding of the diverse places, people and resources of different environments. Children learn, in depth, about their local environment whilst comparing and contrasting it to other environments in Europe and the world. Geographical topics aim to develop an understanding of the interaction of human and physical resources and the formation and use of different environments. Locational knowledge is consistently, repetitively and progressively taught throughout the year groups, both within Topic lessons and through short burst activities, to ensure children’s locational knowledge is sound. Children will be given opportunities to carry out field work and investigations to develop this knowledge and understanding, whilst also developing key geographical skills.

Implementation:

Geography is taught through Topic lessons throughout the Year. These topics are varied and engaging and take our pupils on a learning journey which ensures a depth of learning as well as the progression of key skills and curriculum content. The curriculum has been carefully crafted to ensure full coverage of all key areas, whilst developing a progression of skills. At the beginning of each topic children are given key information which includes vocabulary, key locations and timelines where relevant to give context of their learning and to identify they key skills and knowledge they are aiming to gain. This also allows pupils to relate their learning to previous areas covered, allowing them to begin to compare and contrast. Our lessons aim to be as hands on as possible to ensure children are engaged in their learning and knowledge is retained. Opportunities for writing are also incorporated into their lessons. The use of Learning Journeys in classrooms enable children to see and be reminded of the wealth of learning already taken place as they journey through their topics, enabling retention of knowledge and vocabulary. There are also opportunities for cross-curricular links and, where possible, class books link to ensure further depth of understanding. Consideration is given to ensure all lessons are inclusive for different abilities and for children with EAL whilst aiming to provide opportunities for greater depth. Field work and school trips also provide opportunities to further extend and embed their learning.

Impact

Outcomes in Topic and English books as well as discussions with pupils, evidence a broad and balanced humanities curriculum and demonstrate children’s acquisition of key knowledge. As children progress throughout the school, they develop a deep knowledge, understanding and appreciation for their local area, our country and the world.