Geography 

'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’

National Curriculum, DfE 2014 

The teaching of geography at St James’ Church of England Primary School provides pupils with knowledge about diverse places, people, resources, natural and human environments, together with an understanding of the Earth’s key physical and human processes. By key stage 2, children’s growing knowledge of the world increases their understanding of the interaction between physical and human processes, landscapes and environments, including how the Earth’s features are shaped, interrelated and change over time. By the end of each key stage, pupils are expected to know, apply and understand the matters, skills and processes specified in the relevant early learning goal or programme of study.

Through the science curriculum, we aim to:

• Stimulate pupils' enthusiasm for, and curiosity about their local surroundings and the wider world by creating a sense of wonder
• Develop children's geographical understanding and competence in specific geographical skills
• Inspire a sense of responsibility for the environments and people of the world we live in
• Develop pupils' competence in acquiring and developing the skills and confidence to undertake investigations, problem solving and decision making relating to geographical questions
• Develop a sense of identity by learning about the United Kingdom and its relationship with other countries (also linking to British Values)

By the end of Key Stage 2, our end points for pupils are:

• Develop contextual knowledge of the location of globally significant places, including physical and human characteristics
• Understand the processes that give rise to key physical and human geographical features of the world
• 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
• Communicate geographical information in a variety of ways, including through maps, numerical, written and oral work

Our cyclical geography curriculum is based on our vision, values, mission (respect, aspiration, community, enquiring minds) and follows the National Curriculum from Y1-Y6. Within the EYFS, the foundations of geography are developed through the practical-based curriculum and each half term they focus on learning that prepares children for KS1 and beyond. Our scheme of work weaves the nine core concepts of place, space, scale, interdependence, physical & human processes, environmental impact, sustainable development, cultural awareness and cultural diversity across each phase so that pupils can comprehend each topic in its own right, but also where it fits into the bigger picture. We have identified specific fieldwork opportunities within each year group that draw on our school and local area so that our pupils can build confidence and proficiency in using a range of methods to observe, measure, record and present their findings. Each year group has 3 taught units that are taught as a half termly block with sessions each week.

There are many jobs that young geographers may aspire to, including: climate change analyst, geography teacher, geomorphologist, meteorologist, surveyor, town planner, landscape architect, gardener, tree surgeon, cartographer, politician and many more.

Whole School Overview

 Useful Websites

https://www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/mapzone/

Geography Primary Resources | National Geographic Kids (natgeokids.com)

KS2 Geography: Navigating and living in the UK - BBC Teach

KS1 Geography - BBC Bitesize

KS2 Geography - BBC Bitesize