Geography

 “The study of geography is about more than just memorising places on a map. It's about understanding the complexity of our world, appreciating the diversity of cultures that exists across continents. And in the end, it's about using all that knowledge to help bridge divides and bring people together”.

Barack Obama 

Intent

• At Our Lady and St. Johns we aim to expand geographical vocabulary, increase our children’s knowledge and curiosity of the wider world and promote high aspirations. We seek to create a life-long love of the subject, through teaching our children about diverse places, people and resources. Through the study of natural and human environments, as well as physical and human processes, our desire is to provide our children with a sense of awe and wonder about the world they live in. 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

We follow the National Curriculum for all topics at Key Stage One and Two. We also use a range of planning resources including Digimaps and GA to enrich our children’s geographical knowledge.  In the Early Years, topic subjects are taught and assessed using the Early learning goals. 

Geography is taught in year group phases over a two-year cycle. It is taught in blocks throughout the year so that children achieve depth in their learning. Teachers have identified the key knowledge and skills of each topic and consideration has been given to ensure progression across topics throughout each year group across the school. By the end of each key stage, children will have covered all objectives that are set out in the national curriculum. Cross-curricular outcomes in geography are specifically planned for, with strong links made where possible between the history curriculum and POR enabling further contextual learning.  Teachers plan entry and exit points for each new topic to engage and enrich children’s learning. Regular school trips and workshops are planned to provide further relevant and contextual learning.

Geography at OLSJ:

• Entry and exit point for each new topic
• Trips and workshops to engage and further develop subject
• One piece of extended writing to demonstrate key knowledge of topic
• Cross-curricular links made where possible especially in English
• Working walls display key vocabulary and images
• Children’s work displayed and shared with parents
• KWL used to assess