Geography
Intent
At St. Andrew’s School children are encouraged to develop a greater understanding and knowledge of the world, as well as their place in it. The geography curriculum enables children to develop knowledge and skills that are transferable to other curriculum areas with links made where possible. Geography is an investigative subject, which develops an understanding of concepts, knowledge and skills. Our intent, when teaching geography, is to inspire in children a curiosity and fascination about the world and people within it; to promote the children's interest and understanding of diverse places, people, resources and natural and human environments, together with a deep understanding of the Earth's key physical and human processes.
Implementation
We teach the National Curriculum, supported by a clear skills and knowledge progression. Existing knowledge is checked at the start of each new topic. This ensures that teaching is informed by the children's starting points and takes account of pupil voice. Lesson content and tasks are designed to provide appropriate challenge to all learners, in line with our commitment to inclusion.
It is important that children develop the skills of a geographer by fully immersing them in all areas of the subject. The local area is often utilised to achieve desired outcomes, with opportunities for learning outside the classroom. School trips and fieldwork are provided to give first-hand experiences, which enhance children's understanding of the world beyond their locality. Consistent learning walls in every classroom provide constant scaffolding for children. Tier three subject- specific vocabulary is displayed on the learning wall along with key facts and questions.
Impact
By the time pupils leave St. Andrew’s School they will have the following skills and knowledge:
- A good knowledge of where places are and what they are like.
- An understanding of the ways in which places are interdependent and interconnected and how much human and physical environments are interrelated.
- An extensive base of geographical knowledge and vocabulary.
- The ability to reach clear conclusions and develop reasoned arguments to explain findings.
- Developed and frequently utilised fieldwork and other geographical skills and techniques.
- A passion for and commitment to the subject, and a real sense of curiosity to find out about the world and the people who live there.
- The ability to express well-balanced opinions, rooted in very good knowledge and understanding about current and contemporary issues in society and the environment.
- Fluency in complex geographical enquiry and the ability to apply questioning skills and use effective analytical and presentational techniques.
