“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” Genesis 1:1
Geography Vision Statement
At Our Lady of Lourdes, our intent is to deliver a curriculum which fulfils the duties of the National Curriculum but is also purposeful and relevant to the children. Our intent is to ensure that geography is accessible to all, that it will maximise the outcomes for every child so that they know more, remember more and understand more, whilst fostering a love for geography and the world around them.
“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” Genesis 1:1
Our Earth is part of God’s creation, the home of humankind. By teaching a rich Geography curriculum, we aim to develop a child’s understanding of the world and their place within it. An understanding of Geography enables children to understand issues facing the world today, for example: climate change, food supplies and energy sources. It gives children the knowledge they need to be responsible citizens, both in having an awareness of their local community and the global community. It gives children opportunities to think, to question, to wonder and to develop life-long learning skills.
Geography Intent Statement
The national curriculum for geography aims to 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 of the Geography Curriculum
The curriculum is led and overseen by the Geography subject lead. A regular programme of monitoring, evaluation and review and the celebration of good practice will contribute to the ongoing commitment to evolve and improve further.
The teaching, learning and sequencing of the Geography curriculum is implemented through:
- A blocked curriculum approach to ensure coverage and progression in all skills relating to Geography, including: Locational Knowledge; human and physical Geography; Geographical skills and fieldwork.
- Clear learning objectives from which to plan, teach and assess knowledge.
- In EYFS Geography will be taught predominantly through the area of ‘Knowledge and Understanding of the World’.
- Development of long term memory by allowing for repetition of learning within the year and year on year.
- The identification of subject specific vocabulary, which is taught through each topic.
- Whole school resources which are available to support the teaching of Geography at Our Lady of Lourdes.
- Opportunities for fieldwork to be carried out either locally or further afield.
Enter text...
Geography – Impact Statement
At Our Lady of Lourdes, our Geography curriculum is designed to inspire curiosity and fascination about the world and its people. Through a carefully sequenced and engaging curriculum, pupils develop a deep understanding of places, environments and human and physical processes, enabling them to make sense of the world around them and their place within it.
The impact of our Geography curriculum is evident in pupils’ growing knowledge of the local area, the United Kingdom and the wider world. Children develop the skills needed to investigate geographical questions, interpret information and understand how people and environments are interconnected. They become increasingly aware of global issues and develop a sense of responsibility towards the world in which they live.
Through their learning in Geography, pupils:
- Develop a secure understanding of key geographical knowledge and concepts.
- Use geographical vocabulary accurately and confidently.
- Understand the similarities and differences between places and environments.
- Develop knowledge of diverse cultures, communities and landscapes around the world.
- Use maps, atlases, globes and digital technologies effectively to investigate and interpret geographical information.
- Collect, analyse and communicate geographical data through fieldwork and enquiry-based learning.
- Understand the relationship between human activity and the natural environment.
- Develop curiosity about the world and a growing awareness of environmental and global issues.
- Recognise their role as responsible global citizens.
We evaluate the impact of our Geography curriculum through:
- Ongoing teacher assessment and feedback.
- Pupils’ ability to recall and apply geographical knowledge and skills.
- Written work, fieldwork outcomes and enquiry projects.
- Pupil discussions demonstrating understanding of geographical concepts and vocabulary.
- Subject leader monitoring, including lesson visits, work scrutiny and pupil voice.
- Assessment information showing progression across year groups.
- Pupils’ engagement, confidence and enthusiasm for learning about the world around them.
As pupils move through our school, they become increasingly knowledgeable, inquisitive and informed geographers. They leave primary school with a strong understanding of their local area, the United Kingdom and the wider world, alongside the skills to ask questions, analyse information and understand the challenges and opportunities facing our planet in the future.
National Curriculum Compliance Document
Long Term Overview for Geography
Progression of Knowledge and Skills