Geography

Geography Curriculum

Geography KS1

“Pupils should develop knowledge about the world, the United Kingdom and their locality. They should understand basic subject-specific vocabulary relating to human and physical geography and begin to use geographical skills, including first-hand observation, to enhance their locational awareness.”   National curriculum 2014

Geography KS2

“Pupils should extend their knowledge and understanding beyond the local area to include the United Kingdom and Europe, North and South America. This will include the location and characteristics of a range of the world’s most significant human and physical features. They should develop their use of geographical knowledge, understanding and skills to enhance their locational and place knowledge.”

National curriculum 2014

Intent

Our aim is for all children to understand the world in which they live: both their local area and the world beyond, and an appreciation of the natural world.

This vision is achieved by:

• A curriculum that promotes curiosity and a fascination of the world
• A curriculum which encourages children to become responsible, global citizens
• A curriculum which equips children with the skills to navigate and explore

• All pupils study a ‘local’ area which expands geographically as children progress through school

The children at St Jude’s develop their Locational and Place Knowledge by having access to atlases and maps – local, national, European and World. These are positioned around the school and identify places of current interest (an earthquake, for example), countries known to the children and their families, significant cities or areas of interest and demonstrate where Fareham fits into the wider world.

Seasonal and daily weather patterns, which is part of Human and Physical geography, is experienced and discussed in an everyday manner in order that children develop a first-hand understanding that becomes integral to their observation of their environment.

Our wonderful outside space at St Jude’s allows for children to develop and improve their Geographical Skills and Fieldwork by using compass directions to follow a map to find pirate treasure, or use symbols to create a key when making their own map of the grounds. Wherever possible these skills will be integrated into other areas of the curriculum to help the children learn in context.

As children move through Key Stage 2 at St Jude’s, they build on the knowledge, skills and understanding they experience in Key Stage 1. Where possible, the locations chosen to study by each year group are linked to either the novel they are reading or the concept through which their learning is being explored. Where no meaningful link can be made the skills, knowledge and understanding of geography are taught discretely.