Geography
At St Oswald's CE Primary School we aim for all pupils to become confident and inquisitive geographers. We place a big emphasis on pupil's locational knowledge and geographical skill development. We provide a high-quality geography education that inspires pupil's curiosity and awe and wonder about the amazing world they live in; and about the people that shape the world we know now and its future. Geography studies real people, where they live and the relationship they have with the environment; thus giving pupils the chance to reflect on their own values and beliefs and to develop spiritually by empathising for others and the situations in which they live. Opportunities to ask and think about big questions are also given.
Our curriculum is designed to equip pupils with knowledge about diverse places, people, resources and environments, together with a deep understanding of the Earth’s key physical and human processes. As pupils progress, their growing knowledge about the world will give them opportunities to marvel at the wonder of God's creation and the diverse environments that our plant provides its inhabinants. Geographical knowledge, understanding and skills provide the frameworks and approaches that explain how the Earth’s features at different scales are shaped, interconnected and change over time. Pupils develop an understanding of their and others' responsibility to care for this planet which we have been given and build a connection with those around the world who have a shared goal.
"An understanding of the natural world and what's in it is a source of not only a great curiosity but great filfillment."
Sir David Attenborough
Intent
At St. Oswald’s we want all of our children to develop a love of Geography and have a deep understanding of the geographical concepts that they learn.
We want our pupils to have a thorough knowledge of their local environment and show curiosity about the wider world; enabling them to become global citizens who show a keen interest of the geography around them. We want them to have ambitions of travelling to unknown destinations and inspire them to take an active role in preserving the future of our planet. Geography plays a vital part in the sustainability of the world’s natural resources so it is essential that our pupils have a deep understanding of this.
The aims of the National Curriculum are to:
- 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
We also aim to ensure that all pupils 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
Each class enjoy regular geography lessons which form part of termly themes (approximately 6-8 hours per term). A cross-curricular approach ensures that pupils are immersed within a theme that provides them with the opportunity to develop their geographical knowledge through a wide range of practical and exciting lessons. Geography learning begins in the Foundation Stage where pupils are taught about their personal geography. They develop observational skills and join in with discussions about their immediate environment. Staff also take into consideration pupils interests and provide opportunities for them to extend their knowledge about the wider world.
In Key Stage 1 and 2 pupils continue to learn about their own locality and begin to make comparisons with other locations. There are opportunities for pupils to develop their geography skills through map work and fieldwork. This provides pupils the chance to develop their observation and measuring skills as well as recording data and communicating their findings. These skills are taught progressively throughout the school and build upon pupil’s prior knowledge.
Impact
The Curriculum at St Oswald’s will mean that pupils have a real sense of their environment and the wider world. They will aquire age related knowledge as well as provide them with the skills to make their own deductions and form their own ideas about the world. Through fieldwork, pupils will have the opportunity for a hand’s on approach which allows them to apply skills they have practised within the classroom.
At St Oswald’s we want all pupils to achieve their full potential in geography and have a clear understanding of the importance of sustainability for the future of our planet, and the impact they have on the planet, both locally and internationally.
Geography assessment at St Oswald’s
The assessment of geography is ongoing and help inform teachers planning. Pupil’s knowledge and achievement is ascertained throughout the lesson, misconceptions tackled through questioning, marking and feedback. All pupils are expected to and given time respond to feedback, so that there is evidence that misconceptions have been addressed.
Teachers use mini quizzes at the beginning of each lesson to recap previous knowledge or linked to knowledge organisers for the current theme. These inform staff of pupils needing support in specific areas and key knowledge or skills that need to be recapped.
Assessments are used at the end of a theme to assess pupils knowledge and skills. This assessment data is used to inform further planning to ensure that all pupils are on track to meet end of key stage expectations.
