Geography

Geography

Now, more than ever, the current generation will be able to make significant changes to the environment we live in. At St Jerome, we wholeheartedly believe in giving children the opportunity through practical and theoretical experiences to discover the importance of the natural-world. As we strive to improve the way we live and to become more sustainable, knowledge will be key in securing a greener, more sustainable future for generations to come. 

At St Jerome, geographical knowledge and skills are progressive and sequenced to provide a unique geographical journey throughout the Key Stages that unveils a robust curriculum, based on the National Curriculum, accessible to every pupil whilst high expectations are maintained. We take the opportunity to create links between all subjects to help solidify the learning taking place. We alternate our Geography and History topics ensuring that our children receive a well rounded teaching of the humanities subjects throughout the year as these subjects are interrelated. Children journal, as a chance to showcase their learning in a way that is memorable to them. Maps are displayed throughout the school and teachers and children are encouraged to use these when appropriate during all lessons to help to develop an awareness of the natural environment and physical landscapes, the study of people, places and cultures. 

At St Jerome, we celebrate the importance of geography and its impact on our lives, help children to develop a sense of responsibility for the world and their place in it, aspire to discover more and be the change we want to see in the world for our future generations.  

The curriculum builds a knowledge of: 

• Place, where children will describe, explain and compare places in increasing depth, developing knowledge about the characteristics of places including: climate, landforms, natural resources, water resources, vegetation, ecosystems, population, economy, built environment, communities and cultures. 
• Connectivity, where children will describe, explain and compare places in increasing depth, developing knowledge about the importance of transport and communication systems that have reduced time taken to share information, collaborate and transport goods. Learning about how this has an impact on their life and that of others in different countries.  
• Environments, where children will describe and explain places in increasing depth, developing knowledge about the planet’s climate, energy production, environmental change, mineral depletion, pollution, recycling. Learning how these impact on the life of people and animals. Children will learn about the difference of opinion on how environments are utilised and altered due to personal and scientific views.  
• Criticism and opinions, where children will describe, explain and compare places in increasing depth, developing their knowledge about people’s emotional, cultural and spiritual connection to places, learning how this contributes to people’s identity. Recognising that places may be altered or used for specific purposes by people, which may be promoted by some and challenged by others. 

Overview

Geography in EYFS

In EYFS, as an important part of the ‘Understanding the World’ strand of the curriculum, pupils explore the world through the topics Let’s Explore, Ready Steady Grow and On the Beach.

Geography in Key Stage 1

In Key Stage 1, each autumn term begins with essential skills and knowledge projects (Our Wonderful World in Year 1 and Let’s Explore the World in Year 2). In these topics, children learn critical geographical concepts, aspects, skills and knowledge. Throughout Key Stage 1, progression in learning is developed through topics such as Our Wonderful World; Let’s Explore the World; Bright Lights, Big City and Coastline. These topics allow for exploration of contrasting environments.

Geography in Key Stage 2

Throughout Key Stage 2, pupils begin each year with a topic to build their essential skills and knowledge. These include: One Planet, Our World; Interconnected World; Investigating Our World and Our Changing World. Key Stage 2 also allows pupils to explore physical features of geography in more detail in the topics Rocks, Relics and Rumbles; Misty Mountain, Winding River; Sow, Grow and Farm and Frozen Kingdoms.