The Intent of our Geography Curriculum
At St Alban and Stephen Catholic Primary School, the Geography curriculum enables children to understand that they are global citizens, deepening their interest and wonder in exploring their own place in the world. The Geography curriculum aims to develop knowledge of the world, the diversity of places, people and resources within it and the role that we are to play in this world. The children will recognise the importance of their role in the stewardship of the world God created for us.
Students will develop an understanding of the interaction between human and physical processes, recognising how the Earth’s features are shaped, interconnected and changed over time.
At St Alban & St Stephen, our local community is of great importance. We are committed to providing children with opportunities to investigate and make enquiries about their local area of St Albans, so that they can develop a real sense of who they are, their heritage and what makes our community unique and special. Our close proximity to London also makes it a vital component of our Geography curriculum. Learning is brought to life and the Geography curriculum enriched through engaging first-hand experiences, both on and off-site.
We encourage our students to think, act and speak like those working in a geographical field would: to research thoroughly, to collect and analyse data, to use maps, globes, aerial photographs and digital mapping to develop their knowledge of our world and to communicate their knowledge in different ways. Our carefully structured Geography curriculum draws on the experience and diverse heritage of children in our school community. The key themes of sustainability and respect for God’s creation run throughout our Geography topics. In addition to enabling children to reach the National Curriculum endpoints, we also aim to build cultural capital, develop respect and understanding of other cultures, and promote spiritual, moral, cultural and social development. Our Geography curriculum enables pupils to become well-rounded members of society in preparation for their future life.
Aims:
- An excellent knowledge of where places are and what they are like.
- An excellent 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.
- Fluency in complex, geographical enquiry and the ability to apply questioning skills and use effective analytical and presentational techniques.
- The ability to reach clear conclusions and develop a reasoned argument to explain findings.
- Significant levels of originality, imagination or creativity as shown in interpretations and representations of the subject matter including through extended writing.
- Highly developed and frequently utilised fieldwork and other geographical skills and techniques
- A commitment to the subject, and a real sense of curiosity to find out about the world and the people who live there.
- A passion for environmental Geography and sustainability demonstrating respect for God’s creation.
- The ability to express well-balanced opinions, rooted in very good knowledge and understanding about current and contemporary issues in society and the environment.
The Implementation of our Geography Curriculum
Through sequences of lessons and topics, pupils’ geographical skills and concepts are built, reinforced, and transferred into other contexts, allowing children to deepen their understanding and remember what they learn. Every Geography unit begins with a big question. Throughout the topic pupils are encouraged to acquire skills and knowledge in order to make informed opinions and draw conclusions to answer the big question.
These key geographical skills and concepts are:
- Investigate and develop knowledge of places
- Ask and answer questions, using age specific Geographical vocabulary.
- Use directional and locational language.
- Use and create a wide range of maps and plans.
The Impact of our Geography Curriculum
Our pupils leave St Alban & St Stephen Catholic Primary School with the knowledge to think, act and speak like a geographer and they value the transference of these skills into their every day life, in education and beyond.