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Intent

 

At St John’s we aim to deliver a high-quality geography education which, as an integral part of our harmony curriculum, inspires in pupils a curiosity and fascination about the natural world and its people that will remain with them for the rest of their lives. Through our learning enquiries, we equip children with knowledge about diverse places, people, resources and natural and human environments, together with a deep understanding of the Earth’s key physical and human processes.  A growing knowledge about the world should help them to deepen their understanding of the interaction between physical and human processes, and of the formation and use of landscapes and environments. Geographical knowledge, understanding and skills provide the frameworks and approaches that explain how the Earth’s features, at different scales, are shaped, interdependent and change over time. 

We aim to provide children with experiences which enable them to develop as geographers, using maps and  including fieldwork opportunities during our outdoor learning and exploration of environmental issues, linking our learning to our half-termly sustainability themes. We believe this will support the moral and social responsibility we would like to foster in our children in order for them to care about the environment and build a sense of awe and wonder about the world.

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Implementation

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Geography-based learning inquiries linked to the Principles of Harmony are planned in each year group to develop breadth and depth in the progression of geographical skills. Learning  questions challenge pupils to apply their learning in a philosophical/open manner; At St John’s, we ensure that geographical knowledge and skills are gained ‘real-life’ experiences. For example, using the local area to follow maps in Key Stage 1, to comparing the similarities and differences in environments and communities in Lower Key Stage 2, through to debating world issues on pollution and the impact of deforestation in Upper Key Stage 2 Trips and visiting experts enhance the learning experience including a whole school week focusing on our local Deepdene Trail. 

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Impact

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Our Geography Curriculum is high quality, well thought out and is planned to demonstrate progression within our harmony learning enquiries. At St John’s our children are expert geographers who enjoy carrying out fieldwork opportunities and locality studies. They are able  to consider the moral, social and cultural aspects of their studies in geography, and to encourage a sense of awe and wonder about the world. We believe that geography can foster a sense of responsibility for our environment and that our pupils leave St John’s equipped to think about the quality and vulnerability of our environment and the contribution they could make towards its sustainability.