Curriculum Intent - Geography 

Geography is the study of our world and how it has become what it is today through natural and human change. Geography lessons at St. Mary’s are cross-curricular experiences incorporating a variety of other subjects, in particular History, Maths, Science and RSHE, while ensuring that our six Christian Values underpin the knowledge and skills we impart to our children. Our Geography curriculum is exciting, wide-ranging and builds upon the requirements outlined in the National Curriculum. 

Through access to a high-quality Geography curriculum, our aim is that all children at St. Mary’s will: 

• Be continually excited to learn about their world, both in their local area and beyond; 

• Develop an understanding and appreciation of diversity and culture outside of their own; 

• Understand the impact of global and environmental crises, and what they can do to reduce them; 

• Have a broad knowledge of subject-specific vocabulary so they are prepared for the study of  

Geography at secondary school; 

• Have creative opportunities to apply their learning, including through themed days or field trips; 

• Have the knowledge and skills to improve both their own quality of life and that of others in their  

community; 

• Be inspired and interested to explore the world, whether virtually, through research or travel,  

providing opportunities to put skills and learning into practice, as well as many diverse and creative experiences. 

How will we achieve our Curriculum Intent for Geography? 

• Be continually excited to learn about their world, both in their local area and beyond 

Teachers will plan interesting and engaging lessons, based upon pupils’ prior knowledge and what they wish to know, that are interactive and fully immersive, using resources and technology to allow them to learn by experience. Every class will have a desktop globe to encourage an independent interest in the wider world, and teachers should refer to this and other maps regularly throughout the curriculum. Values: Responsibility 

• Develop an understanding and appreciation of diversity and culture outside of their own 

In all units of study, time will be dedicated to studying the cultures of different places and making comparisons with those of pupils, including those from other ethnic, lingual and religious backgrounds. Pupils with personal experience of different cultures will be encouraged to share them during lessons and these will be celebrated. Values: Responsibility, Love 

• Understand the impact of global and environmental crises, and what they can do to reduce them 

Where relevant, teachers will use a cross-curricular approach between Geography and Science, helping pupils to understand natural scientific processes and the reasons for the change they will observe during their lives. Teaching will also make links with ongoing humanitarian issues and pupils will be encouraged to debate and discuss them. Values: Responsibility, Hope, Service, Perseverance 

• Have a broad knowledge of subject-specific vocabulary so they are prepared for the study of 

Geography at secondary school 

Teachers will make good use of displays/‘Working Walls’, featuring vocabulary relevant to the topic that also challenges and stretches all pupils. The term ‘Geography’ will be used (especially in KS2) in timetables and books, and children will learn to define what ‘Geography’ means and why it is studied. Values: Perseverance 

• Have creative opportunities to apply their learning, including through themed days or field trips 

Each full term, every child at St. Mary’s will participate in at least one extra-curricular ‘off-timetable’ day devoted to applying their learning from Geography lessons. At least one off-site visit per academic year will be planned for each class which has a strong link with learning in Geography. Values: Responsibility, Creativity 

• Have the knowledge and skills to improve both their own quality of life and that of others in their 

community 

Cross-curricular connections will be made regularly between Geography and RSHE, which will enable children to apply their learning to specific examples of geographical study, including concepts relating to health (e.g. food growth, pollution), finance (e.g. trade, poverty) and society (e.g. population, migration). Values: Responsibility, Hope, Love, Perseverance 

• Be inspired and interested to explore the world, whether virtually, through research or travel,  

providing opportunities to put skills and learning into practice, as well as many diverse and creative experiences 

Through access to technology (for example, Google Maps), teachers will bring the world “into the classroom”, allowing children to see parts of the world and make connections with learning. There will be regular opportunities for children to share and discuss their own ambitions for travel compared with their prior experiences. They will be able to teach, and learn from, one another about the wider world. Values: Responsibility, Love, Service, Hope