Geography

Children will:

• foster an interest in the world, developing their natural curiosity of its physical and human features.
• be prepared for living in the contemporary world by having a solid knowledge of significant places in the UK and the rest of the world including ecological challenges.
• have solid mapping skills.

At Saint Ambrose, we are GEOGRAPHERS:

•  Geography is explicitly taught in years 1 to 6 and units are blocked to allow children to focus on developing their knowledge and skills, studying each topic in depth.
• We have developed a progression of skills with each year group, which enables pupils to build on and develop their knowledge and skills each year. 
• At the start of each unit children will review previous learning and will have the opportunity to share what they already know about a current topic.  In order to support children in their ability to know more and remember more, there are regular opportunities to review the learning that has taken place in previous units as well as previous lessons.
• Effective modelling by teachers ensures that children are able to achieve their learning intention, with misconceptions addressed within it.  Through using a range of assessment tools, differentiation is facilitated by teachers, to ensure that each pupil can access the Geography curriculum.
• Teachers use highly effective Assessment for Learning at different points in each lesson to ensure misconceptions are highlighted and addressed.  Pupils are regularly given the opportunity for Self or Peer Assessment, which will then be used to inform planning, preparation, differentiation and address misconceptions within that lesson, or for the next lesson

EYFS

The Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum supports children's understanding of geography, people and communities through the planning and teaching of 'Understanding the World'. Geography is effectively taught through their wider curriculum lessons and through their enhanced learning provisions and environment. Children learn about features of their own environment such as school, home, community and their city through first-hand experiences and learn how environment may differ through the sharing of books, stories, poems, small world play, role play and visits. Children enjoy the valuable experiences gained from our regular trips to places within their local community such as the park. Children are given time to discuss, comment and ask questions about what they observe about the world around them and are encouraged to be active learners and explore their interests further.

The impact of this geography curriculum design, will lead to at least good progress over time across key stages relative to a child's individual starting point and their progression of skills. Children will therefore be expected to leave Saint Ambrose reaching at least age-related expectations for Geography. Our Geography curriculum will also lead pupils to be enthusiastic Geography learners, evidenced in a range of ways, including pupil voice and their work. Upon leaving to embark on their journey to Key Stage 3 learning, children will be equipped with the skills, knowledge and understanding to confidently continue their geography learning journey.