NC Programme of Study Aims

The national curriculum for geography aims to ensure that all pupils: 

• develop contextual knowledge of the location of globally significant places – both terrestrial and marine – including their defining physical and human characteristics and how these provide a geographical context for understanding the actions of processes 
• understand the processes that give rise to key physical and human geographical features of the world, how these are interdependent and how they bring about spatial variation and change over time 
• are competent in the geographical skills needed to: 
  • collect, analyse and communicate with a range of data gathered through experiences of fieldwork that deepen their understanding of geographical processes 
  • interpret a range of sources of geographical information, including maps, diagrams, globes, aerial photographs and Geographical Information Systems (GIS) 
  • communicate geographical information in a variety of ways, including through maps, numerical and quantitative skills and writing at length. 

Curriculum

At All Saints’, Geography encourages children to develop a curiosity and fascination about the world and the people who live within it. We want pupils to understand their place in the world, beginning with their own surroundings and gradually extending their knowledge to places, communities and environments across the globe.

In the Early Years, children develop the foundations of geographical understanding through connections across the seven areas of learning. They explore their immediate environment, observe the natural world, talk about places that are familiar to them and begin to recognise similarities and differences between environments, communities and ways of life.

From Year 1 onwards, we use Kapow Primary to support the planning and progression of our Geography curriculum. Pupils develop their understanding of locational and place knowledge, human and physical geography, fieldwork and geographical skills, with important knowledge and vocabulary revisited and developed as they move through the school.

Geography is taught in focused blocks, giving pupils opportunities to become immersed in geographical enquiry, investigate places in depth and make meaningful connections with previous learning.

Enquiry and fieldwork are important features of Geography at All Saints’. Children ask questions, investigate patterns, compare places and use evidence to draw conclusions. They develop practical geographical skills through maps, atlases, globes, digital mapping, photographs, data and first-hand observation.

Our local environment provides an important context for learning. Pupils explore and investigate the area around them before making connections with contrasting places and environments further afield. As they progress, they consider increasingly complex issues including climate, sustainability, settlement, natural resources and the relationship between people and their environment.

Through our Christian vision and values, pupils are encouraged to appreciate the diversity of our world, respect different communities and recognise our shared responsibility to care for the environment. We aim to develop curious, knowledgeable and thoughtful geographers who are eager to continue exploring the world around them.