‘Do your little bit of good where you are. It’s those bits of good put together that overwhelm the world’ - Archbishop Desmond Tutu

“Our curriculum promotes social mobility;

we give our children the roots to grow and the wings to fly.”

Geography at St George's

I looked at books, I looked at maps, I looked at atlases, I enjoyed that, but the thing that inspired me most of all was being taken from the school into the local area to look at nature, to look at the way the land looked, to understand the geography, to walk up little hills and streams and see how the ecological system worked, look at the environment.” ~ Michael Palin

Intent 

At St. George’s, we believe that Geography helps to stimulate pupils’ interest in their own surroundings and other localities beyond Gainsborough. We intend to inspire children to become curious Geographers and to find answers to questions about the natural and human aspects of their world.  We aim to promote the children’s interest and understanding of diverse places, people, resources and how human action can impact on the environment. The curriculum is designed to promote awe and wonder and extend the geographical knowledge and skills needed to investigate topics, make observations and form opinions about the world in which they live (Geographical Enquiry). These skills are progressive, as well as transferable, throughout their time at St. George’s and also to their further education and beyond. We encourage children to  have a sense of responsibility in keeping up with current issues, enabling pupils to care for the environments around them. 

Implementation 

Geography at St. George’s is taught in blocks throughout the year, so that children can achieve depth in their learning. Teachers have identified the key knowledge and skills of each blocked topic and consideration has been given to ensure progression across topics throughout each year group across the school. The curriculum is bespoke to the children’s prior knowledge and experiences.  This informs the programme of study and also ensures that lessons are relevant and take account of children’s different starting points. Cross curricular outcomes in Geography are specifically planned for, with strong links between Geography and other subjects such as English including Talk for writing strategies, Science, Reading and Art lessons identified and planned for. Termly cultural days are held to enhance pupils’ knowledge of other countries and ways of life other than their own. An annual London competition is held to inspire children’s interest, creativity and aspirations to travel beyond Gainsborough as well as promoting a sense of British Values by visiting the capital.  The local area is fully utilised to achieve the desired outcomes, with extensive opportunities for learning outside the classroom embedded in practice. Daily dashboard sessions are used to help children rehearse and retrieve facts and information. 

Impact 

Outcomes in learning journeys, class shared books , as well as other sources, evidence a broad and balanced geography curriculum and demonstrate children’s acquisition of identified key knowledge.  As children progress throughout the school, they develop a deeper knowledge, understanding and an appreciation of their local area and its place within the wider geographical context. Pupil voice gives evidence of positive attitudes towards Geography lessons and an enjoyment of the subject. 

Data is taken at 3 points of the year December, March and July to monitor which children are on track and those falling below or exceeding in this area. The subject leader then looks for ways to support key classes and children whether it be through discussions, looking for extra expertise or finding additional resources. Pupil interviews are used by the subject leader to gain an insight from the children and the understanding they have gained from their Geography lessons. 

Subject Lead: Mrs J Burrows (TA)