Subject Lead: Miss Madi Hayden [email protected]
The curriculum for Geography at All Souls builds upon the programme of study outlined in the National Curriculum for England which can be found here.
What is our vision for Geography at All Souls?
Geography is everywhere and encourages each child to explore their place in the world looking at both physical geography and the interaction between humans and the natural world. Here at All Souls’ geography stimulates children’s curiosity and seeks awe and wonder of God’s creation for all. It promotes a respect for the beliefs, behaviours and characteristics of people and different cultures whilst encouraging critical and creative thinking. Through the educational opportunities and experiences offered at All Souls’, every child can succeed in geography and discover God’s creation in their own unique way. We strive to support our children in acquiring geographical skills to develop their knowledge through studying places and people, as well as natural and human environments. We provoke thought, welcome questions and empower discovery through exploration and research, which encourages our children to develop a greater understanding and knowledge of the world, as well as their own vocation. Our aim is to actively support children to investigate and make predictions using their previous knowledge and experiences to support and rationalise their new ideas. By using a wide range of strategies that children find engaging we aim to bring geography ‘alive’ in the classroom and encourage all children to feel connected with God’s wonderful world around them. Their sense of belonging is reiterated by allowing deeper connections to the all awe God creation.
How do we achieve this vision?
Geography at All Souls’ is taught in units throughout the year, so that children can achieve depth in their learning. Teachers have identified the key knowledge and skills of each unit and consideration has been given to ensure progression across units throughout each year group across the school. As the national curriculum states, ‘teaching should equip pupils 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.’ The units taught have been specifically selected to ensure all pupils make progress and embed knowledge throughout the years.
How does this impact our children?
The impact of Rising Stars Geography is evidenced through pupils’ use and understanding of the identified geographical vocabulary and their association of it with relevant images or features. It is evidenced by the use and outcomes of the varied activities, assessments and quizzes provided. It is also demonstrated by the pupils’ ability to show progress along the ‘observe, use geographical vocabulary to describe, compare, give reasons and explain what they are learning about’ sequence, and in their acquisition, application and transferability of geographical skills. In particular, it is evidenced by the pupils’ ability, willingness and confidence in addressing and discussing each unit’s key question, giving an ability-indicative response focusing on geographical vocabulary, skills and concepts.
