Geography

Intent

At St James’s C of E Junior School we have produced a four-year rolling programme and curriculum which is both interesting and varied.
By linking learning to a range of topics, children have opportunities to a range of places – both in Britain and abroad, to help develop their understanding of both physical and human geography.
We provide children with opportunities to investigate and make enquiries about their local area of Barton and Gloucester so that they can develop a real sense of who they are, their heritage and what makes our local area unique and special.
We believe that high-quality geography lessons inspire children to think and act as geographers.

Essential characteristics for all children to become geographers:

An excellent knowledge of where places are and what they are like.
An excellent understanding of the ways in which places are interdependent and interconnected and how much human and physical environments are interrelated.
An extensive base of geographical knowledge and vocabulary.
Fluency in complex, geographical enquiry and the ability to apply questioning skills and use effective analytical and presentational techniques.
The ability to reach clear conclusions and develop a reasoned argument to explain findings.
Significant levels of originality, imagination or creativity as shown in interpretations and representations of the subject matter.
Highly developed and frequently utilised fieldwork and other geographical skills and techniques.
A passion for and commitment to the subject, and a real sense of curiosity to find out about the world and the people who live there.
The ability to express well balanced opinions, rooted in very good knowledge and understanding about current and contemporary issues in society and the environment.

Implementation

As a staff, we maintain strong links to the National Curriculum guidelines to ensure all aspects, knowledge and skills of Geography are being taught across the year group.
Teachers to continually assess children in the topic (assessment for learning) to ensure all lessons are relevant and will help to plan for next steps. When planning, teachers will also refer to the progression maps which will ensure progression across the year groups.
Children to be taught the fluency facts mentioned in the topic overview to ensure children can recall key historical facts.
Key vocabulary which is included in both the planning and on the information that is sent home so that children are immersed in the historical language.
Children and teachers will continue to develop deep subject knowledge and key skills.
Trips and visiting experts who will enhance the learning experience.
Strong links to the drivers; Oracy, Initiatives, Opening Doors to the World, Futures and Keeping Safe.

Impact

Children will enjoy Geography lessons and look forward to finding out more.
Evidence of work will show the range of topics covered, cross-curricular links and differentiated work.
There will be a celebration of learning for each term which demonstrates progression across the school
Standards in Geography will be high and will match standards in other subjects such as English.
Pupils will talk confidently and positively about their learning in Geography.
SLT are kept informed through feedback from moderations, book scrutinies and subject action plans.