Geography

At St. Joseph’s we believe that Geography is an essential part of the curriculum and teachers ensure that the children develop their ‘Locational knowledge’, ‘Place knowledge’, knowledge of ‘Human and physical geography’ and develop their ‘Geographical skills and fieldwork. These areas will cover the human and physical processes, which shape them, and the people who live in them. Skills developed through Geography help pupils make sense of their surroundings and the wider world.

Through the teaching of Geography we aim to:
  • Help pupils develop knowledge and understanding of places and themes including patterns and processes.
  • Foster children’s sense of wonder at the world around them.
  • Help pupils develop a sense of identity through learning about the UK and its relationships with other countries.
  • Develop an informed concern about the future of our planet.
  • Enhance children’s sense of responsibility for the acre of the earth and its inhabitants.
  • Teach the skills and knowledge necessary to develop children as geographers.
  • Encourage learning through enquiry-based projects and lessons in order to develop children’s independent research skills.
  • Help children understand how to use a map in a variety of different contexts.
 
Early Years:

Within the Early Years Foundation Stage, children are exposed to Geographical concepts through ‘Understanding the World’. They are expected to be able to talk about the world around them and compare where they live to others. Children are also expected to comment on and ask questions about their familiar world.
 

Key Stage 1:

In Key Stage 1, children are expected to name and locate the world’s seven continents and five oceans, look at seasonal changes, use a world map and atlases, and use simple fieldwork, observational skills to study the geography of their school and lots more.
 

Key Stage 2:

In Key Stage 2, children are expected to locate the world’s countries, using maps to focus on Europe. Children are also expected to name and locate counties and cities of the United Kingdom, look at human and physical geography, develop their geographical skills and much more!
 

As a result of the children’s enthusiasm for a recent Geography topic on Fair Trade, the Year 6 children now run and manage a ‘Tuck Shop’ so the children in the rest of the school can by a snack at break time to help raise money!