At St. Mary’s, we seek to inspire a lifelong love of learning, enabling every student to prosper and fulfil their potential.  In particular, we want all children to develop a curiosity and fascination about the world and its people that will remain with them for the rest of their lives.   

When children leave St. Marys, we want them to be enthusiastic about Geography with a deep understanding of and appreciation for the natural and human world around us.  We want them to appreciate and value both our local community and diverse communities across the world.  Children from St. Marys should have the courage to explore, ask questions about the world and to be creative in thinking about solutions.  

Curriculum Intent:

At St Mary’s our curriculum will work to the expectations set out in the National Curriculum Geography Programmes of Study, Key Stages 1 and 2, published September 2013 and the Statutory framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage 2021.  

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.

In Key Stage 1 pupils should develop knowledge about the world, the United Kingdom and their locality.  They should understand basic subject-specific vocabulary relating to human and physical geography and begin to use geographical skills including first-hand observation, to enhance their locational awareness.

In Key Stage 2 pupils should extend their knowledge and understanding beyond the local area to include the United Kingdom and Europe, North and South America.  This will include the location and characteristics of a range of geographical knowledge, understanding and skills to enhance their locational and place knowledge.