St Michael’s C of E Infant SchoolGeography
Intent
At St Michael’s Infant School we believe that Geography helps children to understand the world we live in. We foster our children’s curiosity by allowing them to ask questions about the natural and human aspects of the world.
Our Geography curriculum follows the same cycle in each year group. It begins focussing on map skills of our local area. It then broadens out to focus more on the physical and human features. In the final term, children are challenged to explore the wider world, its people, places and how two places compare. In geography we also complete a range of activities linked to our school charity, the World Wildlife Foundation.
Our curriculum is designed to develop knowledge and skills that are progressive, as well as transferable, throughout their time at St Michael’s Infant School.
Implementation
Lessons will be immersive, active and varied. ‘Wow Days’, fieldwork and active lessons, inspire the children and allow them to retain knowledge in their long term memory. Subject specific vocabulary will be displayed in the classrooms and will be specifically tailored to each year group to ensure progression. This vocabulary will be referred to during ‘flashback sessions’ in lessons. Teachers will encourage the children to independently make connections and see the bigger picture. The school environment will be geography rich through working walls, resources and vocabulary.
Impact -
We strive to allow the children to show their understanding in a range of creative ways. Assessment is ongoing through every lesson through verbal feedback and class discussion. Pupil voice is utilised every lesson to capture each child’s understanding of the topic and challenge any misconceptions as they arise. In discussions with the teacher children will be encouraged to use the correct geographical vocabulary. When appropriate, written work will be recorded in the writing folder or floor book allowing children the opportunity to express their ideas. Each term, teacher assessment takes place and the subject leader is provided the names of children requiring next steps.