Why do we teach Geography ? Why do we teach Geography in the way we do?	How do we teach Geography ? What does this look like?
By the time children leave our school what will they be able to do?	Web links

Geography is, by nature, an investigative subject which develops an understanding of concepts, knowledge and skills. At Holy Cross, we nurture and develop children’s natural curiosity in the world and its people which will remain with them for the rest of their lives. We want to inspire and promote children’s interest and understanding about diverse places, people, resources and natural and human environments, together with a deep understanding of the Earth’s key physical and human processes.


Curiosity begins in EYFS where children investigate their local community and natural surroundings through play, observation, class discussions and stories. From Year 1 through to Year 6, every lesson is centred on a key question, to help spark class discussions and encourage inquisitive and investigative minds.

We use a spiral Geography curriculum approach, which enables children to revisit, refresh and build upon knowledge and skills taught in previous years. We use geographical vocabulary which is appropriate and accurate for each year group, so that children are able to see links and connections between topics and apply their vocabulary when answering enquiry questions.

Using a wide range of resources (including maps, diagrams, globes, aerial photography and real life experiences) we support children to develop their investigative and geographical thinking skills, so that they can compare and contrast a variety of people, places and environments.


Throughout their education at Holy Cross Catholic Primary School, our children should show an increasing awareness of their role as global citizens, and be able to explain how the personal choices people make have an impact on the planet. The children develop a knowledge and understanding of environmental change and the importance of sustainability to support them in their journey to become responsible stewards of our world. The children should be knowledgeable about the world, curious to discover more about its wonders, aware of the threats it faces, and passionate about its future protection. They should understand the natural and man-made patterns and processes that influence the world around us. Our children should leave Holy Cross equipped with geographical skills and knowledge that will enable them to be ready for the curriculum at Key Stage 3 and for life as an adult in the wider world. We aim for our children to recognise the impact Geography plays in our Global Goals for Sustainable Development, by increasing their ongoing commitment to the environment and future of our planet.



Up to date weather forecasts
www.bbc.co.uk/weather

Activities, games and stories about Barnaby Bear's travels for KS1
CBeebies - Barnaby Bear - Episode guide (bbc.co.uk)

Newsround current events
news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/uk

Environmental themes

The children’s section has many useful facts, activities and animations and includes sections on: air, energy, land, climate change, people and lifestyles, resources and waste, water and wildlife.
www.environment-agency.gov.uk

Mapping

An introduction for key stage 2 on how maps work and how to interpret them. It includes these 8 sections: starting mapping, symbols, compasses and directions, grid references, understanding scale, measuring distance, relief and contour lines and compass bearings.
mapzone.ordnancesurvey.co.ukl

Local street maps including a ‘find my nearest’ function, which can be used to locate features e.g. schools, list them and link them to a map.
www.upmystreet.co.uk

Search for local street maps by postcode, OS grid reference, place name or street name. Maps are extendable in eight compass directions.
www.streetmap.co.uk

Online mapping site which includes eye level 'Streetview'
maps.google.co.uk

Maps resized to show population sizes, income, etc.
www.worldmapper.org

Distant locations

Excellent site for global citizenship issues.
Home learning activities | Oxfam GB

Includes a range of resources for information supporting distant locality studies.
www.actionaid.org.uk
Family activities and ideas (cafod.org.uk)