Geography Intent Statement

At St Michael with St John CE Primary School, we believe Geography should inspire children to become curious, knowledgeable and responsible global citizens. Through an ambitious, enquiry-led curriculum, pupils develop a deep understanding of the world around them by exploring places, people, environments and the relationships between them.

Our bespoke Geography curriculum has been carefully designed to meet the requirements of the National Curriculum whilst reflecting the needs of our pupils and our local context. Learning is sequenced to ensure that geographical knowledge, vocabulary and skills build progressively from the Early Years Foundation Stage through to the end of Key Stage Two, enabling pupils to make meaningful connections between previous and new learning.

We aim for every child to:

• develop secure locational and place knowledge at local, national and global scales;
• understand key physical and human geographical processes and how these shape our world;
• become confident in using maps, atlases, globes, aerial photographs, digital mapping and fieldwork to investigate geographical questions;
• interpret, analyse and communicate geographical information using appropriate subject-specific vocabulary;
• appreciate the diversity of people, places and environments whilst developing respect for different cultures and communities;
• understand the importance of sustainability and recognise their role in caring for the world around them.

As a language-rich school, the explicit teaching of geographical vocabulary is central to our curriculum. Key vocabulary is introduced, revisited and embedded through retrieval practice, structured discussion, knowledge organisers and curriculum stories, enabling pupils to develop confidence in speaking, reading and writing as geographers. Oracy is woven throughout every lesson, providing regular opportunities for pupils to explain, justify, question and evaluate their geographical thinking using precise geographical language.

Our curriculum promotes geographical enquiry at every stage. Pupils are encouraged to ask questions, investigate evidence, interpret a range of geographical sources and draw informed conclusions. High-quality maps, photographs, fieldwork, data, artefacts and case studies provide meaningful contexts through which children develop critical thinking and deepen their understanding of the world.

We are committed to ensuring that Geography is accessible to every learner. Adaptive teaching, carefully planned scaffolds and high expectations enable all pupils, including those with SEND and pupils with English as an Additional Language, to access the full curriculum and achieve success.

Our Geography curriculum reflects our Christian vision of 'With God all things are possible' (Matthew 19:26). Through exploring diverse places, environments and communities, pupils develop curiosity, compassion and respect for others. We nurture children to appreciate God's world, inspire them to become informed global citizens and equip them with the knowledge and skills to make a positive contribution to society.

Ultimately, we want every child to leave SMSJ with a secure understanding of the world, a curiosity to continue exploring it and the confidence to think, question and communicate as a geographer.