Geography is about understanding the world we live in. It helps to provoke and provide answers to questions about the natural and human aspects of the world. At St Augustine’s children are encouraged to develop a greater understanding and knowledge of the world, as well as their place in it. We place a great focus upon children understanding the geographical history of the town that they live in. This is embedded throughout our school curriculum. We also place great value upon children gaining knowledge of the wider world, as we recognise that children have limited experiences. We believe that this exposes children to the possibilities that the world has to offer. Our geography curriculum enables our children to develop knowledge and skills that are transferrable to other curriculum areas. At St Augustine’s our intent, when teaching geography, is to inspire in children a curiosity and fascination about the world and people within it; to promote the children’s interest and understanding of diverse places, people, resources and natural and human environments, together with a deep understanding of the Earth’s key physical and human processes.
Our whole curriculum is shaped by our school vision which aims to enable all children, regardless of background, ability, additional needs, to flourish to become the very best version of themselves they can possibly be. We teach the National Curriculum, supported by a clear skills and knowledge progression created through the use of the Chris Quigley Milestones. This ensures that skills and knowledge are built on year by year and sequenced appropriately to maximise learning for all children. It is important that children develop the skills of a geographer by fully immersing them in all areas of the subject.
Therefore, at St Augustine’s, we teach geography thematically as we feel this fully engages our children and creates memorable learning experiences. The local area is fully utilised to achieve desired outcomes, with opportunities for learning outside the classroom embedded in practise. School trips and fieldwork are provided to give first hand experiences, which enhance children’s understanding of the world beyond their locality.
By the time children leave The St Augustine’s Academy school they will:
