Geography

Geography

 

“The study of geography is about more than just memorising places on a map. It’s about understanding the complexity of our world, appreciating the diversity of cultures that exists across continents. And in the end, it’s about using all that knowledge to help bridge divides and bring people together”

Barack Obama (2012)

 

A high-quality geography education should inspire in pupils a curiosity and fascination about the world and its people that will remain with them for the rest of their lives. At St Thomas’s CE Primary School, we aim to inspire, challenge and motivate children so that they will believe in themselves to achieve their very best, and succeed in life.

Our vision for Geography at St Thomas’s CE Primary School is to offer a rich geography curriculum that allows children to:

• Develop a sense of curiosity and passion to find out about the world around them.
• Experience and appreciate their local area.
• Be proud of their heritage and to value other cultures.
• Gain a deeper understanding of different parts of the world that they may not have experienced.
• Become responsible citizens, understanding the importance of sustainability, being eco-friendly and aware of factors that are impacting our environment.
• Become educated and up to date with current issues around the world with regards to geography.

At St Thomas’s, we use the national curriculum, together with our school values, as the basis for curriculum planning in Geography. Geography is incorporated into a flexible and creative school curriculum,. We ensure that there are opportunities for children of all abilities to develop their knowledge, skills and understanding in each unit.

Throughout a sequence of Geography lessons, children aim to answer a ‘big question,’ which has multidimensional answers that require a breadth of knowledge to answer comprehensively. Throughout lessons, children adapt and develop their judgements as their understanding deepens. This interactive process leads to more secure understanding.

We plan for progression by using the Chris Quigley milestones as children move through school. We operate three, two year Milestones: Milestone 1 (Years 1 and 2), Milestone 2 (Years 3 and 4) and Milestone 3 (Years 5 and 6). Within each Milestone, children develop knowledge and transferable skills, and work their way through 3 developmental stages; Basic, Advancing and Deep.

The Geography taught in EYFS is governed by the Early Years Foundation Stage document.

 

Our Local Area

 

Our local area and community is so important. As far as possible, we use our local area. This enables children to build a picture of their own environment and sense of place, along with a developing knowledge of where this fits in with the bigger UK picture – and indeed with their view of the wider world. Children study & visit our local rivers, coast and towns, as well as venturing into the heart of the Lake District.

Through a well planned schedule of educational trips, visits and visitors, our children gain an understanding of how our town fits into its wider, unique location. They also extend their understanding of the wider area of The Lake District, a unique place of outstanding geographical interest and natural beauty.

 

Global Learning

 

We aim to embed global learning in our school curriculum, running across all teaching and learning. We strive to equip children with the skills, knowledge and attitudes that will enable them to succeed in today’s society. We are proud to have achieved the British Council’s Intermediate International Schools Award.

Critical thinking is an essential skill for children to develop, to enable them to be able to form their opinions on world issues. Global learning enables children to think, question and debate critically about the issues that face them both locally and nationally currently, therefore, enabling children to contribute to today’s world and shape the world for the future.

We aim for all all children to leave St Thomas’s as well-rounded citizens not only of the United Kingdom, but also of the world, with values including, but not limited to, a commitment to rights and responsibilities, justice, peace and sustainability; to be open to new ideas and to have a sense of interdependence; to hold a positive sense of identity and to have a desire to make a difference.

As part of our Global Learning curriculum, we are proud to be linked with Open Arms Academy, Kenya. Open Arms Academy works in partnership with Stand By Me. Please see the below link for further information.

• Open Arms Academy, Kenya

  Open Arms Academy, Kenya

   

  As part of our Global Learning curriculum, we are proud to be linked with Open Arms Academy, Kenya. Open Arms Academy works in partnership with Stand By Me.

  The Christian organisation, Open Arms, was founded November 2003 to meet the immediate needs of orphaned and abandoned children in Eldoret who were suffering from a wide variety of life-threatening diseases. Taking children and young adults from desperation, they aim to restore hope, homes, purpose and empowerment.

  We have supported and raised funds for Open Arms over the years and sponsor a child from the local community. Throughout the year, our children will get the opportunity to zoom, work alongside and connect with children in Kenya as part of our Global Learning Curriculum. It is a fantastic opportunity for our children to make first hand connections with children from a different country and culture, celebrating our similarities and differences.

  The link is founded on an equity based relationship where  learning is two-way and reciprocal, with both schools contributing equally.

  Open Arms – What We Do

  Open Arms Tour

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