Geography Statement

Geography

Our Goal                                                        Passion for Learning...

 At Bentley St Paul's, we want our all our children to have a passion for learning where they gain life – long learning skills; a sense of adventure; the ability to enquire and make emotional connections.  

Our Christian Values

Friendship, Forgiveness, Trust, Peace, Wisdom, Responsibility, Respect and Reverence underpin all that we do and are the foundations of our drivers.

Our Tools

What we want the children to learn.

At Bentley St Paul’s Primary School, we recognise geography as essential to understanding the world and the interdependence of people, places, and environments. Our curriculum is designed to foster a lifelong interest in geography by promoting curiosity, cultural awareness, and respect for the planet. It develops pupils’ capacity for critical thinking and enquiry through the study of natural and human processes. Geography at Bentley St Paul’s is investigative, enabling pupils to acquire a secure understanding of key concepts, knowledge, and skills. The curriculum ensures progressive development in geographical enquiry, locational and place knowledge, human and physical geography, and fieldwork, equipping pupils with transferable skills and a deep understanding of the Earth’s systems.

We aim to:

• Provide a rich understanding of diverse landscapes: We intend to equip students with the knowledge about various physical and human geographical features, enabling them to appreciate the world’s diversity and natural beauty.
• Develop geographical skills: We intend to teach key skills in map reading, data analysis and interpretation, and fieldwork, allowing pupils to engage with their local and wider environments meaningfully.
• Promote environmental stewardship: Through a Christian lens, we encourage learners to think about their roles as global citizens, promoting sustainability and respect for creation in their local and international communities.
• Integrate the Christian values of our Church of England identity: Our teaching will reflect the values of compassion, tolerance, and community, fostering a sense of belonging and responsibility towards others and the environment.

How we teach

Geography at Bentley St Paul’s is taught through termly topics to ensure depth and progression through using the scheme Cornerstones. Teachers can clearly identify the key knowledge and skills for each unit, providing a cohesive learning journey across year groups. We use assessment within lessons to ensure the following lessons are relevant and adapted to diverse starting points. Planning specifically incorporates strategies to achieve greater depth and to provide support that aligns with our inclusive practice. We maximise learning by planning cross-curricular outcomes, powerful links with English, and fully utilise the local area through regular learning outside the classroom opportunities.

1. Carefully sequenced curriculum: Our geography curriculum is structured for progression, ensuring pupils build on their knowledge and skills year by year. Topics are woven together to promote connections and relevance, integrating spiritual, moral, social, and cultural education throughout.
2. Engaging pedagogical strategies: We utilise a variety of teaching methods to cater to diverse learning styles. This includes interactive lessons, outdoor learning opportunities, and technology integration. Field trips and community projects further reinforce learners' understanding of geographical concepts in real-world contexts.
3. Assessment for learning: Regular formative assessments provide insights into pupils' understanding, allowing for tailored instruction and the identification of areas for development. Summative assessments at key stages ensure that students have mastered the essential geographical knowledge and skills.
4. Collaborative learning: Emphasising group work and collaborative projects nurtures communication and teamwork skills. Through shared inquiry and problem-solving tasks, students learn to respect different perspectives while working towards common goals.
5. Connection with local communities: We foster partnerships with local organisations, creating opportunities for pupils to engage with real-world issues and connect their learning to their communities. This not only enriches their geographical understanding but also deepens their awareness of their role in society

Impact

Outcomes in Geography are evident across our practice, from our geography books, English books and pupil voice. This evidence shows a broad and balanced Geography curriculum and demonstrates our pupils’ achievement of the identified key knowledge and vocabulary. As children progress throughout the school, they develop a deep knowledge, understanding, and appreciation of their local area and its place within the wider geographical context. Regular school trips, workshops and enrichment days provide further relevant and contextual learning.

The effectiveness of our geography curriculum can be measured through:

• Pupil attainment and progress: A significant proportion of our pupils demonstrate at or above age-related expectations in geography, reflecting their thorough understanding of key concepts and skills. Tracking progress over time showcases sustained improvement and achievement.
• Engagement and enthusiasm: Pupil feedback consistently shows increased confidence and excitement about geography, evidenced by participation in lessons and high levels of attendance during field trips and extra-curricular activities.
• Skill Development: Our learners demonstrate strong geographical skills, including critical thinking, map interpretation, and the ability to analyse physical and human processes in their local areas and around the world.
• Community involvement: Evidence of active participation in the Gardening and Environment Club, School Council initiatives (Drop and Go Zone) and Harvest Festival, aligns with our intent to develop responsible global citizens.
• Alignment with Christian values: Observations of pupils' ability to articulate the importance of caring for the environment, coupled with their engagement in community service, demonstrate our success in integrating the Church of England’s values throughout the geography curriculum.
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Through this model of intent, implementation, and impact, we aim not only to meet but also to exceed the expectations set by Ofsted, ensuring an outstanding geography education for every pupil at Bentley St Paul’s.