Geography is the study of Earth’s landscapes, peoples, places and environments. It bridges the Social Sciences (Human Geography) with the Natural Sciences (Physical Geography). Learning through Geography – both through formal learning and through fieldwork and expeditions – helps children to be more socially and environmentally sensitive, and enables them to become informed and responsible citizens.

Geography should inspire in pupils a curiosity and fascination about the world and its people. It enables children to develop their knowledge and understanding of the natural and human world in which they live through geographical enquiry, investigation, problem solving and decision making. It helps them broaden their awareness of their own local environment, their understanding of the affect an environment has on people’s lives and the wider need for conservation both locally and globally. As pupils study Geography, they will begin to develop an interest in other countries, societies and cultures.

Subject Aims

Our aims in teaching Geography are that all children should be given an opportunity to:

• develop curiosity, knowledge and understanding of the world in which they live through the studies of the variety of human and physical conditions on Earth
• broaden their awareness of, and develop an interest in their surroundings (making good use of our own immediate environment)
• develop an awareness of the seasonal change in weather and the effects these have on plants, animals and people
• communicate geographical information in a variety of ways, including through maps, numerical and quantitative skills and writing at length
• interpret a range of sources of geographical information, including maps, diagrams, globes, aerial photographs, graphs and Geographical Information Systems
• begin to develop an awareness of conservation issues, environment change and sustainable development.