Geography

We hope to inspire a lifelong interest in geography and a curiosity about our world.

The aim of geography at St Weonards Academy is to teach an understanding of places and environments. Geography helps children to make sense of their surroundings and the wider world.

By studying their local environment and other areas, children learn about people and places and the relationships between them. They come to understand the physical and human processes and patterns present in these environments, and they can learn to appreciate the similarities and differences between places and people. The teaching of Geography also contributes significantly to the teaching of English in our school by actively promoting the skills of reading, writing, speaking and listening.

Geography is taught throughout the school and generally covered through topic work in the afternoons.

This provides a cross curricular approach, and we are able to teach Geography through art, music, drama and History lessons as well as first hand experiences. Therefore, offering more meaning for pupils rather than a standalone lesson.

Children are encouraged to apply skills learned wherever possible whether they are presenting findings to the class or going on stimulating field trips. We are extremely fortunate with our school environment and rural surroundings, therefore the children get many opportunities to explore the school grounds and countryside.

During Key Stage 1

Children develop knowledge about the world, the United Kingdom and their locality. They understand basic subject-specific vocabulary relating to human and physical geography and begin to use geographical skills, including first-hand observation, to enhance their locational awareness. The Children usually have an annual trip to Westons Farm to learn about new life, things that grow in the local area, Habitats and the differences between rural surroundings and those in a town.

During Key Stage 2

Children extend their knowledge and understanding beyond the local area to include the United Kingdom and Europe, North and South America. This will include the location and characteristics of a range of the world’s most significant human and physical features. They should develop their use of geographical knowledge, understanding and skills to enhance their locational and place knowledge. Last year the children learned how to plant potatoes at a neighbouring farm; once they had grown we brought them back to school to use in our school dinners.