Click on the sections below to explore and learn more about the Geography curriculum at St Michael’s.
Our Vision for Geography at St Michael’s Primary School
At St Michael’s, children are exposed to a Geography curriculum that develops their curiosity and fascination about the world around them, its people and places. They investigate a range of places within and beyond Britain, to help them develop their knowledge and understanding of the Earth’s physical and human processes.
Through the arrangement of thoughtfully chosen topics, children will experience a Geography curriculum that is rooted in key concepts of place, space, earth and environment, to help them know and understand the world around them. From physical features, countries, landscapes and wider world knowledge to understanding human behaviour and its impact on the world, children will appreciate the complexity and beauty of the world we live in to become independent thinking, informed and engaged citizens of the future. Children will come to know significant people in relation to each topic which links them through research, a local connection or through the impact they have had on a local, national or global level.
Geographical key concepts of place, space, earth and environment weave through the geography topics and drive the learning in the following ways:
Place – ideas of character, identity, home, community, landscape, a sense of place and diversity are explored through a range of different places and locations including the local area.
We learn about who we are, where we belong, and what makes a place special by looking at different places, like where we live and nearby areas. We also think about how places can be different and unique.
Space – location, distribution, pattern, interaction and distance are examined in a variety of physical and human geographical features, such as landforms, urban areas and political systems.
We look at where things are, how they are spread out, and how they are connected. This includes studying natural features like mountains, cities, and the way countries are organised.
Earth – physical processes, cycles and physical changes are exemplified in a range of landforms, landscapes and environments.
We learn about how the Earth changes over time, like how mountains form, rivers flow, and seasons change in different places.
Environment – interactions between physical and human geography, ecosystems, environmental change and impact, resources and sustainability are followed up in a variety of contexts.
We explore how people and nature work together, how the environment changes, and how we can take care of our planet by using resources wisely.
We are committed to providing children with opportunities to investigate and make enquiries about their local area of Bury and Manchester so that they can develop a real sense of who they are, their heritage and what makes our local area unique and special. Children will develop the ability to apply geographical skills so they can confidently communicate their findings and geographical understanding to a range of audiences.
Through high quality teaching, children will develop the following essential characteristics as geographers:
- An excellent knowledge of where places are and what they are like, both in Britain and the wider world;
- A comprehensive understanding of the ways in which spaces are interdependent and interconnected;
- An extensive base of geographical (earth) knowledge and vocabulary.
- Fluency in complex, geographical enquiry and the ability to apply questioning skills, as well as effective presentation techniques.
- The ability to reach clear conclusions and explain their findings.
- Excellent fieldwork skills as well as other geographical aptitudes and techniques.
- The ability to express well-balanced opinions, rooted in very good knowledge and understanding about current issues in society and the environment.
- A genuine interest in the subject and a real sense of curiosity about the world and the people who live here.
Our Geography Subject Leader is Mrs Weaver.
