01752 337427
st.maurice.primary.school@plymouth.gov.uk
01752 337427
st.maurice.primary.school@plymouth.gov.uk
01752 337427
st.maurice.primary.school@plymouth.gov.uk
When the most recent curriculum was introduced by the government, the staff at Plympton St Maurice worked
hard to ensure that Geography based themes were both fun and engaging for the children whilst covering the
essential progression and learning required. We are continually searching for ways to enhance our curriculum.
As a result, over the last 2 years there has been some changes to the humanities programme. Having attended courses and researched schemes in local schools, it was decided to use the Connect Geography schemes which were written by an ex teacher. These schemes have been adapted to our school so that the children have the very best experience when learning about these subjects.
Our Intent for our Geography Curriculum Our Geography curriculum is designed to meet the content requirements of the National Curriculum. There is a set amount of time specified for each year group. Through our geographical lessons, children should be able to develop Life skills, Understanding, Nurture curiosity, Aspiration and Resilience.
Our Geography curriculum is designed to equip pupils with the knowledge and understanding about diverse places, people and resources within natural and human environments. Pupils will develop their geographical skills in order to carry out effective geographical enquiries.
Our Implementation for our Geography Curriculum
Our Geography curriculum encompasses:
Social and emotional learning,
Talk,
Mastery Learning,
the Arts,
Understand Learning,
Resilience,
Independent Personal learning and thinking,
Collaborative Learning and
Experience rich curriculum.
Our Geography lessons are frequently based on big questions which children discover the answer to during the lessons. The curriculum is taught through a topic approach alongside Design & Technology, History and some English genres. This allows the children to experience over learning and consolidate facts.
Pupils are given opportunities to lead their own lines of geographic and historic enquiries and record their findings in a variety of ways. One example of this is the challenging homework that is set termly across the school, eg producing 3d models of the Rainforest and exploding volcanos. As well as completing work inside the classroom, field work is a key part of our Geography curriculum and allows pupils to apply their geographical skills in real-life settings.
In Key Stage 1, pupils investigate their local area and begin to learn about the wider world.
In Key Stage 2, pupils investigate their local area and a contrasting area, finding out about the environment and the people who live there.
The Impact of our Geography Curriculum
Through our geography lessons, pupils should learn key vocabulary and be able to apply their geographical skills to a range of geographical enquiries. Specific skills will have been developed including:
Key stage 1
Pupils should develop knowledge about the world, the United Kingdom and their locality. They should 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.
Pupils should be taught to:
Locational knowledge
Place knowledge
Human and physical geography
Geographical skills and fieldwork
Key stage 2
Pupils should 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.
Pupils should be taught to:
Locational knowledge
Place knowledge
Human and physical geography
Geographical skills and fieldwork
Our curriculum:
Foundation Class (Squirrels)
Follow the Early Years’ programme which can be found on the school’s website
Year 1 (Hawks)
Plymouth- Based on the Hoe and Smeaton’s Tower
Our Local environment – Based on Plympton St Maurice
Year 2 (Magpies)
Life on islands – Looking at contrasting islands
Animal world
Year 3 (Hedgehogs)
Egypt
The Rainforest
Year 4 (Swallows)
The Roman Empire
Natural disasters
The Victorian Empire
Year 5 (Foxes)
The Mayans
India
Greece
Year 6 (Owls)
The Coast Vikings
Additional opportunities for Geography include visits linked to the class topic, such as Wembury beach, Burrator reservoir, the zoo, Kent’s Caverns and wildlife parks. We are lucky to have a fantastic site that can also be used to support the learning.