'In the beginning God created the heavens and the Earth.'

Genesis 1:1

'The mountains rose; the valleys sank down to the place that

you appointed for them.'

Psalm 104:8

Geography Curriculum Statement for St. Mary’s Catholic Primary School

At St. Mary’s Catholic Primary School, we believe that geography plays a vital role in helping children understand the world around them. Our geography curriculum aims to inspire curiosity and foster a sense of wonder about the Earth's landscapes, people, and environments. We seek to develop pupils' understanding of the physical and human aspects of the world, while encouraging them to consider their role in protecting and caring for God's creation.

Through our geography curriculum, we aim to:

• Develop geographical knowledge: students gain a solid understanding of the world’s continents, countries, cities, physical features, and human geography. They explore a range of topics, including ecosystems, climates, resources, and the relationship between people and their environments.
• Promote geographical skills: pupils learn to use maps, atlases, and digital tools to explore and interpret geographical information. They develop key skills such as observing, recording, analysing, and presenting geographical data.
• Encourage a sense of global citizenship: we aim to develop students’ awareness of global issues, such as climate change, sustainability, and human migration, encouraging them to think critically about the impact of human activity on the planet. Our curriculum also focuses on the importance of caring for the environment, inspired by our Catholic faith and the responsibility to protect God's creation.
• Promote enquiry-based learning: students are encouraged to ask questions, explore geographical problems, and investigate the world through practical activities, field trips, and research. We seek to foster curiosity and independent thinking, allowing pupils to make connections between their local environment and the wider world.
• Support cross-curricular learning: geography is taught in an integrated way, linking to other subjects such as History, Science, and Religious Education. This helps students develop a broader understanding of how different areas of knowledge interconnect and influence each other.

Our curriculum ensures that pupils are equipped with the knowledge and skills to understand and engage with the world, both locally and globally. By the end of their time at St. Mary’s, students will have developed a deep appreciation for the world’s diversity, an awareness of global issues, and a commitment to protecting the environment for future generations.