Geography at St Nicholas

Geography is about understanding the world by comparing locations, investigating, researching different sources, writing and talking about places, asking and answering question. At St Nicholas Primary School, the geography curriculum aims to ensure children develop these skills through focusing on three main areas: locational Knowledge, place knowledge and human and physical geography. During their geography units, children will have the opportunity to develop their geographical skills. Children will use ICT, world maps, atlases and globes, compass directions, aerial and satellite photographs, as well as fieldwork and observational skills. Children will be challenged to think about their own personal response to their environment as well as consider how other use and interact with the environment.

Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)

Even at such a young age, children can be considered geographers. The years from birth to age five provide a first opportunity to see how a child interacts with their environment and how the environment influences them. At St Nicholas Primary School, the EYFS aims to guide children in making sense of their physical world and their community by exploring, observing and finding out about people, places, technology and the environment.

Key Stage 1

In years 1 and 2, children will be asked to begin to develop a geographical vocabulary by learning about where they live, as well as one other small area of the United Kingdom (Year 1) and a small area in a contrasting non-European country (Year 2). They will learn about weather patterns in the United Kingdom and hot and cold areas of the world. They will begin to conduct fieldwork, exploring their local area and use this understanding to create picture and sketch maps.

Key Stage 2

In years 3 to 6, the geography curriculum builds and expands on prior knowledge and understanding. Throughout these year groups, children will be taught to describe key aspects of geography such as climate zones, settlement, economic activity and the distribution of natural resources. They will conduct fieldwork and draw maps with an increasing level of accuracy.

During years 3 and 4, children will use physical, political and topographical maps to further their understanding of Europe, concentrating on key physical features (Volcanoes and Rivers). They will develop a deeper understanding of human geography through the study of land use and sustainability. They will also work on locating counties and cities of the United Kingdom, exploring their physical and human features.

During years 5 and 6, children will examine geographical similarities and differences by comparing the physical and human geography of two regions. They will expand their understanding of the world, by studying more closely North and South America. They will begin to make links to other curriculum areas and see how geography is interconnected to other subjects. They will look at the future of the planet and how, as global citizens, we can all do our part to protect it.

How can I support my child with Geography?

The curriculum content may appear daunting, but don’t panic — you are already an accomplished geographer! Your daily life constantly provides you with rich geographical experiences, information and understanding. You think and act geographically, often without realising it. It comes naturally … as you navigate your way around your home and neighbourhood; as you make sense of local and world news; as you respond to the weather forecast, as you decide on a holiday location and how to get there.

When out and about in your local area, you can help your child geographically by chatting about local physical features, attractions and activities. You might even like to develop this idea by asking them to provide a tourist guide for their local area for visiting relatives.

On a journey, you can share the road map or map phone app with your son or daughter so they can follow the route while you talk about where you are going. Alternatively, ask them to draw a map of their journey to school or the local shop, including any natural or man-made features along the way.

Holidays are an ideal opportunity to compare the location with their home area — you might ask your child to talk through five similarities and differences, for example. Holidays also provide an opportunity for a museum visit or a trip to a tourist attraction.

Closer to home, use anything at your disposal! Magazines, TV, films and even some computer games can provide your child with a view of distant places. They enable your child to be transported instantly to another place. Prompt their thinking with questions, such as: What might the weather be like in this place? Why might the road have been built where it is? The list of questions is endless and will lead to all sorts of discussions which will really help to develop curiosity about, and understanding of, the world.

Useful websites

The BBC Bitesize  website has lots of videos and games that the children can play to develop their understanding of geography. Follow the link below and select the appropriate Key Stage for your child.

The National Geographic Kids has a range of Geography and Science resources that your child will find interesting. It is full of Geographical facts and has a wide range of images to help your child understand a location.

The Toporopa website has a range of interactive quizzes and games that your child could complete to check their understanding of place name, particularly names of countries and cities within the UK.

The 3dgeography website has a vast range of printable activities that the children can complete at home. If your child enjoys making things, then there should be something on there to keep them engaged.

The Ordnance Survey website is the perfect place to improve a child’s understanding of features on maps. This fun, interactive website has plenty to offer the children through a range of online challenges and games.