Geography

Since moving to a knowledge rich curriculum we have given much more thought to the way we structure the course. We plan out how different topics will connect, not just across a key stage but between them. We also think much more carefully about what it is that we actually expect pupils to remember and why we think this needs to be remembered. Pupils are expected to know things and to apply this knowledge to different contexts. Geography helps us understand how and why places are changing, and to better imagine, predict and work towards, likely and preferred futures. At St Thomas of Canterbury School all children develop a good general knowledge of Walsall and the surrounding area, Britain and the other countries that make up their world. They will be able to use maps, compasses and ICT skills to allow them to better explore the world and its important features such as mountains, rivers and cities, instilling in them an appreciation of the world in which they live and their role in caring for it for it for future generations. Geography is an enquiry led subject that seeks answers to fundamental questions such as:

Where is this place?

What is it like? (And why?)

How and why is it changing?

How does this place compare with other places?

How and why are places connected?

It is also imperative that a geographer doesn’t just answer questions but also asks and debates them:

What could/should the world be like in the future?

What can we do to influence change?