Geography and SMSC

Spiritual development

Through teaching geography, we can also develop children’s spiritual development. Essentially, Geography is about studying people; where they live and our relationship with the environment. This involves providing children with the opportunities to reflect on their own values and beliefs and those of others. Children may explore what it would be like to live in a squatter settlement, or as a victim of an earthquake or other natural disaster, to living on tropical islands. Children have the opportunity to explore their own feelings about the people, culture, place and environments that they are learning about.

Moral development

Most geographical issues provide opportunities for distinguishing a moral dimension; for example, should deforestation be allowed in a rainforest? Should open cast mining be allowed in an area of outstanding natural beauty? Such issues are explored through fun decision-making activities, where children understand the views held by society, and by various groups within society, and will develop their own attitudes and values in relation to these.

Social development

Fieldwork and classroom opportunities that the geography curriculum provides, enhances social development as pupils develop a greater degree of self-discipline and rely on collaborative skills to ensure the learning is successful.  Geography also teaches an understanding of citizenship, where debates and discussions teach pupils about the planning process in a town or city; they learn about national and international trade links how this has an impact on people and places; and understand of the concept of sustainable development.

Cultural development

An essential component of Geography is place knowledge. By understanding the features and characteristics their local area, children understand why it is like that, and can contrast where they live with more distant localities, in this country and abroad. This understanding ensures children are aware of the cultural traditions associated with the place they are studying, as well as our own multicultural society.