Long-term overview - Fairtrade - Year 5

The national curriculum for Geography at Key Stage 2 requires Year 5 pupils to delve into both physical and human geography. Physical geography covers the study of climate zones, biomes, vegetation belts, and various natural phenomena such as rivers, mountains, volcanoes, earthquakes, and the water cycle. In contrast, human geography explores settlement types, land use, economic activities including trade links, and the distribution of natural resources like energy, food, minerals, and water. Through this comprehensive curriculum, students gain a foundational understanding of the world's geographical features and how human activities interact with the environment.

In Year 5, a significant focus is placed on the concept of 'Fairtrade' and its relevance to our lives. Students are encouraged to consider the origins of goods found on supermarket shelves and the importance of the Fairtrade Foundation in promoting equitable trade practices. They learn about the principles of exporting and importing goods, and they are prompted to think critically about consumer choices, such as the potential impact of boycotting certain products. The curriculum also aims to develop disciplinary knowledge through geographical skills and fieldwork, enabling students to compare their local area to other places worldwide and to understand the positive and negative aspects of their environment. By investigating which countries are exploited in trade and locating them on a world map, pupils develop a sense of global citizenship and ethical responsibility, learning the value of sustainability and Fairtrade in fostering a more just global economy.