Geography
Our geography curriculum has been carefully designed to reflect and celebrate the diverse geographical profiles of our pupils. It develops an understanding of how the environments around us are shaped and the changes that occur over time, driven by factors such as weather, time, and human interaction.
At the heart of the geography curriculum is experiential learning and fieldwork. Pupils engage with local sites, tools, and visits to develop a tangible, real-world understanding of geography. A well-structured progression of skills ensures that learning deepens each year, providing both breadth and depth. As with all subjects, we place a strong emphasis on teaching subject-specific vocabulary, ensuring that language is built progressively across the curriculum. This approach enables pupils to explain geographical concepts with clarity and relate them to other areas of study.
Oracy is central to our geography curriculum. Pupils are encouraged to discuss and present geographical concepts clearly and confidently, helping them articulate their understanding. Regular opportunities for verbal reasoning, debates, and collaborative learning enhance their ability to recall key geographical facts and explain them effectively, strengthening their overall geographical knowledge and communication skills.
Themes of ‘social action’ and ‘social responsibility’ are interwoven throughout our geography curriculum. We aim to equip pupils with a strong understanding of the world they inhabit, developing an awareness that, as global citizens, they have the power and responsibility to contribute to improving it.
Curriculum Documents
Whole School Geography Curriculum Map:
Progression of Geography Skills:
Knowledge Organisers
Knowledge organisers capture the key knowledge and vocabulary that pupils will be taught in each unit of learning. They are used by class teachers and pupils in various ways to help pupils remember key information. Parents and carers can support pupils at home by discussing what they've been learning in geography, using the knowledge organiser to guide discussions.
Assessment
In geography, we assess children through Impact Pieces, which are assessment opportunities designed to allow children to showcase their learning and demonstrate key skills within each unit. These Impact Pieces can take various forms, such as presentations, quizzes, group projects, or written reports. The goal is to provide students with a chance to apply their geographical knowledge in practical ways while also developing their oracy, critical thinking, and communication skills. By offering a variety of assessment formats, we ensure that all students have the opportunity to express their understanding and learning in ways that best suit their strengths, encouraging deeper engagement with the subject.
To ensure assessment and long-term recall of prior learning, we incorporate a Flashback 4 into every lesson, with a focus on recalling key learning from previous lessons, units, and even previous years. This strategy helps reinforce long-term retention by consistently revisiting and revising essential concepts. By engaging students with Flashback 4, we not only support their memory recall but also encourage connections between new and prior knowledge, ensuring that learning is built upon a strong foundation. This continuous reinforcement helps students retain key learning and strengthens their understanding of geographical concepts over time.
Geography: Curriculum in Action
Year 3 'Life on the Wild Side' - Volcanoes
Year 2 explore the continent Antarctica at Sea Life London - Geography & Science
Year 3 Geographical Enquiry Study
Year 1 Local Area Study
Year 1 Local Area - DT & Geography project
Year 2: Exploring the local landmarks
Year 6: River Models
Year 1: Local Area Trip