Geography Curriculum Aims

Our Geography Curriculum aims to inspire children to be curious and fascinated in the world around them and equip them with knowledge, skills and understanding about the world and its diverse places, people and resources. We hope that by providing a carefully designed Geography curriculum which enthuses and motivates our young children, they will continue to develop an interest in our fascinating world.

Geography Curriculum Content and Progression

Our Geography Curriculum is divided into four key strands:

• Locational Knowledge
• Place Knowledge
• Human and Physical Geography
• Geographical Skills and Fieldwork

Our curriculum is designed to start with children's immediate locality and gradually move outwards. Children begin in Reception by exploring the school and our grounds, including our woodland area. They learn about places that are important to members of the community and take a walk in the local environment. In Key Stage 1, the children learn about the wider local area, contrasting areas within England, the United Kingdom and a contrasting world place (Arctic) and the wider world and its continents, oceans and countries, including a detailed study of Africa. 

Our Geography curriculum is purposeful and relevant as it links to each year group’s half-termly focus. For example, African Adventure (Year 2), Explorers (Year 1) or Around the World (Reception). In Geography lessons, children are taught how to use maps, atlases, globes and Google Earth to find out about the world. As much as possible, children are given first-hand experiences through fieldwork. 

Teachers also plan opportunities for children to apply their prior knowledge, skills and understanding in units where geography is not explicitly taught as part of the unit (see curriculum maps). For example, locating Ohio on a globe to find Neil Armstrong’s birthplace in Year 2's Man on the Moon topic, or using physical and human features on a map to identify the route the coach will take on a visit to Tutbury castle in Year 1. 

For further information about our Geography Curriculum, please view our Geography Progression Grid.