Geography
What we teach, why we teach it, and how it helps every child grow.
Our intent
At Weeton St Michael’s Church of England Primary School, we aim to inspire children to develop a curiosity and fascination about the world and its people that will remain with them throughout their lives. We want children to develop a secure understanding of their local environment, the United Kingdom and the wider world, appreciating the diversity of places, people and cultures.
Our Geography curriculum is carefully sequenced from EYFS to Year 6, allowing children to build on prior learning and develop their geographical knowledge, vocabulary and skills. Through the study of human and physical geography, children explore contrasting environments, investigate environmental issues and develop an understanding of how people interact with the world around them.
We aim to develop confident young geographers who can use maps, atlases, globes and digital resources, ask meaningful questions and collect and interpret geographical data. Through practical fieldwork and engaging enquiries, we encourage children to think critically, respect different cultures and become responsible global citizens.
Subject Lead
Mr Wentel
We aim for our children to
- Develop a curiosity and fascination about the world and its people.
- Build secure geographical knowledge of their local area, the United Kingdom and the wider world.
- Develop an understanding of human and physical geographical features and processes.
- Develop map-reading skills using atlases, globes, maps and digital resources.
- Collect, record, analyse and communicate geographical data through fieldwork and investigations.
- Become confident, independent and responsible global citizens who care about the world around them.
Implementation
How we teach it
At Weeton, Geography follows a progressive curriculum guided by our whole-school Geography progression map and two-year rolling programme. Children develop their understanding of the local area, the United Kingdom and the wider world through engaging topics covering human and physical geography.
From EYFS to Year 6, children build their knowledge of places, landscapes, environments and geographical processes. They develop map-reading skills, use geographical vocabulary and learn to collect, record and interpret data through practical fieldwork and investigations.
Teachers use questioning, discussion, maps, photographs, digital resources and hands-on activities to develop curiosity and deepen understanding. Learning is adapted to meet the needs of all pupils, ensuring everyone can access the curriculum and develop confidence as a geographer.
Every child can achieve in Geography
We believe that every child can succeed in Geography and develop the knowledge and skills needed to understand the world around them.
Staff plan engaging lessons that build on prior learning and provide opportunities for children to explore places, investigate geographical questions and develop their map-reading and fieldwork skills. Through discussion, practical activities and real-world examples, we encourage every child to ask questions, think critically and develop a lifelong curiosity about the world.
The impact
How we know it is working
Through our Geography curriculum, children develop a secure understanding of the world and the physical and human processes that shape it. By the end of Year 6, pupils can locate significant places, use geographical vocabulary confidently, interpret maps and other sources, and carry out fieldwork to investigate geographical questions.
Progress is assessed through questioning, retrieval activities, discussions, written work, fieldwork and end-of-unit assessments. This enables teachers to monitor children's knowledge and skills and identify areas for further development.
Ultimately, we aim for children to leave Weeton St Michaels as curious, knowledgeable and responsible global citizens who appreciate the world around them and understand their role in protecting it.
Each term the subject leader will
- Monitor pupils' work
- Interview pupils
- Evaluate assessments and identify trends
- Conduct a learning walk to see the teaching and learning of Geography
Standards of teaching and learning in Geography are monitored by the subject leader and the headteacher. The Geography curriculum is reviewed and developed annually to ensure knowledge and skills progress effectively from EYFS to Year 6.
What children learn
National Curriculum expectations by key stage
Early Years Foundation Stage
Children begin to explore the world around them, learning about seasonal changes, weather, maps and directions. They develop an awareness of their local environment and begin to recognise similarities and differences between places, including other countries and cultures.
Key Stage 1
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Lower Key Stage 2
Upper Key Stage 2
Children explore energy, deserts, population change, migration, the Alps and the importance of oceans. They develop their understanding of climate, environmental issues and human impact, while using increasingly advanced map skills, data collection and independent fieldwork enquiries to investigate geographical questions.
Our whole-school curriculum vision
At Weeton St Michael's C of E Primary School, our vision is to provide our children with a high-quality, inclusive education inspired by Christian values. Excellent teaching and learning form the basis of all our work, delivered through a caring, creative ethos.
Our children are encouraged to have a positive attitude, develop resilience in their approach to learning, become confident in their own ability, and be independent and motivated to achieve their full potential.
We believe it is our duty to make learning fun, engaging, memorable, accessible and ambitious for all children, instilling in them a love of learning.
We take seriously our duty to teach children about the fundamental British values of mutual respect and tolerance, democracy, the rule of law and individual liberty. These values are woven through our curriculum so that our learners leave us prepared for life in modern Britain.
Documents
Take a closer look at the subjects we teach
Weeton Geography Progression Map
Our progression document details the precise knowledge taught in each unit of work.
Useful links
Good places to practise
We had added some resource links that our children actually use or which may be handy to learn at home.
Questions about the curriculum?
Our subject leaders are always happy to talk. Call 01253 836280
