Geography Curriculum Intent: 

At St George’s CE Primary School, we study geography to give pupils an understanding of the Earth’s key physical and human processes and knowledge of the diversity of people, places and natural and human environments. Geography supports pupils in making sense of the world around them and understanding their place within it.

Our curriculum develops secure knowledge of physical and human geography, including features such as rivers, climate and settlements, alongside locational and place-based understanding. Geographical knowledge, understanding and skills provide a framework for explaining how the Earth’s features are shaped, interconnected and change over time.

Through enquiry-based learning, fieldwork and the use of maps and data, pupils develop essential geographical skills and vocabulary. We also promote global awareness, helping pupils understand diversity, interdependence and environmental responsibility, so they leave as informed and thoughtful global citizens.

Implementation:

In the Early Years, geography is introduced through understanding the world. Children explore their immediate environment through play, stories, outdoor learning and first‑hand experiences. They begin to develop awareness of similarities and differences between places, people and environments. Simple geographical language is modelled, such as names of places, features and weather. Learning focusses on curiosity, observation and discussion, helping children build early concepts of place, environment and change over time, rooted in their own experiences.

In Key Stage 1, pupils build on their early understanding by learning about their local area and comparing it to other places in the UK and the wider world. They develop basic locational knowledge, identifying continents, oceans and significant features. Pupils explore physical and human features and begin to understand how people interact with their environment. Skills are developed through simple fieldwork, map use, observations and question‑based enquiries, with a strong focus on vocabulary and speaking about geographical ideas clearly.

In Key Stage 2, pupils deepen their geographical knowledge and understanding at a range of scales, from local to global. They study more complex physical and human processes, such as climate zones, rivers, mountains, trade and settlement. Pupils use maps, data, digital tools and fieldwork to investigate patterns, relationships and change over time. Enquiry‑based learning supports critical thinking, while links to sustainability and global issues help pupils understand interdependence and develop as informed, responsible global citizens.