Geography

Intent

At Greenholm Primary School, our geography curriculum inspires curiosity, critical thinking, and a deeper understanding of the world. Pupils explore their local environment alongside national and global contexts, enabling them to develop as confident, informed, and articulate learners. Through structured, progressive learning, we prepare pupils to become positive global citizens with the skills and knowledge to make a meaningful impact on the world.

Rationale

The geography curriculum is designed to nurture an appreciation for the diversity of people, places, and environments. Pupils progressively build their locational knowledge, geographical skills, and understanding of human and physical geography through engaging, real-world contexts and cross-curricular links.

  • Key Stage 1: Pupils develop foundational geographical knowledge, including an awareness of their local area, the United Kingdom, and the wider world. They explore physical and human geography, learn key vocabulary, and begin to use maps and fieldwork to enhance their locational awareness.
  • Key Stage 2: Pupils deepen their understanding of geography, extending their knowledge beyond the local area to include Europe, Africa, North and South America, and other significant global regions. They analyze changes in land use, evaluate human impact on the environment, and use advanced mapping tools and fieldwork to build a comprehensive understanding of geography.

Implementation

  1. Locational Knowledge:
    Pupils study the local area, the UK, and significant global regions, learning to identify key features and landmarks.
  2. Human and Physical Geography:
    Pupils explore themes such as land use, climate zones, biomes, and environmental change, understanding their relevance and impact.
  3. Fieldwork and Mapping:
    From Reception to Year 6, pupils engage in fieldwork, using maps, atlases, and digital tools to develop practical geographical skills.
  4. Cross-Curricular Links:
    Geography is interwoven with subjects such as history, science, and PSHRE, providing a holistic understanding of topics and their broader implications.
  5. Enrichment Opportunities:
    Field trips, thematic projects, and collaborative learning activities bring geography to life, encouraging pupils to connect theory with practice.

Impact

Our geography curriculum ensures pupils:

  • Gain a strong understanding of locational and environmental knowledge.
  • Develop critical thinking skills to analyze human and physical geography.
  • Build confidence in using maps and fieldwork to explore and interpret their world.
  • Cultivate respect for diverse cultures, environments, and perspectives.

Pupils leave Greenholm equipped with the knowledge, skills, and curiosity to engage with the challenges and opportunities of our dynamic, interconnected world.