Geography

Geography Intent

At Arlecdon Primary School, our Geography curriculum inspires pupils to develop a curiosity and fascination about the world and their place within it. Beginning in EYFS, children explore their immediate environment, learn about seasonal change, and develop an awareness of similarities and differences between people, places and communities. As pupils progress through the school, they build their knowledge of local, national and global environments through a carefully sequenced curriculum that develops both substantive knowledge and disciplinary skills. Learning starts with the familiar surroundings of our school and local area before extending to the United Kingdom and the wider world, enabling children to make meaningful connections and deepen their understanding over time. We aim to develop informed, responsible citizens who appreciate diversity, understand sustainability and recognise the interdependence of people, places and environments. Fieldwork, map work and enquiry encourage children to think and work like geographers throughout their learning journey.

Geography Implementation

Geography is taught through a progressive and knowledge-rich curriculum that builds from the Early Years Foundation Stage through to Year 6. In EYFS, children develop their understanding of the world through exploration, observation, outdoor learning, local walks and discussions about their environment, weather, seasons and communities. These early experiences provide strong foundations for future geographical learning.

In Key Stages 1 and 2, pupils study a range of local, national and global topics through clearly sequenced units that develop knowledge of human and physical geography. Children engage in practical fieldwork, map work, data collection, aerial photography, atlases, globes and digital mapping technologies to strengthen their geographical understanding and skills. Subject-specific vocabulary is explicitly taught and revisited to support pupils in communicating their learning confidently and accurately. Through local studies, educational visits, outdoor learning opportunities and the exploration of contrasting places around the world, pupils build upon prior knowledge and develop increasingly sophisticated geographical understanding.

Geography Impact

By the time pupils leave Arlecdon Primary School, they have developed a secure understanding of geographical knowledge, concepts and skills. Children can confidently use maps, atlases, globes, fieldwork techniques and digital technologies to investigate and understand the world around them. They demonstrate an appreciation of diverse people, places and cultures and understand how physical and human processes shape environments.

Pupils can explain geographical patterns, make comparisons between locations, ask and answer geographical questions, and communicate their findings using appropriate subject-specific vocabulary. From the strong foundations established in EYFS through to the end of Key Stage 2, children develop into curious, knowledgeable and responsible citizens who understand their role within both their local community and the wider world and are well prepared for the next stage of their education.