Geography

‘Learning God’s World’

Intent

At St Mary’s C of E Primary School, we aim to inspire children to become curious, respectful and thoughtful geographers who are eager to explore and understand the world God has created. Our Geography curriculum, delivered through the Kapow Primary scheme, develops pupils’ knowledge of places, people and environments and encourages them to reflect on how the natural and human world is interconnected.

We want pupils to develop a strong sense of place and identity, beginning with their own locality and extending to the wider world. Through Geography, children build an understanding of how landscapes are formed, how environments change over time, and how human activity can both positively and negatively impact the planet.

Our curriculum promotes awe and wonder for the world, encouraging children to appreciate diversity, show respect for cultures and communities, and recognise their responsibility to care for the Earth. Pupils are taught to ask meaningful questions, collect and interpret data, and evaluate evidence so that they can make informed decisions as future citizens.

By the time they leave St Mary’s, pupils will be equipped with the geographical knowledge, vocabulary and enquiry skills that empower them to understand the world, value their place within it, and live responsibly as global citizens.

Implementation

At St Mary’s C of E Primary School, Geography is taught using the Kapow Primary Geography scheme, which provides a carefully sequenced and progressive curriculum from Year 1 to Year 6. Learning is structured around enquiry-based questions which encourage pupils to think and work like geographers through investigation, observation, measurement, analysis and presentation.

In EYFS, children explore the world around them through first-hand experiences, stories and play-based learning related to people, places and environments. These opportunities build early geographical vocabulary and understanding, supporting the ‘Understanding the World’ Early Learning Goals and preparing pupils for Key Stage 1.

Across Key Stages 1 and 2, pupils develop knowledge and skills through the four strands of:

• Locational knowledge
• Place knowledge
• Human and physical geography
• Geographical skills and fieldwork

The Kapow Primary scheme enables pupils to revisit and build upon core knowledge as part of a spiral curriculum. Key geographical concepts such as settlement, trade, climate, sustainability, scale and interdependence are revisited across year groups and in different contexts, ensuring knowledge deepens over time.

Fieldwork is embedded across the curriculum and forms an essential part of geography learning. Pupils regularly undertake practical investigations within the school grounds and local area, as well as through wider visits where appropriate. They learn how to:

• Observe and record information
• Use maps and digital mapping tools
• Collect and interpret data
• Present findings using appropriate geographical methods

In Key Stage 1 and 2 geography is delivered through three curriculum blocks across the academic year. Each block lasts for half a term and includes weekly lessons, ensuring pupils have regular and sustained opportunities to develop geographical knowledge, skills and understanding. Lessons are supported by knowledge organisers, maps, fieldwork equipment, atlases, digital resources and CPD materials provided by Kapow Primary to support staff subject knowledge and confidence.

Cross-curricular links are made wherever possible, particularly with Science, History, RE and Computing, helping children to apply learning in meaningful contexts. Geography is further enhanced through enrichment opportunities such as, local walks, visitors, and Forest School, which help raise the profile of the subject across school.

Teachers are supported to adapt lessons to meet the needs of all learners, ensuring that Geography is accessible for all pupils while providing opportunities for challenge and deeper thinking.

Impact

At St Mary’s C of E Primary School, the impact of Geography is monitored through a combination of formative and summative assessment. Teachers assess learning against lesson objectives using observations, questioning, discussions and outcomes from fieldwork and enquiry tasks.

Each Kapow unit includes:

• Knowledge catchers
• Quizzes
• Pupil reflections
• Fieldwork outcomes and presentations

These tools support teachers in identifying progress, addressing misconceptions, and ensuring coverage of National Curriculum expectations. Assessment information is used to inform planning, adapt teaching and provide targeted support where needed.

Progress is tracked across the school using teacher assessment, work scrutiny and pupil voice. This ensures that geographical knowledge, skills and vocabulary are being developed progressively across year groups.

Through the Geography curriculum, pupils will:

• Develop a secure understanding of human and physical features across the UK and the wider world.
• Locate and describe places using maps, globes and digital mapping tools.
• Understand processes such as erosion, weather patterns, climate zones and the water cycle.
• Recognise how humans interact with the environment and understand issues related to sustainability.
• Use geographical vocabulary accurately in spoken and written work.
• Conduct fieldwork confidently and present data effectively.
• Understand key geographical concepts such as settlement, trade, climate, resources and population.
• Make comparisons between places and environments across different regions and continents.
• Appreciate cultural diversity and show respect for the global community.

By the end of EYFS, pupils will meet the ‘Understanding the World’ Early Learning Goals. By the end of Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2, pupils will achieve the expectations outlined in the National Curriculum, leaving school as confident, informed and enthusiastic young geographers.

Through Geography, pupils develop curiosity, environmental responsibility and a respect for God’s creation, enabling them to understand the world and their role within it.