Geography

Intent

At Becket Primary School, our Geography curriculum is designed to develop pupils’ understanding of the world around them—locally, nationally, and globally. Beginning in the Early Years Foundation Stage, children are introduced to key geographical concepts through the Early Learning Goals of The Natural World and People, Culture and Communities. Children explore the environment around them, observe seasonal changes, and talk about the differences between places, people, and natural features. They begin to develop an understanding of their place in the world and how it relates to others.

Through activities such as nature walks, stories, maps, and discussions about their homes, communities, and travels, children learn to observe and describe both human and physical aspects of geography. These early experiences form the foundations for the progression of geographical knowledge and enquiry throughout the school.

As children move into Key Stage 1 and continue through to Key Stage 2, they build on these foundations through a structured progression of skills across four strands: Geographical Enquiry, Physical Geography, Human Geography, and Geographical Knowledge. Pupils study a range of locations across the UK and the wider world, developing an understanding of how geographical features—such as rivers, mountains, weather patterns, and urban environments—form and impact people’s lives.

Fieldwork and practical investigation are central to our curriculum. Wherever possible, pupils are encouraged to explore the local area to observe geographical features first-hand, gather data, and ask meaningful questions. These opportunities enable pupils to deepen their understanding of the relationship between people and place and to reflect on how human and physical geography are interlinked.

We also place emphasis on the diverse cultures, communities, and ways of life that exist both within our locality and across the globe. By exploring how different people interact with their environment, children gain a deeper appreciation of global diversity and interconnectedness. These explorations are rooted in the Early Learning Goal of People, Culture and Communities, which we continue to nurture throughout the primary years.

By the time children leave Becket Primary School, they will have acquired a broad and deep understanding of the natural and human world. They will have the skills to investigate new places with curiosity and confidence, ask informed geographical questions, and apply their knowledge to unfamiliar settings—preparing them to be thoughtful, informed global citizens and lifelong geographers.

Implementation

Geography is a foundation subject within the Historical, Geographical and Social Understanding Area of learning. We follow the 2014 National Curriculum and the Early Years Framework. It is taught through topics where links are made with a range of other subjects and transferrable skills can be applied. These skills are specific to each year group and are built upon to ensure progression. Some topics begin with a Geographical Key Question which is then explored and eventually answered once further questions have been investigated. Geography is predominantly taught in the afternoon in Key Stage 2 and in Key Stage 1 can be accessed and applied through continuous provision. Within the Foundation Stage Geography is taught within the Understanding the World strand (People and Communities, The World, Technologies). Opportunities are given whereby the children are guided to make sense of their physical world and their community through opportunities to explore, observe and find out about people, places, technology, and the environment.

Pupils are exposed to a range of resources to support their geographical development. These include atlases, physical and online maps, aerial photographs, and compasses. Simple field work takes place around the school and into the city centre where observations, data gathering, and presentation takes place.

Each pupil is provided with a summative report at the end of each year. This will outline whether they are below, working towards, secure or exceeding in effort and attainment.

Every year group takes part in annual trips that can go beyond the city boundaries to enhance pupils’ locational and place knowledge and are given the opportunity to apply the skills that they have been taught.

Impact

Our well-planned Geography curriculum ensures that children are competent in the geographical skills needed to collect, analyse and communicate data, and to interpret a range of geographical sources, including maps, globes and aerial photographs. Children are able to communicate information in a variety of ways including maps, numerical and quantitative skills and a range of literacy skills.

Through the breadth and depth that our Geography curriculum offers, our children are provided with a broad knowledge of the world they live in, and understand, as responsible citizens, how they need to care and preserve the planet for future generations.