Geography
Geography at Penwortham Primary School
At Penwortham Primary School, our Geography curriculum aims to ignite pupils’ curiosity and fascination about the world and the people who live in it. We want pupils to develop a secure understanding of places, environments and geographical processes, both locally and globally, and to appreciate how human and physical features shape the world around them.
Our approach to Geography reflects our school values of Aspire, Belong, Care and Discover, supporting pupils to think critically, value diversity, act responsibly and develop a strong sense of place in the world.
Our Geography Curriculum – Intent
Our Geography curriculum is designed to:
develop pupils’ understanding of the world, its people and environments
build secure knowledge of locational, place-based and physical geography
develop pupils’ ability to investigate patterns and processes
teach pupils to communicate geographically using appropriate vocabulary, maps and data
encourage responsible attitudes towards sustainability and global citizenship
We aim to equip pupils with the knowledge, skills and curiosity needed to understand the challenges facing the world today and their role within it.
Implementation - Our Geography Journey
Geography learning begins in EYFS through the Understanding the World area of learning, where children explore their immediate environment, investigate similarities and differences and begin to learn about people, places and cultures.
As pupils move through school, learning is carefully sequenced to revisit and build on prior knowledge. In Key Stage 1, pupils develop an understanding of their local area, the United Kingdom and simple physical and human features. In Key Stage 2, pupils extend their learning to include a wider range of countries, regions and continents, developing a deeper understanding of physical processes, human geography and global interconnections.
Pupils develop their understanding of:
local, national and global geography
human and physical features and how they interact
environmental change and sustainability
similarities and differences between places and cultures
How Geography Is Taught
Geography is taught through enquiry-based lessons that encourage pupils to think like geographers. Lessons are planned using the Kapow Geography scheme, which supports progression, consistency and coverage of the National Curriculum.
Pupils are supported to:
ask geographical questions and investigate answers
use maps, atlases, globes and digital mapping
develop and apply geographical vocabulary
analyse patterns and explain processes
carry out meaningful fieldwork
Fieldwork is an essential part of Geography learning and is embedded across units. Pupils use the school grounds and local area to develop real-world understanding, with opportunities to explore environments further afield where appropriate.
Learning is inclusive and adapted to meet the needs of all pupils, including those with SEND, ensuring all children can access and succeed in Geography.
Impact
As a result of our Geography curriculum, pupils:
develop a secure knowledge of places and environments
use geographical vocabulary accurately and confidently
explain physical and human processes and their impact
think critically about environmental and global issues
show curiosity, respect and responsibility as global citizens
By the time pupils leave Penwortham Primary School, they have a strong understanding of their local area and its place within the wider world, and are prepared for future geography learning with confidence and curiosity.
The Geography curriculum at Penwortham Primary School is regularly reviewed to ensure it is ambitious, well-sequenced and meets the needs of all pupils. The subject leader monitors teaching and learning through lesson observations, work scrutiny, pupil voice and assessment information to ensure progression of knowledge and skills across the school.
Through the use of a carefully structured curriculum and enquiry-based approach, pupils develop a secure understanding of locational knowledge, human and physical geography and geographical skills, including fieldwork. Staff are supported to deliver high-quality Geography lessons through clear curriculum guidance and consistent use of agreed vocabulary and resources.
As a result, pupils are confident in using maps, geographical language and enquiry skills, and are able to explain patterns, processes and environmental issues with increasing depth as they move through school. Pupils show curiosity about the world around them and demonstrate an understanding of their role as responsible global citizens.
Geography in Action
Here’s what Geography looks like at our school.