Intent

Geography is the study of places and the relationships between people and their environments. At St Wilfrid’s, our intent is to inspire children to become curious, informed, and responsible citizens by exploring both their local environment and the wider world. We aim to equip our pupils with knowledge about diverse places, people, resources, and natural and human environments. Our curriculum fosters a deepening understanding of the Earth’s physical and human processes, such as climate, biomes, and human impact on the environment.

Through our Geography curriculum, we strive to develop key geographical skills, including map reading, fieldwork, data collection, and critical analysis, which are transferable to other areas of the curriculum. Pupils will learn how to ask perceptive questions, analyse evidence, and present their findings in meaningful ways.

We encourage children to develop a greater understanding and appreciation of the world around them and their place within it. We aim to nurture their ability to make informed decisions about global issues, such as sustainability, climate change, and conservation, ensuring they are equipped to be responsible, active citizens who can contribute positively to society and the environment.

Implementation

Curriculum Structure:
At St Wilfrid’s, we have a well-planned Geography curriculum that is taught in blocks across the academic year. Each year group studies a range of geographical topics, with lessons planned to revisit essential knowledge and skills progressively. Our curriculum incorporates a spiral approach, where key concepts such as locational knowledge and geographical terms are revisited and built upon with increasing complexity. Each unit includes geographical skills and fieldwork components to provide students with hands-on learning experiences.

Fieldwork & Skills Development:
We incorporate fieldwork into each year group’s learning to help children practice their geographical skills and apply knowledge to real-world situations. Lessons also focus on critical thinking, encouraging pupils to ask perceptive questions, explain their reasoning, and analyse evidence. Students are encouraged to use a variety of geographical tools such as maps, globes, atlases, and digital technologies to enhance their geographical enquiries.

Assessment & Support:
Throughout the curriculum, both formative and summative assessments are used to monitor progress. Ongoing assessments include verbal feedback, discussions, and specific lesson assessments. At the end of each unit, skill catchers and knowledge quizzes are used for summative assessment, ensuring that pupils are meeting the National Curriculum expectations for Geography.

Impact

Geographical Understanding & Skills:
The expected impact of our Geography curriculum is that children will develop a strong understanding of both human and physical geography. They will be able to compare and contrast places, describe physical features, and understand how processes such as climate change, biomes, and the water cycle interact. Pupils will also gain an appreciation of the relationship between humans and the environment, recognising both positive and negative impacts humans have had on the planet.

Locational Knowledge:
Students will develop a deep sense of location, being able to identify countries, cities, and continents, understand key geographical concepts such as latitude and longitude, and use tools like compasses and maps. They will gain the ability to read and interpret maps, grid references, and symbols, which will support their geographical understanding in both local and global contexts.

Critical Thinking & Enquiry Skills:
Pupils will develop critical thinking skills, asking insightful questions and using evidence to form reasoned conclusions. They will engage in geographical enquiries, presenting their findings using digital technologies, data, and specific methodologies. This will foster a sense of curiosity and a desire to explore and understand the world around them.

Positive Environmental Awareness:
The Geography curriculum also aims to instil in pupils a sense of responsibility and curiosity about the world, encouraging them to consider how the Earth’s resources are used and the impact of human activity on the environment. Students will be able to explain the importance of sustainable practices and develop an understanding of global issues such as climate change and conservation.

Achievement & Progress:
By the end of their time at St Wilfrid’s, children will have met the end-of-key-stage expectations outlined in the National Curriculum for Geography. The continuous monitoring of progress through assessments ensures that all children achieve their potential, with clear evidence of the skills, knowledge, and understanding they have developed across the Geography curriculum.