Intent
At St Bernadette’s, our geography curriculum aims to inspire a curiosity and fascination about the world and its people that will remain with pupils for the rest of their lives. We aim to equip our pupils with knowledge about diverse places, people, resources, and natural and human environments, together with a deep understanding of the Earth’s key physical and human processes. This curriculum will be delivered through engaging, hands-on activities and field trips that bring geography to life.
Our curriculum is designed to ensure that all pupils:
- Acquire knowledge: Gain a comprehensive understanding of key geographical concepts and vocabulary, including human and physical geography.
- Develop skills: Build essential skills, such as map reading, data interpretation, and fieldwork, allowing pupils to explore and analyse geographical information critically.
- Foster Curiosity: Encourage pupils to develop a sense of curiosity and awe about their local community and the wider world, promoting intercultural understanding and respect for diversity.
- Make Connections: Understand the links between their locality and global issues, such as climate change, sustainability, and cultural exchange, developing them as informed global citizens by the time they leave primary education.
To achieve this intent, our curriculum is designed to be sequential and progressive, ensuring all pupils develop a strong geographical foundation as they transition through year groups.
Implementation
The implementation of our Geography curriculum is structured around the National Curriculum. Key features of our implementation include:
- Long and Medium-term planning: A clearly sequenced scheme of work aligns with the National Curriculum objectives, ensuring progression in knowledge and skills throughout each year group. Topics are carefully chosen to engage and inspire pupils, with a focus on both local and global perspectives. It is adapted to meet the varying strengths and needs of all pupils.
- Active learning: Geography lessons encourage active participation, through hands-on activities, outdoor learning experiences, and field trips that enable pupils to connect theoretical knowledge with the real world.



- Cross-Curricular opportunities: Opportunities for links with other subject areas (such as Science, History, and Art) are integrated, enriching the pupils' learning experience and demonstrating the interconnectivity of knowledge.
- Enrichment: We utilise a range of learning environments, including the classroom, local community, and outdoor spaces, enhancing the relevance of learning, and promoting experiential understanding.
- Assessment and Feedback: Regular formative assessments, including discussion and pre-assessments, are conducted to monitor progress and inform subsequent teaching. Feedback is provided to encourage reflective learning, and summative assessments, which include post-topic assessments, provide a clear picture of pupil progress and areas for improvement.
Impact
The impact of our Geography curriculum is evaluated through various measures, demonstrating that our intent and implementation are successfully translating into positive outcomes for our pupils:
- Knowledge retention: Pupils demonstrate high levels of geographical knowledge and understanding when assessed, reflecting their ability to recall information learnt and apply it to new contexts.
- Skill development: Observations and work samples show that pupils are developing key geographical skills, including critical thinking, research, and fieldwork techniques. They are able to apply these skills in both classroom activities and real-world situations.
- Engagement and enthusiasm: Pupil voice surveys indicate high levels of engagement and enjoyment in Geography. Pupils demonstrate a willingness to participate actively in discussions and activities.
- Cultural Awareness: Pupils demonstrate an increased awareness of cultural diversity and global issues through discussions and projects. They show empathy and understanding towards different cultures, which contributes to a harmonious school environment.
Our Geography curriculum is designed to inspire, engage, and educate pupils effectively. It prioritises a comprehensive understanding of the world and fosters a keen interest in geography that extends beyond the classroom.
You can view the EYFS Understanding the World - Geography Curriculum Overview Below:
Geography Progression Document Key Stage 1

Geography Progression Document Lower Key Stage 2

Geography Progression Document Upper Key Stage 2
