Geography

“The land is where our roots are. The children must be taught to feel and live in harmony with the Earth.” – Chief Seattle

Geography at Captains Close Primary School

Belonging · Ambition · Equity

Geography inspires pupils to explore, understand and appreciate the world. It develops curiosity about people, places and environments, helping children make sense of the relationships between nature and human activity. Our curriculum builds confident geographers who can investigate, analyse and communicate their understanding of the world.

Our approach is shaped by the Discovery Trust DNA and grounded in evidence-informed practice.

Curriculum Intent

Our intent for Geography is to ensure all pupils:

  • Develop secure knowledge of physical and human geography.
  • Understand diverse places, cultures and environments.
  • Use geographical vocabulary confidently.
  • Interpret maps, data and fieldwork evidence.
  • Understand how people influence the environment and vice versa.
  • Recognise global interdependence.
  • Experience equity through adaptive teaching.

Curriculum Implementation

We deliver our Geography curriculum through:

Locational Knowledge

  • Continents, oceans and countries.
  • UK regions, cities and landscapes.
  • Global landmarks and environments.

Place Knowledge

  • Comparing local, national and global places.
  • Understanding similarities and differences.

Human & Physical Geography

  • Weather and climate.
  • Rivers, mountains and coasts.
  • Settlements, land use and trade.
  • Environmental change.

Fieldwork

  • Observations
  • Measurements
  • Data collection.
  • Mapping

Progression

  • Long-term map.
  • Locational knowledge progression.
  • Physical geography progression.
  • Human geography progression.
  • Vocabulary progression.

Assessment

  • Concept checks.
  • Map skills.
  • Written outcomes.
  • Pupil voice.
  • Work scrutiny.

Curriculum Impact

We measure impact through:

  • Secure geographical knowledge.
  • Confident use of maps and data.
  • Understanding of human-environment interaction.
  • Pupil voice.
  • Assessment information.

Pupils can:

  • Explain geographical concepts clearly.
  • Use accurate vocabulary.
  • Interpret maps and data.
  • Apply knowledge to new contexts.

Protected Characteristics in Geography

We ensure pupils learn about and respect protected characteristics through:

  • Studying diverse cultures, communities and global perspectives.
  • Exploring how geography affects different groups of people.
  • Challenging stereotypes about countries, cultures and identities.
  • Ensuring SEND pupils access all geographical learning.
  • Understanding how environmental issues impact people differently.

Examples include:

  • Indigenous communities.
  • Gender roles in different societies.
  • Accessibility and environmental justice.

British Values in Geography

British Values are woven through Geography lessons:

  • Democracy: Exploring decision-making in communities.
  • Rule of Law: Understanding environmental laws and land use.
  • Individual Liberty: Considering personal choices in sustainability.
  • Mutual Respect: Learning about diverse cultures and places.
  • Tolerance: Understanding global religions, traditions and lifestyles.

Long-Term Curriculum Map

A full long-term map for Geography can be found here.

Progression Documents

Our progression documents show how knowledge and skills build from EYFS to Year 6:

  • Locational knowledge progression.
  • Human geography progression.
  • Physical geography progression.
  • Fieldwork progression.
  • Vocabulary progression.

Vocabulary

Vocabulary is taught explicitly and revisited regularly.

We focus on:

  • Tier 2: academic vocabulary.
  • Tier 3: geographical terminology.

SEND & Equity

All pupils access the full Geography curriculum through:

  • Adaptive teaching.
  • Scaffolding
  • Pre-teaching vocabulary.
  • Visual supports.
  • Regulation strategies.
  • Personalised resources.

Enrichment & Wider Opportunities

Geography enrichment includes:

  • Fieldwork studies.
  • Local area walks.
  • Environmental projects.
  • Map-reading challenges.
  • Links with community organisations.

How to Find Out More

Parents and carers can request further information about our Geography curriculum by contacting the school office.