Geography
At Birch Hill Primary School, we believe that geography should inspire children's curiosity and fascination about the world and its people. Through the study of places, environments and cultures, pupils develop an understanding of the world around them and their place within it.
Our geography curriculum is designed to help children make sense of an ever-changing world by developing their knowledge of physical and human geography, environmental issues and global diversity. As pupils progress through the school, they build on their geographical knowledge and skills, developing a deeper understanding of the relationships between people, places and environments.
We aim to inspire our pupils to become informed and responsible global citizens who understand how they can contribute positively to creating a more sustainable future.
National Curriculum Aims
The National Curriculum for Geography aims to ensure that all pupils:
- Develop contextual knowledge of the location of globally significant places, including their physical and human characteristics.
- Understand the key physical and human geographical processes that shape our world.
- Collect, analyse and communicate information gathered through fieldwork.
- Interpret a range of geographical sources, including maps, globes, aerial photographs and Geographical Information Systems (GIS).
- Communicate geographical information effectively through maps, writing and numerical data.
Implementation
Our geography curriculum is carefully planned and sequenced to build progressively on pupils' prior learning. Through engaging and investigative lessons, children develop their understanding of places, people, resources and environments at local, national and global scales.
Pupils learn essential geographical knowledge and disciplinary skills including map reading, fieldwork, data collection, observation, interpretation and enquiry. They are encouraged to ask geographical questions, analyse evidence and draw conclusions about the world around them.
Fieldwork and first-hand experiences are an important part of our curriculum, helping pupils to apply their learning in meaningful contexts and develop a deeper understanding of geographical processes.
Geography in Action
At Birch Hill, children do not simply learn about geography, they experience it. From exploring the local area in Key Stage 1 to investigating wider national and global themes in Key Stage 2, pupils are encouraged to develop a sense of place and an appreciation of the diversity of our world.
Through fieldwork, map work, environmental studies and enquiry-based learning, children gain practical experiences that bring geography to life and help them understand how people and environments are interconnected.
Impact
Our geography curriculum helps pupils develop a secure understanding of the world around them and their place within it. Through studying a range of local, national and global locations, children build a strong foundation of geographical knowledge and skills that prepares them for future learning and life in modern Britain.
By the end of Year 6, pupils are able to:
- Demonstrate a broad knowledge of places, environments and cultures around the world.
- Explain key physical and human geographical features and processes.
- Use maps, atlases, globes and digital mapping tools with increasing confidence and accuracy.
- Carry out fieldwork, collect and interpret data, and present their findings effectively.
- Ask and answer geographical questions using evidence and enquiry skills.
- Understand how people and environments are interconnected and how human actions can affect the natural world.
- Appreciate diversity and develop respect for different communities, cultures and ways of life.
We measure the impact of our geography curriculum through:
- Ongoing teacher assessment and classroom discussion.
- Analysis of pupils' work and recorded outcomes.
- Fieldwork activities and geographical enquiries.
- Pupil voice and discussions about learning.
- Assessment of geographical knowledge, vocabulary and skills over time.
- Subject leader monitoring, including lesson visits, work scrutiny and curriculum reviews.
As a result, pupils leave Birch Hill Primary School with the knowledge, curiosity and critical thinking skills needed to understand the wider world, engage with current global issues and become informed, responsible citizens.
Geography Programme of Study
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