Intent
At The Federation of Longhorsley and Whalton C of E Schools, our geography curriculum develops pupils’ understanding of the world and their place within it. We aim to nurture curious, knowledgeable and reflective geographers who recognise the connections between people, places and environments.
Through a carefully sequenced curriculum from the Early Years to Year 6, pupils build strong locational knowledge, place knowledge and geographical skills. Learning begins with a focus on the local community and gradually expands to national, European and global contexts, enabling pupils to make meaningful comparisons and develop a wider understanding of the world.
Geography supports pupils’ personal development by encouraging empathy, responsibility and respect for others. Pupils explore how human and physical processes affect lives around the world and consider how choices and actions can have an impact at both a local and global scale.
Implementation
Geography is taught through a structured and progressive curriculum aligned with the National Curriculum and enriched through regular fieldwork and outdoor learning. Knowledge and skills are revisited and built upon over time to ensure depth, progression and retention.
Fieldwork is a central feature of geography across all year groups. Pupils observe, measure, record and analyse their local environment using maps, compasses, data collection and digital tools. Local contexts such as Longhorsley, Whalton, Northumberland, nearby rivers and urban centres are used to anchor learning and make geography relevant and meaningful.
Teaching promotes enquiry, discussion and reflection. Pupils are encouraged to consider different perspectives, understand the experiences of others and evaluate evidence. High expectations and inclusive practice ensure all pupils are supported to participate fully and apply their learning with confidence.
Impact
Pupils develop a secure understanding of geography and can confidently describe, explain and compare places and environments. They use geographical vocabulary accurately and apply fieldwork and mapping skills with increasing independence.
Pupils demonstrate positive attitudes to learning and an increasing awareness of their responsibilities towards others and the environment. They show respect for people, places and cultures and understand the importance of caring for the world they live in.
By the end of Year 6, pupils are well prepared for secondary geography and for life beyond the classroom, equipped with the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to engage thoughtfully with the world around them.
