As we move to our new 'Cornerstones 22' Curriculum, we are ensuring all objectives have been covered. For this reason, we are spending Summer 2, working on Geography.

Geography overview

The geography projects are well sequenced to provide a coherent subject scheme that develops children’s

geographical knowledge, skills and subject disciplines.

Geographical locations are not specified in the national curriculum, so they have been chosen to provide a

broad and diverse understanding of the world. 

Where there are opportunities for making meaningful connections with other projects, geography projects are

sequenced accordingly. For example, children revisit the geography of settlements in the history project School

Days after studying types of settlements in the geography project Bright Lights, Big City.

All geography projects are taught in the autumn and spring terms, with opportunities for schools to revisit less

secure concepts in the summer term.

Key Stage 1

In Key Stage 1, each autumn term begins with essential skills and knowledge projects (Our Wonderful World in

Year 1 and Let’s Explore the World in Year 2). Teaching these projects in Years 1 and 2 enables children to be

introduced to, or revisit, critical geographical concepts, aspects, skills and knowledge. These projects prepare

children for the study of more thematic geography projects in the following term.

In the spring term of Year 1, children study the project Bright Lights, Big City. This project introduces children to

the geography of urban environments and the physical and human features of the United Kingdom.

In contrast, in the spring term of Year 2, children carry out a detailed study of coastal geography in the project

Coastline. This project introduces children to the geography of coastal environments and provides children with

the opportunity for in-depth coastal fieldwork.

Lower Key Stage 2

In Lower Key Stage 2, children begin with essential skills and knowledge projects (One Planet, Our World in

Year 3 and Interconnected World in Year 4). Teaching these projects in Years 3 and 4 enables children to further

develop their skills, knowledge and understanding of key geographical aspects and concepts and prepares

them to study more thematic geography projects in the following term.

In the spring term of Year 3, children study the project Rocks, Relics and Rumbles, which explores physical

features and geographical phenomena, including earthquakes and volcanoes.

In contrast, in the spring term of Year 4, children carry out a detailed study of the physical features of

mountains and rivers, which includes opportunities for in-depth fieldwork.

Upper Key Stage 2

In Upper Key Stage 2, children again begin with essential skills and knowledge projects (Investigating Our

World in Year 5 and Our Changing World in Year 6). Teaching these projects in Years 5 and 6 enables children

to develop their skills, knowledge and understanding of key geographical aspects and concepts and prepares

them to study more thematic geography projects in the following term.

In the spring term of Year 5, children study the seasonal project Sow, Grow and Farm, which explores farming,

agriculture and rural land use.

In the spring term of Year 6, children study the polar regions in the project Frozen Kingdoms. The project

includes an in-depth analysis of the characteristics of these regions, including environmental issues.

Throughout the geography scheme, there is complete coverage of all national curriculum programmes of study.

Our curriculum intends to allow a broad, deep understanding of the four areas of geography identified in the curriculum. Develop contextual knowledge of the location of globally significant places and understanding of the processes that give rise to key physical and human geographical features of the world, along with how they bring about variation and change over time. We intend to develop children’s curiosity and a fascination of the world and its people that will remain with them for the rest of their lives. Our learning intends to improve children’s geographical vocabulary, map skills and geographical facts and provide opportunities for consolidation, challenge and variety to ensure interest and progress in the subject. 

Golden Threads  

Spirituality  - Provide a variety of experiences to immerse the children in the wonderful world that God created. 

Diversity -  embrace and celebrate the wonderfully diverse people and cultures both locally and globally.  Understand how we all fit in and all belong.  

Ambition – Expose the children to the opportunities that the world has to offer and how geographical understanding can lead to enriched life opportunities be it through travel or through employment.