The Implementation of our Geography Curriculum

In Early Years, Geography is taught via the Early Learning Goals linked to the Specific Area ‘Understanding the World’. The majority of learning in this area occurs through adult intervention when the children are in continuous provision. However, during their time in Early Years the children will listen to stories set in different locations, engage in a unit titled ‘All About Me’ and participate in topic led work about the world they live in.

By the end of Early Years therefore, the children should be able to:

• Describe their immediate environment using knowledge from observation, discussion, stories, non-fiction texts and maps.
• Know some similarities and differences between different religious and cultural communities in this country, drawing on their experiences and what has been read in class.
• Explain some similarities and differences between life in this country and life in other countries, drawing on knowledge from stories, non-fiction texts and – when appropriate – maps.

In Years 1 – 6, Geography is taught in a 6-8-week block of lessons, which on average last about an hour each. This timing however is flexible depending on the content being covered and the skills being developed.

Each Unit of Work has been carefully written using the guidance of the Geographical Association and the Lancashire Scheme of Work.

To ensure the full coverage of the National Curriculum and progression in skills a Geography progression of skills document has been created. It is organised into five main themes:

• Mapping
• Fieldwork
• Enquiry and Investigation
• Communication and
• Use of ICT/Technology

The Progression in Geography Knowledge document shows how the children will progress in their learning as they move up the school and into Year 6.

This is to ensure that:

• The children remember the long-term content.
• The children understand that they are systematically learning.
• The children can integrate new knowledge into larger concepts.

At the start of each unit, the children are given a Knowledge Organiser which has information about the unit they are learning and a list of key vocabulary and definitions.

The Impact of our Geography Curriculum

​Children will have developed the geographical knowledge and skills to help them explore, navigate and understand the world around them and their place in it. Children’s knowledge and skills will develop progressively as they move through the school, not only to enable them to meet the requirements of the National Curriculum but that they:

• are inspired by the Geography Curriculum and want to learn more.
• show the progression in their skills as well as their knowledge, especially in map reading, compass work and locating places on a map.
• can discuss their learning and remember what they have learnt.
• can talk about their first-hand experiences of visiting different places and locations.
• take responsibility for looking after their environment. (Have a look at our Laudato Si’ Group page).

Take a look at the Gallery below to see what our children have been getting up to…

Knowledge Organisers

At The Willows we use Knowledge Organisers to help our children, and staff, ensure the key objectives are covered.

Useful Documents