“Everything has to do with geography.” – Judy Martz
At Gwladys Street Primary School, our Geography curriculum encourages children to explore, understand, and respect the world around them. Through the study of different places, people, environments, and cultures, pupils develop a sense of curiosity and responsibility as global citizens.
Geography links closely to British Values by promoting mutual respect and tolerance for people from different backgrounds, cultures, and beliefs. Children learn about communities across the UK and the wider world, helping them to appreciate diversity and understand the importance of protecting our environment for future generations.
Intent
We aim to inspire pupils to think critically about global issues such as sustainability, climate change, and fair use of resources, while encouraging teamwork, responsibility, and respect for others’ views.
Through our Geography curriculum, we aim to:
- Inspire pupils to become curious, explorative thinkers with a broad knowledge of the world and its people.
- Foster a passion for Geography through local studies, fieldwork, learning visits and enrichment opportunities linked to safe messages and British Values.
- Develop pupils’ confidence to question, investigate, observe, record and present geographical information using a range of methods and technologies.
- Build an understanding of how Geography shapes lives and environments at local, national and global scales over time.
- Develop children’s understanding of the relationship between human and physical geography, including sustainability and environmental responsibility.
- Build progressively on prior knowledge, vocabulary and skills throughout Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2.
- Encourage children to become active, responsible citizens who can contribute positively to the world around them.
Implementation
Through focused teaching and carefully planned learning opportunities, we ensure our geographers develop:
- A broad and progressive geographical vocabulary that supports confident discussion and understanding.
- The ability to compare and contrast human and physical features in the UK and around the world.
- Knowledge of key geographical processes such as climate, biomes, natural disasters and the water cycle.
- An understanding of how humans use land, resources and environments for economic and social purposes.
- An appreciation of how humans impact the environment and how environments influence human activity.
- Secure map-reading and fieldwork skills using maps, atlases, globes, aerial photographs and digital mapping.
- An understanding of location and positioning, including latitude, longitude, hemispheres and time zones.
- Confidence in conducting geographical enquiries through investigation, data collection, analysis and presentation.
- Curiosity about current environmental and societal issues and an understanding of global interdependence.
The Geography long-term plan demonstrates clear progression in knowledge and skills across the school.
Impact
Our aim is for children to develop a deep curiosity, appreciation and respect for the world around them. Pupils gain an understanding of the connection between human and physical geography and recognise how these shape environments and communities locally and globally.
Children will:
- Develop a secure understanding of their local area and its place within the wider world.
- Understand key geographical processes and environmental issues over time.
- Use geographical vocabulary, enquiry and fieldwork skills confidently.
- Reflect on how humans impact the environment and consider ways to protect and sustain it.
- Become informed, responsible and environmentally aware global citizens prepared for future learning.
Planning and teaching are reviewed termly by the subject leader through learning walks, book monitoring and pupil voice activities. Assessment is informed by National Curriculum objectives and supports future planning and progression.
EYFS
In the Early Years, geographical themes are explored through the ‘Understanding the World’ strand of the EYFS curriculum. This involves guiding children to develop a sense of place and community through hands-on experiences, observation, and discussion.
Pupil Voice
Geography In Action
Year 2 Fieldwork Earth Day 2026
A Geographer at Gwladys Street Primary School can…
