Intent

Our Geography curriculum is designed to ignite curiosity and deepen understanding of the world, both near and far. It is rooted in our school’s curriculum drivers:

• Possibilities: We aim to open children’s eyes to the vast range of geographical careers and global opportunities, helping them see how their learning connects to real-world futures.

• Community: Pupils develop a strong sense of place and pride in Chopwell and the North East, understanding how their local environment fits into regional, national, and global contexts.

• Culture: Through the study of diverse places and people, children gain insight into different ways of life, fostering respect, empathy, and aspiration beyond their immediate experience.

• Enquiry: Geography encourages children to ask questions, investigate issues such as climate change and sustainability, and think critically about the world around them. We also aim to nurture confident communicators and collaborative learners through structured oracy development and the use of Kagan cooperative learning structures.

Implementation 

Geography is taught through a progressive, knowledge-rich curriculum that builds on prior learning and connects to real-life experiences. Key features include:

• Progressive Curriculum Design: From EYFS to Year 6, pupils move from local to global geography, building a layered understanding of physical and human processes.

• Fieldwork and Local Studies: Children explore their immediate environment through walks, surveys, and mapping, developing practical geographical skills and a sense of place.

• Kagan Collaborative Structures: Pupils engage in structured group work that promotes active participation, peer learning, and deeper understanding.

• Oracy Development: Pupils are encouraged to articulate their thinking, debate geographical issues, and present findings, building confidence and fluency in geographical language, so they learn to “talk like a geographer” from an early age.

• Cross-Curricular Links: Geography is enriched through links with history, science, and literacy, making learning meaningful and connected.

• Use of Technology: Digital mapping tools, virtual field trips, and multimedia resources enhance engagement and understanding.

• Enquiry-Based Learning: Pupils explore big questions and real-world challenges, developing skills in research, analysis, and critical thinking.

Impact

By the end of their primary education at Chopwell, pupils will:

• Have a secure understanding of key geographical concepts, vocabulary, and skills.

• Be able to describe and compare different places and environments with curiosity and respect.

• Demonstrate pride in their local area and understand their role in caring for it.

• Ask thoughtful questions and use evidence to explore and explain geographical issues.

• Communicate confidently using geographical language in discussions and presentations.

• Be inspired to explore the world further, with a sense of possibility, purpose, and global citizenship