Intent

At Larwood School, our geography curriculum is ambitious and inclusive, ensuring every pupil develops the knowledge, skills and cultural understanding needed for life and future learning.

Our curriculum follows the National Curriculum (2014) and provides a broad and balanced programme of study. Learning is carefully adapted to support all pupils in developing their geographical knowledge, skills and understanding.

We aim to inspire curiosity about the world and help pupils understand both the physical and human aspects of geography. Through the study of places, people and environments, pupils develop an appreciation of how the world works and how different communities live.

Learning builds progressively each year, enabling pupils to deepen their understanding of the world, its people and the environments they live in. Pupils develop key geographical skills such as map reading, fieldwork, enquiry and the use of geographical vocabulary.

Implementation

Geography is taught through a progressive curriculum that builds on prior knowledge while introducing new concepts in a clear and structured way. Teaching focuses on developing both geographical knowledge and practical skills in line with the National Curriculum.

The curriculum leader supports the delivery of geography by reviewing planning, monitoring pupils’ work and holding discussions with pupils about their learning. This helps ensure consistency, strong subject knowledge and engaging lessons across the school.

Lessons are designed to be challenging and accessible for all pupils. Activities are adapted to support pupils with additional needs while also providing opportunities for challenge and deeper thinking.

Learning takes place both inside and outside the classroom. Fieldwork opportunities allow pupils to investigate their local environment and apply their geographical skills in real contexts. Topics often begin with a ‘Stunning Start’ to engage pupils and end with a ‘Fantastic Finish’ to celebrate and showcase learning.

Impact

Our geography curriculum supports pupils in developing a strong understanding of the world and their place within it. Pupils build knowledge progressively and develop the skills needed to think and work like geographers.

Impact is measured through:

• Assessment of pupils’ understanding of key geographical vocabulary
• Discussions with pupils about their learning
• Review of pupils’ written work and practical activities
• Monitoring of progression across year groups

By the time pupils leave Larwood School, they will:

• Understand key features of the United Kingdom and the wider world
• Recognise and explain physical and human geographical features
• Use maps, atlases and digital mapping tools
• Compare different places and environments
• Develop an awareness of important global issues, including sustainability and climate change

This provides pupils with a strong foundation for secondary school geography and a greater understanding of the world around them.