SUCCESS FOR ALL

“You can travel the seas, poles and deserts and see nothing. To really understand the world you need to get under the skin of the people and the places. In other words, learn about geography. I can’t imagine a subject more relevant in schools. We’d all be lost without it.”

 

Michael Palin

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​Curriculum Overview

The Geography curriculum develops pupils’ understanding of the world, their place within it, and the complex relationships between people and environments. Through the study of physical and human geography, pupils explore key global issues such as climate change, development, sustainability and inequality. The curriculum is ambitious, inclusive and carefully sequenced to build knowledge, enquiry skills and geographical thinking from Key Stage 3 through to GCSE.

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Curriculum Intent

The intent of the Geography curriculum is to ensure that pupils:

· Develop a secure understanding of physical and human geographical processes.

· Understand how places, environments and societies are interconnected at local, national and global scales.

· Explore key concepts such as sustainability, stewardship, vulnerability and equality.

· Develop strong enquiry and fieldwork skills, including data collection, analysis and evaluation.

· Interpret and analyse a range of geographical information, including maps, data and case studies.

· Become informed, responsible global citizens who can engage with contemporary geographical challenges.

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The curriculum prepares pupils for success at GCSE Geography and supports the development of critical thinking and decision-making skills applicable beyond the classroom.

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Curriculum Design and Sequencing

The Geography curriculum is carefully sequenced to build knowledge and understanding progressively, revisiting key concepts and deepening understanding over time.

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Key Stage 3 Progression

· In Year 7, pupils are introduced to geography as a discipline, exploring what the world’s ecosystems are and considering humanity’s place within the global community. Pupils develop foundational map skills and an understanding of environmental systems.

· In Year 8, pupils deepen their understanding of weather, climate and ecosystems, examining how vulnerable societies are to weather-related hazards and climate change.

· In Year 9, pupils explore development and urbanisation, asking questions such as what development is, whether development can be damaging, and how urban growth creates challenges and opportunities.

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Key Stage 4 Progression

· In Year 10, pupils study core GCSE themes including landscapes and physical processes, tectonic landscapes and hazards, rivers and flooding, coastal management and weather and climate.

· Pupils examine economic development, resource issues and the strength of the UK economy, alongside rural–urban links and planning.

· In Year 11, pupils refine their understanding of social development issues, vulnerability to hazards such as earthquakes and volcanoes, and complete a fieldwork enquiry.

· The curriculum culminates in GCSE examination preparation, ensuring pupils are confident in applying geographical knowledge, skills and case study understanding.

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This sequencing ensures pupils progress from foundational geographical understanding to confident analysis and evaluation of complex global issues.

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Curriculum Implementation

The Geography curriculum is implemented through:

· Enquiry-based learning, encouraging pupils to ask questions and investigate geographical issues.

· Explicit teaching of key geographical knowledge and vocabulary.

· Regular use of case studies at different scales.

· Development of map, data and fieldwork skills.

· Ongoing formative assessment to address misconceptions and deepen understanding.

· Summative assessment aligned with GCSE Geography requirements, including fieldwork and examination preparation.

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Teaching approaches promote curiosity, critical thinking and engagement with real-world issues.

Curriculum Impact

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The impact of the Geography curriculum is demonstrated through:

· Pupils developing secure geographical knowledge and enquiry skills.

· Increased understanding of global challenges, including climate change, development and inequality.

· Pupils’ ability to analyse data, evaluate evidence and make reasoned judgements.

· Strong outcomes in GCSE Geography.

· Pupils leaving as informed global citizens with an understanding of their role in a changing world.

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Accessibility and Inclusion

The Geography curriculum is designed to be inclusive and accessible:

· Concepts are broken down into clear, manageable steps.

· Visual resources, maps and data support understanding.

· Fieldwork and enquiry tasks are scaffolded appropriately.

· Opportunities for challenge and extension support higher-attaining pupils.

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Through this inclusive approach, all pupils are supported to succeed and develop a meaningful understanding of Geography.

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Curriculum Map