Geography Curriculum Statement

Geography at Healey

At Healey Junior, Infant and Nursery School, we strive to develop worldwide citizens, global explorers and environmentally responsible individuals. Through our Geography curriculum and the work of our Green Team, learners develop an understanding of the world around them and their role within it.

Geography enables learners to make sense of the past, present and future through exploring places, people, environments and the interactions between them. It encourages learners to question, investigate, make connections and develop a deeper understanding of the diverse world in which they live.

Through high-quality geographical learning, learners develop respect for different cultures, communities and environments while fostering an appreciation of diversity, inclusion and sustainability. Geography also develops valuable enquiry, investigation and problem-solving skills that can be applied across the curriculum and throughout life.

By engaging in fieldwork, discussion, research and practical experiences, learners develop independence, resilience and curiosity. They become confident in using a range of geographical tools and technologies to explore and interpret the world around them. Through both indoor and outdoor learning environments, learners are encouraged to become active participants in their learning and develop a lifelong interest in geography and environmental stewardship.

Intent

At Healey, our Geography curriculum is designed to develop learners' knowledge and understanding of people, places and environments at a local, national and global level. We aim to inspire curiosity about the world and equip learners with the skills and knowledge needed to understand both natural and human processes that shape our planet.

Through the study of Geography, learners gain an appreciation of different cultures, communities and ways of life. They develop an understanding of their own place within the wider world and become aware of the responsibilities they hold as global citizens.

Our curriculum aims to ensure that all learners:

• Develop a secure understanding of the world's diverse places, people, resources and environments.
• Build knowledge of significant locations and geographical features at local, national and global scales.
• Understand the interaction between physical and human geography and how these processes influence change over time.
• Develop a curiosity and fascination about the world and its people that will remain with them throughout their lives.
• Acquire and apply a rich geographical vocabulary.
• Develop enquiry, investigation, interpretation and critical thinking skills.
• Use fieldwork and first-hand experiences to deepen their understanding of geographical concepts.
• Recognise the importance of sustainability and understand how human actions can impact the environment.
• Develop respect for cultural diversity and an appreciation of different communities around the world.
• Become confident geographers who are well prepared for the next stage of their education.

Through our ambitious and carefully sequenced curriculum, learners will know more, remember more and be able to do more as they progress through school.

Implementation

Geography is taught through a carefully planned and progressive curriculum that is aligned with the National Curriculum. Learning is sequenced to ensure that knowledge and skills build over time, allowing learners to revisit and deepen their understanding of key geographical concepts.

Geography is delivered through engaging topic-based learning and is planned to ensure clear progression across year groups. Topics alternate with History, while meaningful links between subjects are made where appropriate to strengthen understanding and support knowledge retention.

Teachers identify the key substantive knowledge, disciplinary knowledge and vocabulary that learners need to acquire within each unit of work. Learning opportunities are carefully designed to enable learners to:

• Develop locational and place knowledge.
• Understand physical and human geographical processes.
• Build geographical enquiry and investigation skills.
• Collect, analyse and interpret data.
• Use maps, atlases, globes and digital technologies effectively.
• Communicate geographical understanding using appropriate subject-specific vocabulary.

Fieldwork is a central element of our Geography curriculum. Learners are provided with regular opportunities to explore the school grounds and local area, allowing them to investigate geographical concepts through first-hand experiences. These practical experiences support learners in developing observational, analytical and problem-solving skills.

Technology is used to enrich learning and provide access to a wide range of geographical information and perspectives. Learners utilise digital mapping tools, aerial imagery, geographical information systems (GIS) and other online resources to investigate places and environments beyond their immediate locality.

Environmental responsibility is embedded throughout the curriculum. Through initiatives such as our Green Team, learners are encouraged to consider sustainability, climate change and environmental conservation, helping them understand how they can make a positive contribution to the future of the planet.

Teachers use ongoing assessment, retrieval practice and questioning to monitor understanding, address misconceptions and ensure that learners retain and apply their geographical knowledge over time.

Impact

The impact of our Geography curriculum is evident in learners' growing knowledge, confidence and enthusiasm for understanding the world around them.

As learners progress through Healey, they develop a secure understanding of their local area and its place within the wider world. They build increasingly sophisticated knowledge of physical and human geography and develop the ability to explain how geographical processes influence landscapes, environments and communities.

By the end of Key Stage 2, learners will:

• Demonstrate secure geographical knowledge and understanding.
• Use geographical vocabulary accurately and confidently.
• Apply geographical skills, including fieldwork, map reading and data interpretation.
• Understand the interconnected nature of people, places and environments.
• Show an awareness of environmental challenges and the importance of sustainable development.
• Demonstrate curiosity, respect and appreciation for different cultures and communities.
• Be equipped with the knowledge and skills required for further study in geography and related subjects.

Our curriculum ensures that learners know more, remember more and can apply their learning effectively. Through progressive teaching, meaningful fieldwork experiences and opportunities for enquiry, learners become confident and informed geographers who are prepared for the next stage of their education and life in an increasingly interconnected world.

The effectiveness of the Geography curriculum is monitored through lesson visits, work scrutiny, learner voice, assessment analysis and curriculum reviews. These processes support continuous improvement and ensure all learners receive a high-quality geographical education.

Geography in the Early Years Foundation Stage

In the Early Years Foundation Stage, geographical learning is primarily developed through the area of learning known as Understanding the World. Learners begin to explore people, communities, environments and the wider world through play, discussion, investigation and first-hand experiences.

From an early age, learners are encouraged to develop an understanding of different cultures, traditions, beliefs and ways of life. They explore similarities and differences between themselves, their families and others, helping them to develop respect, empathy and an appreciation of diversity.

Our learning environments are enriched with images, stories, artefacts and experiences from a range of cultures and places. These opportunities encourage learners to develop curiosity about the world and ask questions about the environments in which people live.

Through indoor and outdoor learning, learners investigate natural environments, seasonal change, weather and the living world. They are encouraged to observe, explore and discuss the features of their surroundings, developing early geographical knowledge and enquiry skills.

Environmental awareness begins in the Early Years through activities such as recycling, caring for living things and learning how to look after the world around them. These experiences help learners develop a sense of responsibility and provide strong foundations for future geographical learning.

By the end of the Early Years Foundation Stage, learners have begun to develop the curiosity, understanding and awareness needed to become thoughtful, informed and responsible global citizens.

The Lead Teacher for Geography is Miss Waza.