Geography Curriculum

Geography

Intent

At Westhead Lathom St James’ CE Primary School, our Geography curriculum is designed to ignite a sense of curiosity and wonder in our students as they explore the world around them. We aim to foster a deep understanding of diverse cultures, geographical features, and environmental issues, enabling children to appreciate the complexity of the world and their role within it. By focusing on the themes of people, places, patterns, and processes, our curriculum equips students with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes essential for becoming informed global citizens. We align our curriculum with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework and the National Curriculum, ensuring a comprehensive educational experience that promotes critical thinking and environmental stewardship.

Implementation

The Geography curriculum at Westhead Lathom St James’ CE Primary School is implemented through a dynamic combination of teacher-led instruction, hands-on activities, and engaging resources such as maps, globes, and digital media. We employ a two-year rolling programme that accommodates mixed-age classes, ensuring that all students have access to a rich variety of topics and learning experiences. Each unit is thoughtfully structured around geographical concepts, allowing children to revisit and build upon their knowledge as they progress through key stages. To enhance learning, we incorporate fieldwork opportunities, school trips, and the use of technology, such as Digimaps, which support practical applications of geographical skills and understanding.

Impact

The impact of our Geography curriculum is evident in the students' growing understanding of the world and their capacity to engage with complex geographical issues. Through ongoing assessment methods, including formative and summative evaluations, teachers monitor student progress in developing key skills such as map reading, data interpretation, and critical questioning. We prioritise student voice and feedback, ensuring that their experiences inform continuous improvement in our curriculum. By fostering a sense of curiosity and responsibility towards the environment, we empower our students to become active, informed citizens who appreciate the diversity of people and places, laying the groundwork for lifelong learning and stewardship of the Earth.

Understanding the World in the EYFS

In the Early Years Foundation Stage, Geography is taught through the Understanding the World area of learning. The children learn about people and places including within their own communities. They explore maps and globes and create their own models and sketch maps. They go on visits out of school to experience different forms of transport, journeys and places including parks, libraries and museums.

Key Stage 1 Geography

Blackpool Zoo Trip

Key Stage 2 Geography

London Trip

Geography Club

Fieldwork