Geography

Geography Subject Leader: Mr Matthew Winter

🌍 Geography at The Arches Community Primary School

At The Arches Community Primary School, we believe that Geography is much more than learning about maps and countries – it’s about understanding our place in the world, making sense of our surroundings, and developing a sense of wonder and responsibility for our planet.

Our Geography curriculum follows the National Curriculum for England and is designed to provide children with the knowledge, skills and values they need to become informed, thoughtful, and curious global citizens.

✨ Our Intent

Our intent is to inspire a lifelong interest in the world and its people. At The Arches, we aim for every child to:

• Gain a deep knowledge of diverse places, people, resources, and natural and human environments.

• Understand the processes that shape our world – both physical and human.

• Build confidence in using geographical vocabulary, maps, fieldwork, and digital tools.

• Develop a strong sense of place – locally, nationally, and globally – and a respect for the environment and cultures different from their own.

We want our pupils to ask thoughtful questions, investigate the world around them, and feel empowered to care for the planet and contribute to a sustainable future.

🛠️ Our Implementation

Geography is taught through a carefully sequenced and progressive curriculum from Early Years to Year 6, ensuring that children revisit and build upon their knowledge and skills over time.

• In Early Years, children begin to explore their immediate environment and talk about the world around them through stories, play and outdoor experiences.

• In Key Stage 1, pupils learn about their local area, the UK and the wider world. They begin to use maps, simple fieldwork, and observational skills to understand places and environments.

• In Key Stage 2, children expand their knowledge to include Europe, North and South America, rivers, mountains, climate zones, trade, and natural disasters. They use maps, compasses, digital mapping tools and fieldwork to deepen their understanding.

Our geography lessons are designed to be:

• Enquiry-led: Encouraging children to ask questions and think critically.

• Hands-on: Incorporating practical activities and local fieldwork to bring learning to life.

• Inclusive: Ensuring all children, regardless of background or ability, access a rich and meaningful geography curriculum.

We also link geography to other subjects where appropriate, such as history, science, and English, to make learning coherent and connected.

🌟 The Impact

By the end of their time at The Arches Community Primary School, our pupils will have:

• A broad and secure knowledge of the world’s geography, including key locations, landscapes, and cultures.

• Developed essential geographical skills such as interpreting data, reading maps, and conducting fieldwork.

• Gained confidence in discussing global and environmental issues and considering their role in the world.

• A deep appreciation for the diversity and complexity of our planet.

Most importantly, children leave us with a sense of curiosity, a love of learning about the world, and the tools to continue exploring geography beyond primary school.

Further information can be found in our Geography Policy below!