Geography

Geography 

At Isleham we aim to explore the world and our place within it 

At our school, Geography inspires curiosity and fascination about the world, its people, and the environment. Our curriculum is carefully designed to build knowledge and skills progressively, helping children to understand both local and global contexts. 

How our Geography curriculum meets statutory guidance:

Our scheme of work fulfils the requirements of the National Curriculum for Geography. It ensures pupils develop locational knowledge, place knowledge, human and physical geography understanding, and geographical skills and fieldwork experience. 

How our scheme aligns with the National Curriculum: 

The curriculum is structured around key strands: 

  • Locational knowledge – learning where places are and why they matter. 

  • Place knowledge – comparing and contrasting regions of the UK, Europe, and the wider world. 

  • Human and physical geography – exploring rivers, mountains, climate, settlements, land use, and environmental change. 

  • Geographical skills and fieldwork – using maps, atlases, globes, digital mapping, and first-hand investigations. 

Organisation of learning 

Our Geography curriculum is taught as a spiral, meaning pupils revisit key concepts regularly, each time with greater depth. Prior knowledge is built upon so that children make secure connections and develop expertise over time. 

In Geography we emphasise: 

  • Core knowledge (places, features, processes) 

  • Enquiry skills (asking questions, analysing evidence, drawing conclusions) 

  • Fieldwork practice (collecting and presenting data) 

Developing “Geography detective skills” 

Children are encouraged to think like geographers: spotting patterns, making predictions, and using evidence to explain their ideas. These skills help them become independent learners who can apply their knowledge to new contexts. 

Oracy in Geography 

Discussion is central to our approach. Pupils are encouraged to articulate their ideas, debate geographical issues, and present findings clearly. This builds confidence and communication skills alongside subject knowledge. 

Assessment 

  • Formative assessment: Retrieval activities and questioning at the start of lessons check prior knowledge and readiness to progress. 

  • Summative assessment: End-of-unit quizzes and project work provide evidence of understanding and progression. 

Long-term plan 

Each year group studies a range of engaging topics, for example: 

  • Year 3: Local area studies, rivers, and map skills. 

  • Year 4: Settlements, weather and climate, and Europe. 

  • Year 5: Mountains, biomes, and trade. 

  • Year 6: Global issues, natural disasters, and South America. 

Skills for life 

Geography equips children with transferable skills such as enquiry, critical thinking, and problem-solving. It helps them to understand the challenges facing our planet and their role as responsible global citizens.