Geography
We believe that every child deserves the opportunity to explore and engage with the world around them, and geography plays a central role in facilitating this connection.
Our geography curriculum is carefully designed to provide meaningful, inclusive, and accessible learning experiences. Whether pupils are learning about local landmarks, exploring different types of weather, or developing an understanding of world cultures, geography supports the development of place awareness, identity, and global understanding.
A wide range of multi-sensory resources are utilised to ensure learning is accessible to all pupils. These include tactile maps, interactive displays, sensory materials, visual aids, and assistive technology. For example, some learners may explore the texture of sand when learning about deserts, while others engage with videos of different environments or use symbols to communicate their learning.
Our Geography curriculum also supports key developmental areas, including:
- Communication and language skills – through discussion, description, and naming places and features.
- Cognitive development – through matching, sorting, and recognising patterns in the environment.
- Social and emotional understanding – through exploration of communities and cultures, fostering empathy and inclusion.
- Life skills – including orientation, navigation, and understanding the local environment, promoting independence.
Most importantly, geography cultivates curiosity, wonder, and a sense of connection. It encourages pupils to ask questions, explore the world, and develop an appreciation for the environment and the people within it.
Blue Pathway
Geography is delivered within the ‘My World’ area of the curriculum framework, using multi-sensory and experiential learning. Pupils are encouraged to explore and develop knowledge of their immediate environment and wider world, including practical activities such as planting trees or flowers. Learning is linked to inspiring topics and familiar texts to enhance engagement.
Green Pathway
Geography is delivered primarily through cross-curricular activities within the ‘My World’ area of the curriculum. Learning is integrated across the timetable, with opportunities for outdoor exploration and educational visits. Where appropriate, discrete geography lessons are delivered to meet individual learning needs.
Purple Pathway
Geography is taught within the ‘My World’ framework, using contextual and meaningful approaches. Lessons draw on familiar texts and relevant topics to inspire and challenge learners. Activities range from exploring the school grounds to examining wider geographical issues, such as climate change. Teaching is adapted to meet the individual needs of learners and classes.
Yellow Pathway
Geography is delivered through discrete lessons. Pupils engage in topic-based work complemented by fieldwork opportunities, including map reading, route planning, orienteering, and exploration of the local environment. Lessons are sequenced to ensure pupils acquire the knowledge and skills outlined in the National Curriculum, with adaptations for individual learning needs. Pupils develop:
- Contextual knowledge of globally significant places
- Understanding of the processes that shape physical and human geographical features
- Awareness of variation and change over time
- Geographical vocabulary, map skills, and observational skills
- Curiosity and fascination with the world and its people
Impact
The impact of the geography curriculum is evident in a range of developmental and educational outcomes. Learners may demonstrate:
- Increased exploratory skills, interaction, engagement, and curiosity
- Expanded vocabulary and acquisition of specific knowledge and skills
- Ability to communicate and discuss places they have visited
Whatever their starting point, the curriculum enables learners to interact more positively and meaningfully with people, environments, and places in the world around them.