Geography

The intent of the geography curriculum at Drake Primary School is to inspire in pupils a curiosity and fascination about the world and its people that will remain with them for the rest of their lives. The curriculum aims to equip students with knowledge about diverse places, people, resources, and natural and human environments, together with a deep understanding of the Earth’s key physical and human processes. By integrating the skills of place knowledge, location knowledge, physical geography, human geography, and fieldwork, the curriculum prepares pupils to become responsible global citizens capable of making informed decisions to protect the future of our planet.

The intent of the geography curriculum at Drake Primary School is to inspire in pupils a curiosity and fascination about the world and its people that will remain with them for the rest of their lives. The curriculum aims to equip students with knowledge about diverse places, people, resources, and natural and human environments, together with a deep understanding of the Earth’s key physical and human processes. By integrating the skills of place knowledge, location knowledge, physical geography, human geography, and fieldwork, the curriculum prepares pupils to become responsible global citizens capable of making informed decisions to protect the future of our planet.

Golden Threads:

1. Place Understanding what makes a place unique.
2. Space Thinking about location, distance, direction, and patterns.
3. Environment The natural and human-made world, and how people use and change it
4. Scale From the classroom and school grounds to the local area, the UK, and the wider world.
5. Human–environment interaction How people depend on, adapt to, and change their environment.
6. Change over time How places and environments change, and why that matters.

Disciplinary Knowledge:

1. Using maps and globes Recognising and drawing simple maps and plans. Using keys, symbols, compass directions (N, S, E, W). Locating countries, continents, and oceans.
2. Fieldwork Observing the school grounds and local area. Collecting simple data (tallies, traffic counts, weather records). Using simple equipment: clipboards, measuring wheels, cameras, compasses.
3. Interpreting geographical information Reading photos, satellite images, charts, simple graphs. Answering questions like “What does this map/photo tell us?” Beginning to spot patterns: “There is more traffic here than there.”
4. Asking and answering geographical questions What is it like? Where is it? Why is it there? How is it changing? What might happen next?
5. Explaining and justifying Giving simple, evidence-based explanations. E.g. “I think this area is busier because it is near the shops,” using tally data or a map to support their view

The geography curriculum at Drake Primary School is strategically planned to ensure a cohesive and comprehensive learning journey from the early years through to the end of primary education. Our implementation centers around interactive and immersive learning experiences, including the use of primary sources, literacy integration, educational trips, guest speakers and visitors, and project-based learning. We align closely with the National Curriculum while tailoring content to inspire and challenge our students, making connections to local geography where possible. The curriculum is designed to build progressively, revisiting key geographical concepts and contexts to deepen understanding as pupils advance through the school.

The EYFS does not teach geography as a separate subject. Geographical learning is embedded within Understanding the World, specifically the strand People, Culture and Communities. Children are encouraged to: 

• Describe their immediate environment using knowledge from observation, discussion, stories, non-fiction texts and maps.
• Explain some similarities and differences between life in this country and life in other countries, drawing on knowledge from stories, non-fiction texts and – when appropriate – maps.

The curriculum is implemented through thematic units designed for progressive learning from Year 1 to Year 6. Each year builds upon the previous ones, reinforcing and deepening pupils' understanding:
Year 1:

1. Our Local Area: Introduction to place and location knowledge through exploration of the school’s vicinity.
2. People and Their Communities: Students learn about different cultures and communities.
3. Animals and Their Habitats: Focus on physical geography by studying varied habitats and the creatures that inhabit them.

Year 2:

1. My City: Study of urban environments, enhancing location knowledge.
2. Journeys – Food: Exploration of global food journeys, linking human geography with practical learning.
3. Our Wonderful World: Broadening awareness of diverse global landscapes.

Year 3:

1. Climate and Weather: Detailed study of atmospheric phenomena, introducing students to data collection.
2. Our World: Expanding location knowledge with world maps and atlases.
3. Coasts: Investigation of coastal environments and human impact on these areas.

Year 4:

1. The Americas: Comparative study of North and South America’s diverse regions.
2. Rivers and the Water Cycle: Understanding physical processes and their implications.
3. Earthquakes and Volcanoes: Exploration of tectonic activity and its effects on the environment and communities.

Year 5:

1. Changes in Our Local Environment: Inquiry into local geographical changes and sustainability.
2. Europe – A Study of the Alpine Region: Examination of Europe's physical and human geography.
3. Journeys – Trade: Analysis of historical and contemporary trade routes and patterns.

Year 6:

1. South America: In-depth study of a continent with a focus on environmental and cultural diversity.
2. Protecting the Environment: Encouraging sustainable practices to preserve our planet.
3. Our World in the Future: Critical thinking about future challenges and innovations in geography.

Drake Primary School is committed to delivering a high quality geography education that not only aligns with the National Curriculum, but is also carefully tailored to the distinct needs, experiences, and interests of our pupils. Through engaging enquiry, fieldwork, and the study of places at different scales – from our local area to the wider world – we foster a deep understanding of geographical concepts, processes, and environments. In doing so, we prepare our children not just academically, but as informed, curious, and responsible members of society, who understand how geography shapes their lives and are prepared to contribute thoughtfully to the world they share with others.