Intent

At Staunton Primary School, our Geography curriculum is designed to meet all statutory requirements of the National Curriculum while reflecting the school’s strong ECO values. We aim to provide a broad, coherent and well‑sequenced curriculum that builds pupils’ geographical knowledge and skills progressively over time.

Through the Kapow Primary Geography scheme, our intention is to inspire children to become curious, explorative and critical thinkers with a strong understanding of the world around them. Pupils are encouraged to observe, question and investigate places, measure and record geographical data in a range of ways, and analyse and present their findings confidently.

A key focus of our curriculum is developing pupils’ understanding of how human and physical geography shapes lives, environments and communities at different scales and over time. Alongside this, our commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainable living underpins learning, helping pupils develop respect for the planet and an awareness of their role in protecting it.

Our curriculum is ambitious and inclusive, designed to be accessible to all pupils, including those with SEND. High expectations, careful curriculum design and adaptive teaching ensure that every child can engage with and succeed in Geography. Ultimately, we aim to nurture informed, thoughtful and proactive global citizens who are equipped to contribute positively to the future of their world.

Implementation

Geography is taught using the Kapow Primary Geography scheme, which follows a two‑year rolling programme to ensure full coverage of National Curriculum requirements. Geography is taught for one hour per week, alternating with History on a half‑termly basis, allowing sufficient time for pupils to develop depth of understanding.

The curriculum follows a structured, spiral approach, enabling pupils to revisit and build upon prior learning while deepening both substantive and disciplinary knowledge. Weekly flashback questions help facilitate this. Each year group focuses on developing specific geographical skills, which progress coherently across the school and are applied through carefully selected topics.

Pupils develop:

• Substantive knowledge, including:
  • Human and physical features of the world
  • Key locations, places and environments
  • Understanding of natural processes
• Disciplinary knowledge, including:
  • Mapwork, observation, field sketching and use of geographical data
  • Opportunities for meaningful fieldwork to apply learning in real contexts

Teaching is adapted to meet the needs of all learners. Lessons are differentiated, with strategies such as pre‑teaching, scaffolded activities and additional adult support used where appropriate. Teachers also tailor learning opportunities to reflect the school’s ECO ethos wherever possible.

Assessment is ongoing and purposeful. Teachers use regular formative assessment to identify gaps in knowledge and misconceptions, adapting teaching to ensure progress. Subject leaders provide ongoing CPD and monitor teaching, learning and progression to ensure consistent, high‑quality delivery across all year groups.

Impact

The impact of our Geography curriculum is evident in pupils who:

• Retain and confidently recall key geographical knowledge
• Demonstrate well‑developed geographical skills and vocabulary
• Show curiosity and engagement in learning about the world
• Understand the relationships between people, places and environments
• Display an increasing sense of responsibility towards the planet

Impact is measured through pupil outcomes, assessment information, the quality of work produced, and pupils’ ability to apply and articulate their learning over time. As pupils progress through the school, they leave Staunton Primary with a secure foundation in Geography and the skills needed to succeed in their next stage of education.

Further information about Geography topics taught each half‑term can be found on the school website and is shared with parents through half‑termly topic webs.