Geography
“You can travel the seas, poles and deserts and see nothing. To really understand the world, you need to get under the skin of the people and places. In other words, learn about geography. I can’t imagine a subject more relevant in schools. We’d all be lost without it.” —Michael Palin
What are we aiming for?
At Forsbrook Church of England Primary School, our Geography curriculum is designed to inspire curiosity, global awareness, and a sense of place. We want our children to develop a deep understanding of the world—its people, environments, and the complex interactions between them.
Guided by the belief that geography helps us “get under the skin of people and places,” we aim to nurture children who:
- Are curious about the world and its diverse cultures, landscapes, and communities.
- Understand their place in the world and the impact they can have on it.
- Show tolerance, empathy, and respect for cultural and environmental differences.
- Are committed to sustainable development and understand the concept of global citizenship.
- Can confidently describe and explain human and physical geographical features, including natural disasters and climate change.
- Use a wide range of geographical skills, including map reading, fieldwork, and data interpretation.
How do we achieve this?
Our Geography curriculum is carefully sequenced to build both knowledge and skills progressively across year groups. Key concepts are revisited regularly to deepen understanding and support long-term retention.
We use a 3D curriculum model, making meaningful vertical, horizontal, and diagonal links across subjects and year groups. This approach encourages children to make connections, retrieve prior learning, and apply their knowledge in new contexts.
Each year group explores three overarching geographical themes, delivered through a sequence of lessons that include:
- Storytelling and rich discussion.
- High-quality resources such as photographs, videos, and maps.
- Opportunities for critical thinking and enquiry-based learning.
- Learning is further enriched through:
- Fieldwork and outdoor learning, including day visits and residential trips.
- Special events and visitors that bring geography to life.
- A strong emphasis on real-world relevance, helping children understand current global issues and their role in shaping the future.
What difference is this making to our pupils?
Our Geography curriculum helps children develop a real love of learning about the world and the people in it. They become curious explorers who enjoy discovering new places, cultures, and environments. Pupils learn to think about how their actions affect the planet and others, encouraging kindness and responsibility. Through hands-on activities like map work and field trips, children gain practical skills and confidence to understand and discuss important issues such as climate change and sustainability. This prepares them to be thoughtful, informed citizens who care about making a positive difference in the world.