Geography

Geography at Sherburn C of E Primary Academy

“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.” — Psalm 24:1

“No one will protect what they don’t care about; and no one will care about what they have never experienced.” — Sir David Attenborough

Intent – Why do we teach Geography?

Geography is about understanding the world we live in. It is a subject more relevant than ever that helps children make sense of their surroundings and the ever-evolving environment in which we live.

At Sherburn Church of England Primary Academy, we encourage children to look up with hope and develop a strong knowledge of the world; beginning with their local area and gradually widening their horizons to places and cultures further afield. By building a secure understanding of their immediate environment first, pupils develop a clear sense of place and belonging, which supports their confidence as learners and global citizens.

Our geography curriculum nurtures curiosity about the wider world, inspiring children to ask questions, explore connections, and understand how places are shaped and interconnected. Through this, pupils develop the knowledge and skills to shine bright as they make sense of an ever-changing world. In short, Geography matters.

Implementation – What do we teach?

At Sherburn, our geography curriculum is designed to ensure that all pupils, regardless of background, ability, or additional needs, are supported to succeed and become the very best version of themselves.

• Rotational Learning: Geography is taught every other half term, on rotation with History. This allows children to fully immerse themselves in each subject, developing secure knowledge and subject-specific skills without dilution.

• Sequenced Progression: We teach the National Curriculum through a carefully planned and sequenced progression of knowledge and skills. Learning builds systematically from year to year, enabling children to aim high by deepening their understanding and strengthening their geographical thinking over time.

• Vocabulary & Concepts: Key vocabulary and concepts are revisited and developed to ensure knowledge is retained and embedded.

• Enrichment: Each unit is enriched with engaging learning experiences. Pupils develop essential geographical skills, including map reading, fieldwork, data interpretation, and geographical enquiry, alongside an understanding of both physical and human processes.

Impact – What will this look like?

The impact of our geography curriculum is reflected in the knowledge pupils retain, the skills they confidently apply, and the curiosity they demonstrate about God’s world. Children are able to speak confidently about their learning, use geographical vocabulary accurately, and make meaningful connections between places, processes, and environments.

Pupils develop a strong appreciation of their local area through strengthened links within the locality. By engaging with their immediate environment, children recognize the significance of where they live within a wider global context.

We evaluate effectiveness through:

• Book Looks: To monitor progression, coverage, and quality of work.

• Pupil Voice: To understand children’s experiences and depth of understanding.

• ‘Memory Lane’ & ‘What’s Next?’: To set objectives into a wider learning context at the start of each lesson.

• Formative Assessment: Regular feedback and mini-quizzes to address misconceptions and strengthen prior learning.

Through these approaches, we ensure that our children know more, remember more, and step out into the world with the confidence to protect and care for it.