Geography

Geography at Churcham

Learning, respecting and growing together as a whole school family

“What happens there?”

Our Vision for Geography at Churcham

Geography at Churcham Primary School helps pupils make sense of the world around them. Through a rich, engaging and locally‑rooted curriculum, pupils explore their immediate environment, compare it with contrasting places around the world, and develop curiosity about people, places and processes.

We aim to inspire fascination about the world that will remain with pupils for life. Geography encourages children to ask questions, investigate, think critically and understand how physical and human processes shape the planet.

INTENT

Our Geography curriculum provides high‑quality learning experiences that make full use of the local area and wider global contexts. Pupils develop a secure understanding of their locality and how it compares to other places around the world.

We aim for pupils to:

  • Understand diverse places, people, resources and environments

  • Develop curiosity and fascination about the world and its people

  • Build knowledge of physical and human processes

  • Use geographical vocabulary confidently and accurately

  • Compare local, national and global locations

  • Think critically about how environments change and why

  • Engage in meaningful fieldwork and hands‑on exploration

Topics are informed by the National Curriculum and taught on a two‑year rolling programme in KS1 and a four‑year rolling programme in KS2, ensuring breadth, progression and depth.

We create a learning environment where every pupil feels heard, respected and supported to succeed.

IMPLEMENTATION

Geography at Churcham is designed to be fun, engaging and rooted in enquiry. Teachers ensure that key knowledge and skills for each year group are covered through well‑planned topics.

Curriculum Structure

By the end of Year 6, pupils will:

  • Know the seven continents

  • Understand different landscapes and climates

  • Recognise how climate affects human life

  • Identify significant human and physical features

  • Describe their local area confidently

  • Use geographical vocabulary accurately

We use Grammarsaurus as our Geography scheme, providing clear units of work that ensure full National Curriculum coverage and a balance of written and practical activities.

Teaching Approaches

A wide variety of teaching methods are used, including:

  • Written tasks

  • Practical fieldwork

  • Hands‑on activities

  • Map work and atlases

  • Visual resources and PowerPoints

  • Discussion and questioning

  • Opportunities to explore real‑world examples

Teachers ensure a balance of written, practical and verbal learning to strengthen speaking and listening skills.

Teaching & Learning You Will See Across School

  • Quality first teaching adapted for all learners

  • Active, engaged pupils in a curiosity‑driven environment

  • High‑quality questioning to deepen understanding

  • Opportunities to apply knowledge practically

  • Recapping of previous learning and vocabulary

  • Clear learning objectives shared and revisited

  • Activities that may span multiple lessons to allow deeper exploration

  • Plenaries that consolidate new concepts and vocabulary

SEND & Disadvantaged Support

Our Geography curriculum is fully adaptable to ensure all pupils can access learning. Support includes:

  • Opportunities to revisit and consolidate learning

  • Premade and adapted written resources

  • Readily available materials

  • Visual inputs such as PowerPoints

  • Scaffolded tasks

  • A mix of written, practical and verbal activities

Non‑Negotiables

  • Correct geographical terminology used consistently

  • Front covers showing learning and concepts for each unit

  • Accessible, organised resources

  • Updated working walls and displays

  • Lesson focus and outcomes shared and referred to throughout

IMPACT

The impact of our Geography curriculum is monitored through book looks, observations, pupil voice and our assessment platform.

By the end of their time at Churcham, pupils will:

  • Have a breadth of geographical knowledge

  • Use geographical vocabulary confidently

  • Show curiosity and enthusiasm for learning about the world

  • Speak openly and proudly about what they have learned

  • Demonstrate secure understanding of a wide range of concepts

  • Apply their knowledge to real‑world contexts

Pupils leave Churcham with a positive attitude towards Geography and a strong foundation for further study.

Why Geography Matters at Churcham

Geography helps pupils:

  • Understand their place in the world

  • Explore diverse cultures and environments

  • Develop critical thinking and enquiry skills

  • Make sense of physical and human processes

  • Build curiosity and fascination

  • Engage with real‑world issues such as climate, sustainability and change

Our curriculum ensures every child becomes a thoughtful, inquisitive and informed geographer.