Geography
At Shiremoor Primary School, we have used the National Curriculum as the foundation for creating an ambitious and engaging Geography curriculum. It equips children with a deep understanding of the world around them - its places, people, environments and the processes that connect them. Our curriculum enables pupils to think like geographers, using knowledge and skills to explore both local and global contexts with curiosity, empathy and purpose.
The curriculum is carefully planned and sequenced from Early Years to Year 6. In KS1, pupils begin by exploring their immediate environment and basic geographical concepts, progressing to world knowledge such as continents, oceans and contrasting climates. In KS2, this foundation is built upon through in-depth studies of rivers, mountains, biomes, trade and natural disasters, ensuring clear endpoints and progression in disciplinary (how geographers think and work) and substantive knowledge (the facts and content geographers know).
Children are taught to use geographical tools such as maps, atlases and fieldwork techniques and to use appropriate geographical vocabulary. As they progress through school, they revisit and deepen core concepts including place, space, scale, physical and human processes and sustainability.
Geography at Shiremoor is designed to help children make sense of the complex and changing world they live in. Learning is interconnected, so that pupils build a robust schema. For example, Year 3's study of climate zones supports future work on deforestation in Year 5 and climate change in Year 6. Similarly, local studies in KS1 and lower KS2 prepare children to make comparisons between regions and countries later on.
We recognise the vital role Geography plays in personal development and PSHE. Through themes such as Fair Trade, environmental change and natural disasters, children are encouraged to reflect on social justice, global responsibility and the role of individuals in shaping a better future. They learn to ask meaningful questions, consider different perspectives and take responsibility for their impact on the world.
Our geography curriculum helps children to develop not only strong geographical knowledge and skills, but also compassionate global awareness, ensuring they are well-prepared for life in modern Britain and the wider world.