Intent

At Larwood School, our geography curriculum is ambitious and inclusive, giving every child the knowledge and cultural understanding they need for life and future learning.

Our topics follow the National Curriculum (2014) and are broad, balanced, and carefully adapted to help children develop geographical knowledge, skills, and concepts.

We aim to inspire a lasting curiosity about the planet and equip children to understand both the human and physical aspects of life on Earth. Each year’s learning builds on previous knowledge, linking topics to deepen understanding of our world, its people, and its environment.

Implementation

To maintain high standards in geography, we deliver a progressive curriculum that revisits prior knowledge and introduces new concepts systematically. All teaching focuses on the National Curriculum’s knowledge and skills.

The curriculum leader regularly reviews planning, pupil discussions, and work samples to check teachers’ subject knowledge. They provide support and resources to ensure consistency and engagement across the school.

Lessons are designed to be challenging yet accessible for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and those who are gifted and talented. Activities are differentiated to provide appropriate support and stretch, ensuring every child can succeed.

Learning takes place both inside and outside the classroom. Each class organises fieldwork linked to their topics to spark curiosity and deepen understanding. Teachers also plan hands-on activities away from desks. Every topic begins with a ‘Stunning Start’ to engage pupils and ends with a ‘Fantastic Finish’ to showcase learning.

Impact

Our geography curriculum is high quality, well-structured, and demonstrates clear progression. Impact is measured through:

• Assessing pupils’ understanding of key vocabulary through pupil conferencing

• Reviewing practical learning through images and videos

• Moderating work in books during staff meetings

• Marking written work and evaluating outcomes

• Annual reporting of standards across the geography curriculum

By the time pupils leave Larwood, they will have a strong understanding of the geography of the United Kingdom, continents, and countries of the world. They will confidently talk about physical and human geography, compare localities, use maps (digital and paper), and understand sustainability issues, including the climate crisis. This provides a solid foundation for secondary learning and a deeper awareness of the world and its people.