Intent

At Leechpool, our geography curriculum is designed to inspire curiosity, deepen knowledge of the world, and equip children with the skills to investigate, compare, and care for the places around them. Through carefully sequenced units, we aim to develop children’s sense of place and space — from their local area in Horsham to diverse global environments.

Our intent is for children to:

• Build a clear understanding of physical and human geography, including patterns, processes, and changes over time.

• Use geographical vocabulary confidently and apply key enquiry skills to real-world contexts.

• Develop a strong sense of environmental responsibility and cultural awareness.

• See themselves as geographers, using maps, data, and fieldwork to ask and answer questions about the world

Vocabulary is included explicitly in our knowledge and skills progression document. Within this you will see all vocabulary taught to enable children to express themselves and use the correct terminology.  

Implementation

Geography is taught through a progressive, interleaved curriculum from EYFS to Year 6. Learning builds systematically on previous knowledge and skills, guided by our Geography Skills Progression and Long-Term Plan.

Key features of our implementation include:

• Knowledge-rich and skills-driven units: Each year group follows a carefully planned sequence that includes local, national, and global geography.

• Practical enquiry: Children engage with fieldwork, mapwork, and data analysis. They explore physical features, investigate human geography, and test out ideas through purposeful tasks.

• Explicit vocabulary instruction: Subject-specific language is introduced, modelled, and embedded across lessons.

• Diverse resources: We use digital mapping tools, atlases, aerial photographs, videos, and first-hand fieldwork to deepen understanding.

• SEND adaptations: Planning reflects NASEN-aligned adaptations, including visual aids, scaffolds, and structured vocabulary support to ensure accessibility for all learners.

• Assessment for learning: Teachers assess against clear objectives using our INSIGHT tracker and formative strategies, including recall quizzes and pupil voice.

Our subject lead provides regular CPD, exemplars, and coaching to ensure consistency across the school. Geography is promoted through corridor displays, knowledge organisers, and initiatives such as ‘Geography Champions.’

Medium term planning can be shared on request for any year group. Please contact the school office if you wish to do so.

Impact

Children at Leechpool develop a secure knowledge of the world around them and the ability to communicate their understanding with clarity and enthusiasm. They leave us as confident, thoughtful geographers who:

• Use geographical terms accurately and appropriately.

• Ask questions, make comparisons, and draw conclusions using maps, data, and evidence.

• Retain and recall key knowledge due to regular opportunities for retrieval and review.

• Make connections between geography and their own lives, demonstrating a growing awareness of environmental and global issues.

We monitor the impact of our curriculum through regular book looks, learning walks, pupil voice discussions, and data tracking. The geography curriculum is a strength of our wider humanities offer, preparing children well for Key Stage 3 and beyond.