At Downham C of E Primary School, our Geography curriculum is designed to give children a deep and broad understanding of the world around them—both locally and globally. Through engaging, imaginative, and challenging lessons, children develop their knowledge of human and physical processes while learning essential geographical skills.

Locational Knowledge

Children develop a secure understanding of where they are in the world. They learn about their local area, its links to significant places nearby and nationally, and how current events and news fit within a global context. This foundational knowledge helps children understand the features of our planet and how different places connect.

Place Knowledge

Pupils explore what different places are like, including their climate, landscapes, and environments. They are encouraged to describe what it would be like to live in these locations, gaining empathy and awareness of diverse ways of life.

Human and Physical Geography

Children investigate the characteristics of urban and rural areas, the industries that thrive there, and transport networks. They study how landforms such as rivers, mountains, and volcanoes are formed and how these physical features shape human activity. Lessons also explore changes over time and encourage pupils to think about sustainable practices for the future.

Geographical Skills and Fieldwork

Practical fieldwork is central to learning. Pupils collect live data outdoors, use a variety of maps, scales, atlases, and digital tools such as Digimap, and interpret aerial photographs. This approach develops both their geographical knowledge and digital literacy. Fieldwork and hands-on tasks allow children to apply their learning in real-world contexts.

Curriculum Approach

Our curriculum is carefully sequenced, with units building on prior learning. Lessons progress in small steps, helping children consolidate skills, develop subject knowledge, and apply learning to new situations. In Key Stage 2, pupils are encouraged to master their learning by tackling increasingly complex challenges.

We promote our 5 C’s—Courage, Critical Thinking, Creativity, Collaboration, and Challenge—throughout the curriculum, encouraging pupils to “soar to new heights” as inquisitive, independent learners.

Learning Opportunities

Geography lessons at Downham C of E Primary School may include:

• Hands-on, computer-based, and collaborative tasks

• Learning about our local area and the wider world

• Applying geographical skills through fieldwork

• Measuring and recording data using various methods

• Using maps, globes, and aerial photographs

• Comparing local and global environments

• Exploring physical geography and its impact on human activity

• Developing knowledge of continents, key countries, and capital cities

• Locating the Northern and Southern Hemispheres

• Using our wildlife garden to inspire investigation and curiosity

Through this curriculum, children develop a love for learning about the world, gain an appreciation of different environments, and acquire the skills to think critically and act responsibly within their communities and beyond.