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Geography

Geography at Manuden Primary School

A small school with big ideas… Growing hearts, Growing minds, Growing dreams!

"Geography underpins a lifelong 'conversation' about the earth as the home of humankind"

Geography Association

Our Intent

At Manuden Primary School, we believe that geography helps pupils make sense of the world around them. Our geography curriculum is designed to inspire curiosity about places, people and the environment, while developing a deeper understanding of the Earth and how it is changing.

Geography supports our school vision of growing hearts, growing minds and growing dreams by encouraging pupils to explore their local area and the wider world, developing respect for different cultures and an awareness of global issues.

Through engaging and enquiry-based learning, pupils develop the knowledge and skills needed to understand physical and human processes, as well as their role in shaping the world.

Our Implementation

Planning and Curriculum Structure

At Manuden Primary School, geography is taught using the Grammarsaurus curriculum, ensuring clear progression of knowledge and skills across the school.

The curriculum is carefully sequenced to develop pupils’ understanding of:

  • Locational knowledge – understanding where places are and how they relate to each other
  • Place knowledge – exploring the characteristics of different locations
  • Human and physical geography – understanding natural processes and human impact
  • Geographical skills and fieldwork – using maps, data and enquiry to investigate the world

Lessons build on prior learning so that pupils develop a secure and connected understanding of geographical concepts over time.

Fieldwork and Enquiry

A key element of geography at Manuden is developing pupils’ enquiry skills. Pupils are encouraged to:

  • Ask questions about the world around them
  • Collect and analyse data
  • Use maps, atlases and digital tools
  • Observe and record features in the local environment
  • Draw conclusions based on evidence

Fieldwork opportunities, both within the school grounds and the local area, help bring geography to life and deepen pupils’ understanding.

Vocabulary and Knowledge

Geographical vocabulary is explicitly taught and revisited throughout each unit. Pupils develop the language needed to describe physical features, human processes and environmental issues accurately.

Knowledge organisers and retrieval activities support long-term retention and help pupils make connections across topics.

Assessment

Assessment in geography is ongoing and supports pupils’ understanding and progression.

Teachers assess learning through:

  • Questioning and discussion
  • Written and practical outcomes
  • Map work and fieldwork tasks
  • Retrieval activities to check knowledge

This ensures that pupils build secure knowledge and skills over time.

Geography in the Early Years (EYFS)

In the Early Years, geography is introduced through the Understanding the World area of learning. Children begin to explore their immediate environment and develop awareness of the wider world.

Pupils are encouraged to:

  • Talk about their home, school and local area
  • Explore maps and simple directions
  • Observe changes in the environment, such as weather and seasons
  • Learn about different places and cultures through stories and discussions

These early experiences help children develop curiosity and an understanding of the world around them.

Geography in the Wider Curriculum

Geography is closely linked with other subjects, helping pupils make meaningful connections across their learning.

Examples include:

  • History – understanding how places have changed over time
  • Science – exploring weather, climate and environmental processes
  • Computing – using digital maps and data to support investigations
  • English – developing descriptive writing and research skills
  • PSHE – exploring global citizenship and environmental responsibility

This cross-curricular approach helps pupils see the relevance of geography in everyday life.

Enrichment and Engagement

At Manuden Primary School, we aim to make geography engaging and relevant through real-life experiences. Opportunities may include:

  • Local fieldwork and environmental studies
  • Exploring maps and atlases
  • Learning about different countries and cultures
  • Discussing current environmental and global issues

These experiences help pupils develop curiosity and a deeper understanding of the world.

The Impact of Our Geography Curriculum

By the time pupils leave Manuden Primary School, they will:

  • Have a secure understanding of key geographical concepts
  • Be able to use maps, atlases and digital tools confidently
  • Understand the relationship between human and physical processes
  • Be aware of environmental issues and their impact on the world
  • Demonstrate curiosity and respect for different places and cultures

Pupils leave Manuden as curious, informed and responsible global citizens, with the knowledge and skills to understand and engage with the world around them.