Geography at Orion Scotts Park

Geography at Orion Scotts Park Primary School

Intent, Implementation, and Impact

Intent

The intent of our geography curriculum is to inspire pupils' curiosity and fascination about the world and its people, developing their knowledge of diverse places, environments, and natural phenomena. Through the Kapow scheme of work and a rich variety of geographical resources, engaging fieldwork opportunities, and meaningful connections to our local area and the wider world, we aim to empower pupils to become confident, knowledgeable geographers who can think critically about the world around them.

Our curriculum is designed to:

Develop children's locational and place knowledge, enabling them to understand where places are, what they are like, and how they are connected, building a coherent understanding of the world from local to global scales.
Cultivate curious enquirers who can ask perceptive geographical questions, investigate patterns and processes, collect and analyse data, and draw well-informed conclusions about the world around them.
Encourage pupils to work as geographers, using maps, atlases, globes, digital mapping tools, and fieldwork techniques to explore physical and human geography and understand geographical phenomena.
Promote environmental awareness and responsibility through understanding the relationship between people and their environment, the impact of human actions on the planet, and the importance of sustainable development.
Build knowledge of both locational knowledge (where places are) and geographical concepts (understanding processes, patterns, and interconnections), developing skills of geographical enquiry, interpretation, and communication.

We believe that geography is not only a subject but a gateway to understanding our planet and our responsibility to protect it for future generations. Our curriculum ensures that all children, regardless of background, have access to rich geographical knowledge that develops their cultural capital, global awareness, and prepares them for future learning and active global citizenship.

Implementation

To realize our curriculum intent, geography is delivered through the Kapow Primary scheme of work, which provides a carefully sequenced and inclusive programme that builds knowledge, skills, and confidence over time. Our approach ensures that all pupils - regardless of background or starting point are supported and challenged to achieve their full potential.

Key implementation strategies include:

Structured progression: Geography is taught in focused blocks throughout the year, with each unit building systematically on prior learning. The Kapow scheme ensures comprehensive National Curriculum coverage whilst providing clear progression of knowledge and skills from EYFS through to Year 6, covering both physical and human geography.
Enquiry-based learning: Lessons are structured around geographical enquiries that encourage pupils to work as geographers, investigating questions using a range of resources including maps, photographs, data, fieldwork observations, and digital tools such as Google Earth and GIS technology.
Knowledge development: Each unit combines locational knowledge (where places are and what they are called) with place knowledge (what places are like) and geographical understanding (how and why places are changing). Knowledge organizers are shared at the start of each unit to outline key vocabulary, facts, and concepts, supporting pupils and families in understanding learning expectations.
Fieldwork and practical experiences: Regular fieldwork opportunities, both in our local area and beyond, enable pupils to observe, measure, record, and present geographical features and processes. Children develop practical skills in map reading, data collection, and geographical investigation, applying classroom learning to real-world contexts.
Mapping skills: Progressive development of mapping skills runs throughout the curriculum, with pupils learning to use and create maps, plans, and atlases. Children develop competence in using four and six-figure grid references, understanding scale, using symbols and keys, and interpreting different types of maps and geographical representations.
Varied teaching approaches: High-quality Kapow lesson plans and resources provide engaging presentations, varied activities, and differentiated materials to support different learning styles and needs. Learning is enhanced through the use of diverse resources including aerial photographs, satellite images, videos, case studies, and visits from geography specialists.
Retrieval and assessment: Regular low-stakes quizzes and retrieval practice support pupils in retaining geographical knowledge in their long-term memory. Teachers use formative assessment throughout lessons to address misconceptions, whilst end-of-unit assessments inform future planning and identify pupils requiring additional support or challenge.
Inclusive practice: Scaffolded support and extension activities ensure all pupils, including those with SEND, can access learning at an appropriate level and participate meaningfully in developing their geographical knowledge and skills, including during fieldwork activities.

Impact

The impact of our geography curriculum is evident in our pupils' fascination with the world, their secure geographical knowledge, and their ability to think and work as young geographers. By the end of their time at Orion Academy, Scotts Park Primary School, children leave with a comprehensive understanding of geography and the skills to continue exploring and understanding our planet.

The impact of our curriculum can be seen through:

Secure geographical knowledge: Pupils demonstrate strong locational knowledge of the world, including countries, continents, oceans, major cities, and physical features. They understand physical processes such as the water cycle, earthquakes, mountains, and climate zones, alongside human processes including settlements, land use, economic activity, and the distribution of resources. Children can explain connections between places and understand how places change over time.
Geographical skills: Children confidently use maps, atlases, globes, and digital mapping tools to locate places and describe features. They can use compass directions, grid references, keys, and symbols accurately. Pupils competently collect, present, and analyse geographical data through fieldwork, using appropriate techniques including sketching, photography, measurement, and recording observations.
Confident communication: Pupils use geographical vocabulary accurately and confidently in their discussions and writing. They can articulate their understanding of complex geographical concepts such as climate, biomes, trade, sustainability, natural disasters, and the impact of human activity on environments.
Enquiry and critical thinking: Children ask perceptive geographical questions and can plan and conduct their own enquiries. They evaluate evidence, recognize patterns, make comparisons between places, and draw well-reasoned conclusions. Pupils understand that geographical issues are complex and can consider multiple perspectives.
Environmental awareness: Pupils demonstrate understanding of environmental challenges facing our world, including climate change, deforestation, pollution, and resource management. They can articulate the importance of sustainability and show awareness of their own responsibility as global citizens to protect the planet.
Progress and achievement: Ongoing formative assessment, end-of-unit evaluations, fieldwork observations, pupil voice activities, and work scrutiny demonstrate that the vast majority of pupils make good or better progress in geography. Evidence shows increasing depth of knowledge and sophistication of geographical thinking as children move through the school, with work showcasing their growing ability to recall, apply, and synthesize geographical knowledge.
Preparedness for the future: Our geography curriculum successfully equips pupils with the foundational knowledge, skills, and passion for geography needed for Key Stage 3 and beyond, ensuring they are well-prepared for future learning and can engage thoughtfully with local, national, and global issues as informed and responsible citizens.