Intent

At Belsay Primary School, our Geography curriculum inspires curiosity and deepens understanding of the world - locally, nationally and globally. Rooted in the National Curriculum and the Geography Association’s principles, it equips pupils with knowledge of places, environments and processes, while fostering responsibility, enquiry and global awareness.

We place local geography at the heart of our provision, using Northumberland’s landscapes, settlements and heritage to develop a strong sense of place. Through progressive, mixed-age planning, pupils explore the connections between human and physical geography and build a growing understanding of how the world works and their role within it.

Our curriculum promotes key concepts such as place, space, scale, interdependence, physical and human processes, and sustainability, enabling pupils to think like geographers and see themselves as connected global citizens.

Implementation

Geography is taught through a two-year rolling programme tailored to our mixed-age classes. Learning progresses from familiar places to global contexts and is structured around five key strands: locational knowledge, place knowledge, human geography, physical geography and fieldwork skills.

Each unit begins with a key question and retrieval of prior knowledge, building pupils’ understanding through high-quality resources, vocabulary and practical enquiry. Fieldwork is integral, with children using maps, digital tools and direct observation to explore Belsay, the wider North East and beyond.

Cross-curricular opportunities - such as “Made in the North East Week”- enhance learning by linking geography to real life. Ongoing assessment tracks knowledge, skills and conceptual understanding over time.

Impact

Pupils leave Belsay with a secure understanding of key geographical knowledge and skills. They can:

• Use maps, data and vocabulary to explain human and physical features.
   

• Ask and answer thoughtful geographical questions.
   

• Understand how people and environments are connected across the world.
   

• Show care for the planet and awareness of their impact.

All pupils, including those with SEND and disadvantaged backgrounds, are prepared for the next stage of learning and to engage with the world as informed, responsible citizens.