Geography at Checkendon Primary School

Intent: why we teach geography

Our vision to unlock the unique voice within each child, fostering a lifelong aspiration of learning excellence, lies at the heart of the Checkendon Church of England (A) Primary School geography curriculum. Through exploration, investigation, and curiosity about God’s world, we inspire pupils to appreciate the beauty, complexity, and interdependence of our planet and the people who inhabit it.

Rooted in our values of respect, integrity, compassion, courage, and hope, our geography curriculum develops pupils’ understanding of place, space, and environment, helping them become responsible stewards of God’s creation and active global citizens.

Our geography curriculum is designed to:

• Develop locational and place knowledge, geographical skills, and understanding of human and physical processes.
• Encourage curiosity about the world and an awareness of how people and environments are interconnected.
• Foster respect and responsibility for local, national, and global environments, promoting sustainable attitudes.
• Ensure all pupils, including those with SEND and disadvantaged backgrounds, achieve success in line with their peers.
• Reflect our Christian values:
  o Respect for diverse cultures, landscapes, and ways of life.
  o Integrity in enquiry, analysis, and the responsible use of information.
  o Compassion for communities affected by environmental and social challenges.
  o Courage to ask questions, challenge injustice, and take action to protect the planet.
  o Hope in understanding that positive change is possible through knowledge, care, and cooperation.

Implementation: how we teach geography

• We follow a carefully sequenced and progressive curriculum that builds geographical knowledge and fieldwork skills year by year.
• Children study both the physical and human aspects of geography through engaging enquiries that develop understanding of the world around them.
• Learning begins with children’s local environment before expanding to the wider UK, Europe, and the world, ensuring a strong sense of place and global awareness.
• Practical experiences, such as fieldwork, mapwork, and outdoor learning, are central to our teaching, fostering curiosity and observation.
• Teachers use a wide range of maps, atlases, digital resources, and first-hand investigation to promote enquiry and independence.
• Assessment is carried out through Sonar Small Steps, tracking pupils’ knowledge and skills across the curriculum and identifying next steps.

Impact: outcomes and evidence
Academic impact

• Pupils develop a secure understanding of geographical concepts, vocabulary, and enquiry methods.
• They can describe and explain how physical and human processes shape places, environments, and lives.

Personal development and Christian character

• Pupils grow in awe and appreciation of God’s creation, demonstrating respect and compassion for people and the planet.
• Through exploring environmental and ethical issues, pupils develop integrity, courage, and hope to make a difference in their world.

Cultural and social impact

• Geography nurtures curiosity, empathy, and global awareness, fostering respect for diversity and interdependence.
• Pupils understand their role as caretakers of the environment, taking part in school and community eco-initiatives.
• By the time they leave Checkendon, pupils are confident, responsible, and informed geographers, equipped to explore, protect, and cherish God’s world.

Evaluation and continuous improvement

• Progress and attainment are reviewed termly through Sonar Small Steps, work scrutiny, and pupil voice to inform planning and development.
• Governors and subject leaders monitor impact to ensure alignment with the school’s Christian vision and Ofsted priorities: curriculum quality, sustainability, inclusion, and engagement.